El Tigrero Waterfall Tour: 3 Falls & Hat-Making

Hike to three waterfalls, then learn to weave a traditional Panamanian hat

A full-day tour from Panama City to Omar Torrijos National Park in El Copé combines a mountain hike through the park with the El Tigrero waterfall circuit, three separate falls with swimming pools, and ends in the community where artisans teach you to make the pintado, Panama's iconic woven hat. A guide in English or Spanish leads the group. Hotel pickup and lunch are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Omar Torrijos Park and Waterfalls

• Pick up from hotel lobby
• Drive 2 hours to Omar Torrijos National Park
• Hike community path with mountain views
• Learn about park and Cerro Marta
• Drive 45 minutes to waterfall circuit
• Visit 3 waterfalls with refreshing waters
• Hike 1 hour 20 minutes back to booth
• Enjoy Creole lunch with lemonade
• Buy local crafts and handmade hats
• Receive explanation of traditional hat making

The experience

The day starts with a two-hour drive from your hotel to the park entrance in El Copé. Once there, you walk the community trail through dense vegetation with views of Cerro Marta, the mountain where General Omar Torrijos's plane came down. Your guide explains the park's ecology and cultural significance as you go. The hike takes you through the reserve's mix of forest and open terrain before you reach the El Tigrero waterfall circuit.

The waterfall section covers three separate falls, each with its own pool for swimming. The water flow is strong year-round. After you finish the circuit, the walk back to the community takes about an hour and twenty minutes. A Creole lunch with fresh lemonade waits at the booth, and from there you move into the cultural part of the day: local artisans show you how they weave the pintado, the traditional straw hat that UNESCO recognizes as part of Panama's cultural heritage. You can buy handmade hats and crafts directly from the makers.

The full day runs ten hours from pickup to return. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the drive, and bottled water is provided throughout. The hike itself is moderate in difficulty and covers uneven terrain. The park recommends at least a moderate fitness level, and it's not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• Creole lunch with lemonade.
• access to the El Tigrero waterfall circuit and community trails in Omar Torrijos National Park.
• hat-making demonstration and explanation from local artisans.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 13 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Our Panama

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the community artisans teach hat-making in person and the trail moves at a steady pace with a guide. If you want a full cultural immersion (swimming, hiking and learning a craft in the same day), this tour stacks all three into one outing from the city.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (10 to 13 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many waterfalls does the El Tigrero circuit have?

The El Tigrero waterfall circuit features three separate waterfalls, each with its own pool where you can swim in the refreshing water.

What is the pintado hat and why is it part of this tour?

The pintado is Panama's traditional woven straw hat, recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage. Artisans in the El Copé community teach visitors how it's made by hand, and you can buy one directly from the makers.

How long is the hike to the waterfalls from the park entrance?

The hike to the waterfall circuit takes approximately 45 minutes from where you start on the community trail, and the return walk to the community booth is about an hour and twenty minutes.

What does the tour include for meals and refreshment?

Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and a Creole lunch with lemonade is served at the community booth after the waterfall circuit.

What is Cerro Marta and why do you see it on this tour?

Cerro Marta is a mountain within Omar Torrijos National Park where General Omar Torrijos's plane is located. You see it from the community trail as your guide explains its historical significance to Panama.