They say the third time is the charm and Cerro Chame did us in twice before we ever made it to the top. Thankfully, that third time was perfection with cool winds, clear skies and epic views for as far as the eye could see. Cerro Chame is one of the most underrated trails in Panama offering a unique ridge-line experience with sweeping vistas of the Pacific, mangroves, and the nearby mountain ranges. Conveniently located about an hour outside of Panama City by car, this hike is well worth the effort, but there are some really important things to take into account if you plan to make it to the top. This is everything you need to know before you go: Cerro Chame.
In the US, I never ran across trails that I wasn’t able to conquer, but here in Panama, two have gotten the best of me: Cerro Chame and Picachos de Olá. Because I want my readers to make it to the top on the first go, there are a few key things you can learn from our first experiences: know where you’re going, start early and take plenty of water.
Getting to the Cerro Chame trailhead is a little adventure on its own. We met our fearless leader, Lindsay, around 7:30 am in the little town of Bejuco at Mini Súper Alicia, so we could all load up in her four wheel drive. We headed down the familiar country road for a third time bouncing our way over puddles and huge ruts along the way. It’s beautiful out there with little roadside nurseries and cattle farms. When we finally made it to the fence covered in bougainvillea, we were ready to set out for trip number three. Third and last time, fingers crossed!
As you start the trek, expect a steady climb at about a 60 degree incline for around 15-20 minutes. Fortunately the trail was dry, but the rocks and pebbles can be slippery, so be careful. You’ll pass a beautiful pasture with views overlooking the little expat town of Coronado in the distance. Eventually you’ll get to a point where the road curves off to the right, but this is where you need to be careful. ON THE LEFT, there is a gate and a sign on a tree that reads “NO ENTRE PROPIEDAD PRIVADA FINCA ALTOS DE CHAME.” You need to lift the stick that secures the gate in place and start up that trail to the left. This is where we went wrong the first time. The incline continues to be steady for another 45 minutes or so until you make it out of the tree cover.
When you make it out of the trees, the views are spectacular. I love the rolling, velvety green mountains here. They are so different than anything I ever saw on the east coast in the US. Even with the scenery motivating us, we still had a ways to go before we made it to the cross. I decided to take my time as I’m not getting any younger and I also wanted to enjoy the experience. This trail is not easy. My heart was pounding and my legs were starting to hurt. To be fair, I hadn’t done a serious hike in quite a while, so I’m sure that didn’t help.
After about an hour and 45 minutes, we made it to the top where we were rewarded with a 360 degree panorama, the Pacific, the Sajalices River and Panama’s ancient volcanic ridges covered in soft green grass. We waited our turn to take the celebratory pics at the cross. The winds were unbelievable, but we were grateful, because they kept us really cool.
CERRO CHAME QUICK STATS
- Altitude 500 – 600 meters
- Distance 7km – 13km depending on how many ridges you explore
- Difficulty moderate with steep inclines and sun exposure
GETTING THERE
- Location: Chame District, West Panama about 1.5–2 hours from Panama City. Click for Wikiloc location.
- By Car: Take the Pan-American Highway to Bejuco. A 4×4 is best for making it to the trailhead. Key landmarks for the turn-off: Delta Gas Station and Mini Súper Alicia.
- By Bus: Take any bus from Albrook Terminal heading toward Chame or Coronado; get off at Bejuco and take a local taxi to the trailhead.
WHEN TO GO
- Sunrise hike : 4:00 AM is a really popular start time for this hike to beat the heat and catch the sunrise.
- Dry Season (Dec–April): Expect golden grass, high winds and clear skies. We were gifted with green.
- Wet Season (May–Nov): Vibrant green landscape, but trails can be slippery and mud is a factor.
TRAIL ESSENTIALS
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots as the terrain is rocky and steep.
- Protection: High-SPF sunscreen and a hat there is zero shade on the ridges.
- Hydration: At least 2–3 liters of water per person.
- Clothing: Long pants to protect from tall grass/ticks and light, breathable layers.
After two attempts, completing this hike was something we were absolutely determined to do. Even with the perfect weather, it was tough. My legs were sore before we finished. The two subsequent days were kind of painful, but totally worth it. If you love hiking here as much as I do, this one is magnificent. I hope with all the tips I’ve given, for you, it will be a one and done. Start early, bring plenty of water and keep to the left. You can thank me later.
What Panama hike inspires you? Drop a comment below.
For a more comprehensive list of Panama’s amazing hikes, check out my blogpost, 10 Memorable Hikes in Panama.