Places of interest and things to do in Chepo:
(for locations look at the map)
Alto del Higo hike | Bird Watching | El Salto Waterfall | Petroglyphs: Las Caras Pintadas | MiAmbiente:Tres Puntas | Rio Mariato |
The "Grupo Ambientalista de Turismo" (Environmental Tourist Group) leads guided tours to the Alto del Higo, Caras Pintadas, and the "El Salto" waterfall. Prices range from $30 to $50 per person. Please call (507) 6976-6993 or (507) 6410-7260 to make a reservation.
Alto del Higo hike
This hike leads to the highest point in the province of Herrera. As seen at the top of the page, the view from the tower at the top shows the Pacific Ocean and the Islands of Cebaco, Gobernadora, the Three Sisters and Leones. You can even see Santa Catalina in the distance. (More pictures).
Bird Watching
Chepo is an excellent place for watching tropical birds. You will find them in the valley and in the mountains of the Montoso Forest Preserve. A recent study found over 150 species of birds in the area.
El Salto Waterfall
The small community of El Salto is home to a 20 m waterfall. The community can be reached by a 4 x 4 pickup truck. The waterfall is just a short walk from there. You can also take public transport to the town of El Corotú and walk for a half hour to get there.
Petroglyphs: Las Caras Pintadas
These boulders were decorated by the pre-Columbian tribes which inhabited the area. They smeared the boulders with a type of mud on which they made their drawings. The mud hardened and the drawings still survive more than 500 years later. (More pictures).
MiAmbiente: Tres Puntas
The MiAmbiente office in the nearby community of Tres Puntas has the responsibility for overseeing the Montoso Forest Preserve. There are a number of hiking paths there. You can see a waterfall which is very close to the source of the Rio La Villa, which provides the city of Chitré with water. There are orchid displays there, and also a small museum illustrating how the people of the area lived a hundred years ago. (More pictures).
Rio Mariato
Want to cool off on a hot day? The swimming hole at the Rio Mariato is a short walk from the center of town. It's quite deep (15 ft) and jumping off the rocks into the water is a popular pastime. (More pictures)
Finca La Amistad
Near to Chepo you can visit the "Finca La Amistad", where you will find a beautiful, tranquil, evironmentally-friendly place. The owner, Aristides Villareal, will be glad to show you around his property. You can call him at (507) 6830-1580. (More pictures)
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