Cocle is the favorite province of most visitors as it offers a beautiful miscellany of nature with its long shoreline, lush green landscapes, towering hills, and exotic wildlife. Penonome is the capital of the province and is a rich cultural town.
While the southern part of the province is famous for its attractive beaches, the middle part is the valley, which is the most beautiful retreat in Panama. To the western side of Cocle are the vast pastures of agricultural land, mammoth mountains, and numerous rivers. This geography allows you to go on beautiful breathtaking hikes among the rainforests and waterfalls. The primary occupation of this region is agriculture, focused on the production of rice, beans, sugarcane, and maize.
If you want to buy the famous Panama hat, Penonome is the best place!
Cigarros Joyas de Panama
A local factory in La Pintada that rolls some of the best Cuban cigars in the world has turned into a favorite spot for visitors. You can take a tour around the factory to watch the assembly process of making a cigar, which begins with the separation of leaf from stem. Around four hundred cigars are rolled per day and are exported mainly to the U.S., Spain, and France. You can also buy a pack of freshly prepared cigars of your choice.
Mercado de Artesanías La Pintada
If you are looking to buy the famous Panama hat, make sure to look into this market on the way to Penonome. It is a small market with just a few stalls, but it offers a wide range of handicrafts and products that are unique to Panama. All of these products are skillfully handmade and very colorful.
Basilica Mayor San Juan Bautista
An old Catholic church that dates back to the sixteenth century is an important part of Penonome’s history. The original church was built by the Spaniards and has been renovated multiple times since then. Once you are in the central plaza of Penonome, it is impossible to not see this charming piece of architecture. The colorful stained-glass work seen here is a particular favorite of visitors.
Museo de Penonome
This beautiful museum displays its collection in an aesthetic blue and white colonial structure. This is actually a group of four Spanish villas that were donated to the museum. The museum displays proof from the sixteenth century that the ecological climate and environment is almost unchanged to date. It also houses an impressive collection of Pre -Colombian artifacts, like pottery, furniture, and art.
El Chorro las Yayas
A natural treasure, this beautiful waterfall is situated in Barrigon, El Pintada. It is actually a set of three waterfalls surrounded by dense tropical forest. The jump from the top is around 25 meters high. A fascinating feature you can observe here is the color of the river; a part of the river seems reddish because of the minerals dissolved from the trees, and another part where the red disappears and the river becomes white. You can also take a walk in the rainforest to observe local species of wildlife, such as weasels, iguanas, squirrels, and birds. Make sure to ask the locals around about the interesting legend of the three jets that are associated with three women.
Orange Fair
An annual agricultural fair takes place in Churuquita Chiquita in the Cocle province. All the stalls are in the form of ranchos, which are small, cute hut-like structures that display a variety of products. Try the fruits from here as they are very fresh and taste authentic. Apart from being a peasant’s fair, it also displays various cultural elements. The fair has a queen who is escorted and introduced. The Cucua Devils, the original devil’s dance, is performed here, including other folk dances.
Cerro Picacho
The hike up the Cerro Picacho is simply breathtaking. It is situated in the Ola district. The hike is quite short, but the view from the top is out of this world. This experience is just unbelievable and will keep you mesmerized for a very long time. You will feel like you are looking down on the Earth from heaven. Never-ending landscapes of green peaks kissed by thin white clouds make up this brilliant view. Do not miss watching the sunrise from here as the golden glow illuminates your body!
Ola Waterfalls
The Ola waterfalls are arguably one of the best in Panama. It is comprised of a pair of waterfalls and small cascades. You will first reach the cascades and watering holes for exploring. After that, the trail will lead you to the small waterfall’s viewpoint from above. Continue along the trail to reach the main waterfall. You can either walk along the stream or climb the boulders to reach the top. The main waterfall is like an angry, violent torrent of water lashing at the rocks without mercy. Truly, a sight to behold!
Balneario Camping El Barrigan
This beautiful campsite is located by the Zarati River just outside Penonome. You can visit this place for a day or stay the night. You will find yourself in close contact with nature amidst the splashing of the river and canopy of the trees.
Carnaval
The Carnaval is a four-day celebration that starts on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. The four days are filled with bright, colorful costumes, parades, dances, music, and drinking. It reflects the rich culture and tradition of Panama and is unlike anything you have ever witnessed.
Stay And Food
Penonome has developed into a tourist hub only in recent times. As a result, only a few stays are available in the city. These are the closest and best options you will find.
- Dimashq Hotel
- Hotel Dos Continentes
- Hotel Cocle
You will have a lot of eateries and cuisines to choose from in and around Penonome. Some of the places to try out are listed below.
Yukas Grill
This place is voted by most locals and visitors as the best in the area. The grilled chicken and beef skewers are a must-try! In addition to this, you can also find a lot of vegetarian dishes and fresh fruit juices here.
Panaderia El Paisa
If you have a sweet tooth, then you definitely must visit this bakery! Apart from yummy cakes and breads, you can also get good pizza here.
Restaurante Gallo Pinto
The best place to try out Panamanian dishes. You can also try the national dish of Costa Rica here – rice with chicken and beans.
Nearby Attractions
- El Valle:Located in the heart of the Cocle Province, it is the main attraction in this area. The beautiful highland boasts scenic views, unforgettable hikes, and exotic wildlife.
- Nata:Situated 11 km away, Nata is the oldest colonial town of Panama. You can visit the renowned church or simply admire the architecture and layout of the historic town.
- Aguadulce: A beautiful beachside town, it has one of the cleanest beaches in Panama. You can watch different species of shore birds and the local salt production.
What’s Nearby?
