Las Tres Cascadas — Attraction in Los Naranjos

My wife and I, ages 66 and 62, completed the Lost Waterfalls hike yesterday, May 17, 2023. We started our hike at noon and completed the hike at 3 pm. We took a 30 min break at the second falls which was our favorite. We are pretty fit and exercise regularly. That said, this was a very strenuous hike, and much more difficult than we anticipated. Good hiking shoes are highly recommended and a walking stick is invaluable to maintain balance on the steep, uneven trail. The trail is very well maintained and it apparent that much effort has been invested in making the hike as safe as feasible given the remote and difficult terrain. The entry fee of $10 each is well worth it. We have hiked many popular trails around the world with much higher fees and far less well maintained. Hike at your own risk. An emergency rescue extraction would be very difficult. Take plenty of water and some trail food. We would rate the hike as difficult, made even more difficult by the elevation. However, if you take your time, step carefully and make use of the well placed handrails, ropes, and steps, a reasonably fit person should be able to complete the hike. Know your limits! If you are not able to walk at a steep uphill grade, or downhill grade, for several hours, do not attempt this hike. Just walking from the road to the entry gate, approximately 1/4 mile is uphill and strenuous. If you are pushing your limits at that point, stop, and do not continue. To conserve energy, and time, consider going to the second waterfall first. Then you can circle back to the first if desired. The 3rd fall is the hardest to get to. You don't want to miss the 2nd fall (out favorite). As we left yesterday, we had the pleasure of meeting Wendy, the owner and proprietor of the property. Hearing the history of her 20 years of commitment to the beautiful property and her efforts to make these waterfalls more accessible confirmed that the paltry entry fee is well spent. Keep in mind that you may not have cell phone service during the hike (we didn't) so calling for assistance may not be an option. Enjoy your experience...

Don't get this trail confused with the "Pipeline Trail". This one has 3 waterfalls, the other trail only has one.

Directions: From the main park in Boquete keep walking north to a mini super called "S/C Bruña", there you´ll see a bunch of mini buses. The one I took said "Alto Quiel Bajo Mono". $1.75-$2 one way. About 30 mnts. Tell the driver to which trail you're going.. but there's really no way to miss your stop.

Entrance fee: $7.00. Before starting the actual trail there's a little cabin with a guy that collects the fee. On my way back, the guy was nowhere to be seen, even after I took my time taking a shower and changing clothes. So maybe you'll get lucky and won't have to pay the entrance fee.

Actual thoughts: I found the way up to the entrance of the trail harder than the trail itself haha it is a bit steep, so once you get that down, the rest will be easy. Up to the 2nd waterfall (which in my opinion is the most beautiful one of the 3) it was just ok. Not hard nor slippery. Then after it, the fun starts. It gets more muddy and challenging.. and overall more pretty. It is worth it. I enjoyed this hike more than the...

Embarking on our first hike at The Lost Waterfalls in Panama was both a challenging and rewarding experience. Despite the sore muscles the next day, we had absolutely no regrets. The trail, which took us about three hours to complete at a leisurely pace, offered plenty of scenic spots to rest and soak in the majestic views.

For a modest $10 admission fee, the natural beauty that awaited us was worth every penny. There are three stunning waterfalls along the route, each surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, making for a truly immersive nature experience.

However, this hike is not for the faint of heart. There are several tough sections where ropes tied to trees and rocks are essential for stability. Wearing the right shoes is crucial, and be prepared to get a bit muddy. We were fortunate to have perfect weather, but it's important to note that the trail could become near impossible with even moderate rain.

In summary, The Lost Waterfalls hike is a must for those who appreciate nature’s beauty and are up for a bit of a challenge. Just be sure to come prepared and enjoy every moment of this...