A Wonderful Jungle Hike
This morning began with adventure in the air. We were picked up by Azuero Adventures from Hotel Playa Cambutal and joined several other hikers from Chicago who are here on a yoga retreat. Together we set off into the jungle, following an upriver trail for about an hour each way, with the rhythmic sound of water and birds guiding us forward. Our destination: a beautiful cascading waterfall tucked deep in the forest.
The hike itself was lovely, but the true highlight was our guide, Bryan. He is Panamanian, studied biology at university, and it showed in every step of the journey. He seemed to know every plant, tree, animal, and insect along the way. We took a fascinating deep dive into the worlds of bullet ants and army ants, and explored the secrets of termites and their nests built in the branches of the trees.
Where Bryan really shone, though, was in explaining the geology of the peninsula. He described how this land was once a volcanic island, later joined through the movement and collision of three tectonic plates. That monumental meeting helped form Central America itself. Standing there, he reminded us that we were at the southernmost point of North America, on the Azuero Peninsula—history, science, and scenery all merging in one spot.
After reaching the waterfall, we took a refreshing swim in the clear pool it created. Cooling off beneath the cascade of the falls, we felt the natural hydraulics of the water massaging our shoulders, a soothing reward after the hike in. It was simply unforgettable—one of those moments where time slows down and you realize just how lucky you are to be exactly where you are
An Evening at Aurora Rincón
We had a most enjoyable evening at a small, local Panamanian restaurant tucked down the dirt road from our hotel, Playa Cambutal. The place was called Aurora Rincón, and it couldn’t have been more unassuming—simple cinderblock walls, a corrugated tin roof, and tree-trunk posts holding it all together. The kind of place you might drive past without a second thought, and the kind you’re always glad you didn’t.
Behind the bar and stove was Fernando, the chef, and he was nothing short of amazing. We started with tuna ceviche, fresh and perfectly balanced, setting the tone for the rest of the meal. For the main course, tuna was my protein, while Rebecca chose chicken, both served over a bed of pumpkin and vegetables that were diced and cooked to absolute perfection.
It was truly a local spot—authentic, welcoming, and full of character. A hidden gem and a wonderful discovery, Aurora Rincón was the perfect way to cap off the evening, reminding us once again that some of the best meals come from the simplest places.
No comments:
Post a Comment