The Chagres Waterfall in Panama is Now Closed Due to a Landslide.

Access to La Cascada on the Chagres River, has been suspended until further notice after a landslide raised concerns about the dangers of the area. The Ministry of the Environment announced that the closure is indefinite and applies to all visitors, without exception. The event occurred on Monday that left a National Police officer injured.  He is in stable condition after receiving medical attention.  Authorities are now investigating the possible cause of the landslide and whether the earthquake of Oct 9th may have contributed to it.

While these assessments are underway, entry to the La Cascada area is prohibited for both nationals and foreigners. The Ministry of the Environment warned that this order must be followed, and asked tour operators and visitors to stay away from the area due to the risk it poses to people’s safety. The agency clarified that the closure is limited to this sector, as the other sites in Chagres National Park continue to operate normally. The reopening of La Cascada will depend on authorities verifying that it is safe to receive the public again.

This waterfall is tucked away in the tropical rainforest north of Panama City.  Chagres National Park is a nature park and protected area located in the Panamá and Colón provinces, in the Eastern sector of the Panama Canal.   It is not accessible by a standard road, making it a popular eco-adventure. To get there, you take a 45-minute drive from Panama City along the Transístmica highway to Corotú Port (Puerto Corotú) on Lake Alajuela and from the port, a scenic 30 minute ride in a traditional indigenous motorized canoe up the Chagres River.  After stepping off the boat, it requires a short, 5-minute gentle hike through the rainforest and riverbed to reach the natural pool at the base of the waterfall.