Bayano Caves, Cave group on the south shore of Lake Bayano, Panamá Province, Panama

Bayano Caves are three caves on the south side of Lago Bayano in Panamá Province. The first and largest is about two kilometres long, and the Río Seco runs through it, so boats can enter partway; the cave has no lighting and many bats live inside. The second and third caves are less accessible and require crawling. The rock walls frame a narrow passage above the water.

The caves were first recorded on a 1960 map of the Emberá Dvua Alto Bayano territory. In November 2021, heavy rain made the Río Seco flash-flood while 16 tourists were inside; three died. The lake area still holds many uncharted caves.

The caves lie within the Comarca Emberá de Alto Bayano, and their existence was first recorded on a 1960 map of El Territorio de Maje Emberá Dvua Alto Bayano. The Río Seco, which runs through the largest cave, is the waterway boats use to enter it.

A hard hat, a life jacket and a stick for walking on the rocky floor are obligatory to visit the caves. The first cave is unlit, so bring your own light. Boats can enter only partway along the Río Seco, and the second and third caves require crawling.

The caves were first recorded on a 1960 map of the Emberá territory of Maje Emberá Drua Alto Bayano. In November 2021, heavy rain flash-flooded the Río Seco and trapped 16 tourists inside; three died. The area around Lago Bayano holds many more caves that remain undocumented.