The Most Beautiful Accessible Waterfalls Around San Carlos

Laguna de San Carlos, Las Filipinas, and El Manglarito

When you think of Panama, you automatically picture beaches lined with coconut palms, the Pacific Ocean, and fishing villages.

Yet, less than an hour from Casa Fofo, the landscape changes completely.
The road gradually leaves the coast, winds through the hills, and heads deep into a tropical forest where the air grows cooler and the sound of the waves is gradually replaced by the murmur of rivers.

This is a different side of Panama—a wilder, greener Panama that remains largely unknown to travelers.

Today, I’m going to take you on a tour of three places I particularly enjoy:

Laguna de San Carlos, Las Filipinas, and El Manglarito.

Three sites that are very different from one another, but they have one thing in common: they’re easily accessible from Casa Fofo and offer a wonderful day out in the heart of nature.

Laguna de San Carlos, a peaceful haven nestled among the mountains

Travel time from Casa Fofo: about 45 to 50 minutes (29 km).

The Laguna de San Carlos is a former volcanic crater that has become a lake, located at an altitude of about 850 meters in the province of Panamá Oeste. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it offers a cool climate and serves as the starting point for a challenging hike to Cerro Picacho (in a future article).

Here, there are no difficult hikes or fitness trails.
People simply come to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Nestled in the heart of the mountains, this vast lagoon offers a setting completely different from that of the coast. The hills covered in tropical forest are reflected in the water, birds replace the sound of traffic, and you get that pleasant feeling of being far away from it all… even though you’re less than an hour’s drive from Casa Fofo.
The site is simply laid out. It features a parking lot, restrooms, showers, campsites, and a small restaurant.
Many Panamanian families come here to spend their Sundays, picnicking in the shade of the trees or enjoying the cool water.

Swimming is possible when conditions allow, but, as always in a natural setting, it’s important to exercise caution.

What I especially love about this place is the contrast.
In the morning, you can walk along Playa La Ensenada, with your feet in the black sand.
An hour later, you’re gazing out at a lagoon surrounded by lush green mountains.
Few regions offer such diversity over such a short distance.

Fun Fact: Shrouded in mystery, this lagoon is often described by locals as “bottomless,” since its exact depth has never been measured.

Good to Know

• The road is mostly paved.
• Accessible by passenger car.
• Camping is allowed.
• On-site restaurant and restrooms.
• Be sure to bring some cash for the admission fee.

Las Filipinas Waterfalls, perfect for a first adventure

Travel time from Casa Fofo: about 55 to 65 minutes (39 km).

If you want to see a waterfall without going on a long hike, Las Filipinas is probably one of the best options in the area.

After parking the car, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the first waterfall.
The water flows gently down between the rocks before forming several natural pools that are perfect for cooling off.
The setting is stunning.
The vegetation is dense, the water is clear, and the tall trees provide welcome shade on the hottest days.

But what makes Las Filipinas even more interesting is that it’s not limited to just one waterfall.
The most curious visitors can continue on their way by heading upriver.
As you walk along, other small waterfalls come into view, each with its own unique character.

On the other hand, the terrain gradually becomes more challenging.
The rocks can be slippery at times, so it’s important to watch your step.
Families can therefore relax and enjoy the first few pools, while more athletic hikers can continue their exploration a little further on.
It’s this freedom that makes Las Filipinas so charming.

Good to Know

• It’s about an eight-minute walk to the first waterfall.
• Accessible by regular car in dry weather.
• Admission is generally inexpensive.
• Be sure to wear good, non-slip shoes.
• It’s always good to have a few bills on hand.

El Manglarito, the little hidden treasure of the mountains

Travel time from Casa Fofo: about 60 to 70 minutes (38 km).

Of all the waterfalls in this region, El Manglarito is probably the one that surprises visitors the most.

It’s less well-known than other tourist attractions, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming.
You quickly get the feeling that you’re discovering a place that’s still unspoiled.

After a downhill hike of about 30 minutes (starting on a rocky path, then through the forest—though the last few meters require a bit of caution, especially after rain), the vegetation suddenly opens up to reveal a magnificent waterfall that plunges into a natural pool surrounded by rocks.
The scenery is spectacular without being difficult to reach.

When conditions are right, you can swim in the natural pools, and if you’re a good climber, you can climb up onto one of the rocks to jump into the cool water! It’s especially refreshing after the heat of the coast.

El Manglarito also has a very authentic atmosphere.
You can tell that tourism there is still low-key and that the locals are committed to preserving their environment.
That’s exactly what we love when we set out to explore this region.

The climb might be a little more difficult because the path is quite steep.

Good to Know

• About an hour’s drive from Casa Fofo.
• Be sure to wear appropriate shoes.
• Access conditions may vary after heavy rain.
• Keep a few dollars in cash on hand for any admission or service fees.

Three excursions, three different atmospheres

What I particularly appreciate about these three places is that each one offers a different experience.

Laguna de San Carlos invites you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.

Las Filipinas offers a first taste of adventure, accessible to just about everyone.

Finally, El Manglarito offers a more spectacular setting.

And yet, all of these sites are located less than an hour—or just a little more—from Casa Fofo.

They prove that you don’t have to travel hundreds of kilometers to discover an authentic, lush, and still largely unspoiled Panama.

In an upcoming article

I’ll take you to explore three more natural wonders in the region:

La Nativa, La Gloria, and El Retiro

Some slightly more rugged spots that will delight hiking and nature lovers.

Our advice

Before you go, always check the weather forecast.
In the mountains, conditions can change quickly, and trail conditions depend heavily on rainfall in the preceding days.
Also be sure to bring good shoes, water, a hat, a swimsuit, a towel, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and some small bills. (You might also want to bring some water shoes.)

Finally, please respect the areas you visit and pick up your trash before you leave.

These waterfalls are also precious because they remain unspoiled. Let’s work together to help local communities preserve these little natural treasures for future generations.