Cocle

Cocle Province

Panama’s Enchanting Province

By Rudy A. Estripeaut Endara

The province of Cocle is one of Panama’s most enchanting and dynamic provinces’, with over 100 KM of coastal areas, 6075 sq km and a population of 212,100, it borders Panama to the East, Colon to the North Veraguas on the West, Herrera on the South West and the Pacific Ocean on the South. From the beaches of Farallon, the misty mountains of El Valle, the rich soil areas of Tambo, Chiquiri Abajo and Chiquiri Arriba, the Mountains of San Miguel, the picturesque bustling town of Penonome, this province is undoubtedly one of Panama’s most exciting and interesting region.

For years Coclé has been primarily an agricultural area, with sugar and tomatoes as major crops and recently becoming a major producer of citrus, including Persian Limes and Oranges. In recent years Cocle has been gaining much popularity and has become a major area of interest for locals and tourists alike since it has so much beauty and many tourist attractions, in addition to its rich history.

History of the Cocle Region

Cocle was created on September 12th, 1855 as the "Department of Cocle" This province was created by the Act of September 12, 1855 with the title of Department of Coclé during the presidency of Dr. Justo de Arosemena. It became a province, Decretory Number 190, on October 20, 1985. Penonome served as the capital of Panama during the year 1671 until the new capital was founded.

Penonome the capital of Cocle get its name from the words "penó Nomé". Nome was a chief or cacique of a local native American tribe, who was tortured (so he would tell them where he burried his gold) and put to death by the Spanish colonial officials. So, "Penó Nomé" means "This is where Nome “Peno” or was “Executed”

Attractions of the Cocle Region

The province of Cocle has a number of well known beaches, such as Santa Clara which offer visitors some lovely beaches to explore and numerous retreats where to relax. Also very popular are the beaches of Farallon and Rio Hato, where tourist activity has increased tremendously in recent years. The Royal Decameron Beach Resort & Casino is located in the area of Playa Blanca, Farallón, just ninety minutes away from Panama City. This all inclusive resort offers visitors a gamut of services including fabulous meals, watersports, golf, nightlife and activities for the whole family. The Royal Decameron Resort also have the Villas of Playa Blanca which offers a Championship Golf course for the golf enthusiast.

At just 2 hours away (123 km west) from Panama City, is El Valle de Anton a picturesque town nestled inside a 5 km wide 3 million year old crater of a Volcano. El Valle at 600 mts above sea level has very cool and pleasant climate and a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. Some of its major attractions include the Petroglyphics, the famous Golden Frogs, the El Nispero Zoo and the Artesanal Market on Sundays where campecinos from the region congregate to show and sell their wares, harvest and locally produced souveniers. There are many quaint hotels and restaurants to cater to all travelers from backpackers to the most discerning traveler seeking first class treatments. A birdwatchers paradise, a hikers dream or visitors wishing to go horseback riding or just soak up the everchanging scenery and unparalled variety of flora and excotic fauna.

Aside from some of these attractions there is La Pintada just 20 km north of Penonome, know for its painted heats used in the national male dress of Panama the Montuno. Nata de Los Caballeros with is old Spanish church dating back to the 1500’s.

MAR Y TIERRA (SURF AND TURF) IN COCLE

For a really different treat there is the fun filled excursions aboard the BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP BOAT. After boarding in Farallón, visitors have the opportunity to fish aboard an authentic shrimp boat and they actually become part of the “crew for the day”, and interact in the fishing process.

The boat tours some of the Cocle regions most famous beaches of Farallón, Playa Blanca, Buenaventura, Palo Seco, Juan Hombrón, Boca Nueva and Los Azules where he captain orders the nets to be launched while the guest enjoy the great sites and experience panama’s diverse marine life first hand.

After a day of fishing aboard the BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP BOAT guest are taken to Restaurante Bar RANCHO RIO, behind the Hotel Decameron, where they can enjoy some seafood delicacies at the edge of Río Farallón, while being entertained by a genuine Cocle folklore.

Cocle – Living, Farming & Real Estate Opportunities

As a Panamanian who lived in the US for over 30 years I have always been attracted to the beautiful province of Cocle. On my many trips back to my country I spent many years visiting La Posada del Cerro La Vieja with its delicious restaurant featuring fresh produce from the region, its relaxing spa, and mule tours that take your breath away. Here you can see and bathe in a breathtaking waterfall, learn about all the exotic fauna and flora and become one with nature.

Now that I am back living full time in Panama I continue to visit the province of Cocle, since it offers many attractive investment opportunities and has very rich and bountyful land that can still be purchased at reasonable prices. The province of Cocle is also becoming very popular among foreigners who wish to make this their home. With many interesting eco resorts and residential developments underway in the region, this province continues to grow and attract many in a harmonious way.

In Penonome there is Midpoint Villas, a private, gated golf comunity located in the heart of Penonome, a community designed especially for those who enjoy nature and the comfort of urban life, complete with a Marina just 9 miles away in the Delta of Rio Grande.

Just 3 miles north of the quaint town of La Pintada there is LA PINTADA ESTATES a very unique gated development on 415 acres, that will offer lot sizes of 2 acres or more. A community horse stable, tennis courts ,and large gazebo party area are just a few of its amenities.

There are some proyects planned for small hobby farms in the area of Miraflores, a boutique hotel in Tambo and an exotic rural retreat in Chiquiri Abajo among other proyects that I have heard about that will make this an even more interesting area to live and play.

Penonome offers a great infrastructure including all the major banks of Panama, a brand new Super 99 and other grocery stores, all the main governmental and municipal offices, strip malls, communications facilities, feed, agricultural, hardware stores, pharmacies and health care facilities. There have been talks about revitalizing the airport in Penonome and the possibility of building a first class bus terminal. These among its many other attractions make this region that much more attractive to foreigners wishing to make this their home, being in the country but not so isolated.

As they say “Cocle – So Much, So Close”