Cerro Gaital

Cerro Gaital is a mountain summit in El Valle reachable by steep forest trails that climb to about 1,185 meters elevation. The path winds through dense tropical forest with several demanding sections where ropes are anchored to assist climbers.

The mountain marked a natural boundary between different regions of Cocle Province since early Spanish colonial times in Panama. This geographic importance made it a recognized landmark for inhabitants and travelers across the centuries.

The mountain serves as a gathering point for local hikers, with the summit a place where people from different areas of the region meet. The climb is woven into local life and regularly undertaken by families and friend groups exploring their surroundings.

The climb is demanding and requires good fitness and sturdy hiking shoes with strong grip for slippery forest paths. Start early in the day to ensure enough daylight for the return journey.

The summit features several hanging bridges connecting different viewpoints and offering expansive views of both ocean coasts. On clear days, visitors can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the same vantage point.

Location: El Valle

GPS coordinates: 8.62462,-80.12350

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06