Santa Fe provides its visitor with the extraordinary beauty of the highlands. This pristine mountain town located 53 km north of Santiago lies in the shadow of the continental divide. Santa Fe offers both delightful weather and stunning nature. As it is situated at an altitude of 500m, its temperature is cooler than the lowlands. And still, after four hundred centuries, the forests flanking Santa Fe are as intact as they were when the Spanish found the town in 1557. Since then, Santa Fe is famous among nature lovers. It is especially also well known in Panama for its wonderful display of orchids.
Two major festivals are lavishly celebrated in Santa Fe, providing a great opportunity for visitors.
Exposicion de Orquideas
As mentioned above, Santa Fe is well known for its splendid orchid collection. During August, these blooms are best celebrated. Collectors from all over Panama come together to display their orchids during Feria de Santa Fe. For more info on this orchid exposition, contact the ATP tourist office for the exact dates.
Feria de Agricultura
This is yet another great event organized at Feria de Santa Fe. This mirthful agricultural fair is enriched with activities like traditional dancing, horse races, and rodeo competition. Furthermore, there is a series of food stands, and on occasion, boxing matches are arranged. This event celebrates the wonders of agriculture and invites visitors to blend in with the rich traditions of the locals.
Read on for more info on some of Santa Fe’s tourist spots.
The Highlands
Cerro Tute - Experience The Splendid Scenery Of The Mountains
If you are a birdwatcher and want to experience nature even more closely, then turn your car to the south of the town, drive 5 kilometers and stop there. At Cerro Tute, you can see the area’s famed birds and treat yourself to an elaborate view of the amazing valley. There is also an extensive trail network that winds through the primary and secondary rainforest, plenty of opportunity for hiking. You may even see some waterfalls.
Witness The Adventures Of National Park
Parque Nacional Santa Fe
Situated at the town’s doorstep is Santa Fe National Park. Extending from the northern edge of Santa Fe to Cordillera Central, the mountainous park covers 726 square km of unblemished wilderness. It also includes the rugged area of Alto de Piedra. It is advisable to ask an area guide to assist you across this mountainous adventure. The park offers a thousand miles of hiking trails along with white water rafting on the Rio Chama or the Rio Grande from May to September. The hiking trails feature the wonderful sights of waterfalls, the Bermejo Falls being the most famous one. It’s beyond relaxing to swim in its large pristine pool after the hard work invested in finishing the trail.
Along with its trails, this park is also known as the home of variegated bird species such as crested owls, tanagers, doves, parrots, hummingbirds, macaws and so on, continuing the never-ending list filled with wonderful rare bird species. Along with rare birds, you may even sight a jaguar. For some, risk is part of the makeup of their adventure lust.
Go On The Hike To The Endearing Waterfalls
Alto De Piedra
Towards the northwest of the town is the home of three waterfalls, Alto de Piedra. Its hike is one of the easiest and most accessible adventures in Santa Fe, but it’s still pretty wild and a guide is encouraged.
El Salto
This magnificent eight-hour expedition lies three hours southeast of Santa Fe. This trip can be accessed along a 4WD road, but unfortunately, it is open only during dry seasons. So, to witness this picturesque waterfall, you have to plan the trip accordingly.
Cascada De Bermejo
A five-hour hike filled with river views will take you to Cascada De Bermejo. You can get there by following the road past William’s Inner Tube Rentals and taking the first left after riding on Bulaba Bridge, where the road continues steeply uphill. The trail is marked with yellow signs that will lead you to the waterfall. The tall waterfall features a swimming hole in the dry season. Remember to take a guide in the rainy season.
Enjoy The Delightful Float In The River
Rio Bulaba
Eventually merging into the Rio Santa Maria, Rio Bulaba provides you with a perfect location to take a dip or several. You can rent inner tubes and life jackets from the locals. It’s only a twenty-minute walk from the town in the northeast direction.
Santa Fe offers it all – birdwatching, hiking, mountain scenery, rivers, and waterfalls. What more could a tourist ask for?
What’s Nearby?
