Top 10 attractions for families with young children in Santa Fe, Veraguas
We have a five year old, and when we travel to new places, we want to make sure he will have a good time (an we will too!). And we realize that with his ten minute attention span, not all places are good ones for him. We want our visitors to have a great safe time here too. Here are some top recommendations for families with young children visiting Santa Fe, Veraguas. The first seven recommendations are destinations, the last three are attractions or tours.
- Cerro Redondo – Cerro Redondo is a mountain with a four wheel drive leading to the top in the foothills of Cerro Tute with great views! A 4×4 is necessary to arrive. This requires minimal walking with some great areas for the kids to get out and climb rocks.
- 2) Toucan Trail. The toucan trail is a an old 4×4 road in the foothills of Cerro Mariposa. It leads you from Alto de Piedra to La Piquera, but you would walk it. It takes you from the community through second and old growth forest. The best part – it is flat and wide, letting little ones run ahead and explore, and let you see snakes and other animals.
- 3) Alto de Piedra Falls. Alto de Piedra Waterfalls are a set of three waterfalls on an arm of the Bulaba River. Getting there requires a steep and muddy scramble down a hillside with a poorly maintained trail (20 minutes to the first one). It is doable for families with small children who can walk, as long as you go with the adventure in mind. I went for the first time with my son walking when he was 2.5 and one adult is needed for every child under four. It took about two hours for us to hike down and up safely (I refused to carry him)
- 4) Cascada Llanita. This waterfall is located on the side of the road. There are additional waterfalls located upriver, but you can get out and explore the first fall as well without venturing further (more extreme). This is an area where, unfortunately, young kids will approach you to try to guide you. Just say no politely. Please do not give money or gifts
- 5) Playa de Calovebora. Calovebora has an undeveloped beach where you can go and enjoy the waves with your little one. Though the surf is strong, the beach and shallows can be enjoyed by young kids.
- 6) Rio Santa Maria / Bulaba. You can always go for a swim in the beautiful Santa Maria or Bulaba which run through town.
- 7) El Chorrillo Waterfall. Located to the south of Santa Fe, a 4×4 is necessary to arrive at the falls. From the parking area, it is approximately 20 minutes to walk down to the base of the falls. It is a steep trail, but active families should be able to manage it with a little one. We went when our son was four years old for the first time. He had no problem with the trail.
- 8) Horseback Riding. Horseback rides are usually a big hit with the little ones, and Santa Fe has several providers. Some provide shorter trips or mount the child with an adult.
- 9) Farm Visits. Unstructured farm visits are usually a hit with the little ones, with a chance to explore. Maria y Chon is probably the most visited farm, however others like Prueba y Veraz and the Finca El Salto
- 10) Night Jungle Walk. Let your kids explore frogs, snakes and insects in the jungle at night. This is definitely a hit with most kids.
