Explore Barrigón
Barrigón
Escape to Barrigón, a community located in the province of Coclé, approximately one hour Northwest of Penonomé. Experience the unique culture of the Coclé highlands and the picturesque environment of the Barrigón valley, nestled into a cloud forest. Four community operated eco- and agro-tourism ventures will welcome you into the community. La Granja Trapichito, El Rincón de las Aves, Chorro Las Yayas, and AGLAC Eco-tours are at your service.
Barrigón is a small mountain town, consisting of 200 homes dispersed across a lush valley on the southern slope of the continental divide. Established in 1898, the community of Barrigón has maintained its rich traditions of subsistence farming and craftsmanship through time. Most families engage in the production of root vegetables, corn, beans, and rice on small, steep plots of land. Tropical fruits such as papaya, guava, passion fruit, and mangos grow around their homes and fields. Cash crops produced by residents of Barrigón include oranges and coffee.
Despite the bounty of natural resources, in the recent decades many younger residents have found it necessary to emigrate from Barrigón in search of work. They take jobs in mining operations, construction projects in Panama City, and the domestic services industry. Children attend Barrigón’s small elementary school through sixth grade, and then continue to middle school in the neighboring town of El Copé. Religion plays an important role in community life. Most of Barrigón is Catholic and celebrate the day of their patron saint, San Isidro, on May 15th with services and an evening procession through the valley. There is also a substantial Evangelical population, known for their strong sense of community and commitment to sharing responsibilities among all. In Barrigón, the cultural traditions of preparing beautiful meals for festivities, weaving “spotted hats” from natural fibers, and dancing to the drum beats of tamborito remain integral parts of the community’s life.
Barrigón’s location at the entrance to the Omar Torrijos National Park has meant that much of the primary cloud forest is still intact. The combination of a pristine wilderness and a culturally rich community makes Barrigón the perfect mountain escape and cultural experience for visitors. Te esperamos…
