Have you ever felt that you need to take a break from city life?

Well, I felt so a couple of weeks ago. Luckily for me, I was invited by one friend to go on a weekend trip to La Yeguada forest reserve in Panama's Veraguas province.

Created in 1960 to protect the basin of the San Juan river in order to supply clean and abundant water for a hydroelectric plant, La Yeguada was the first forest reserve of the country. To get there it's just a 4 hour drive from Panama City, following the Panamerican Highway and making a turn in the Jaguito entrance. Then you have to drive to Calobre and after that you can just ask the locals and they'll point the way.

With its mountainous landscape, waterfalls and lakes, it is one of the best camping sites in Panama. You can BBQ, swim in the lake or just sit and admire nature; La Yeguada is a great spot if you're looking to unwind and breathe fresh air.

If you plan to visit La Yeguada, you have to take your food and water. You'll only find a rural toilet in the reserve. You'll also have to pay an admission fee of 5 USD to the ANAM, the National Authority for the Environment, which is payable upon your arrival at the park ranger's office.

Looking for a camping site.

My weekend camping in La Yeguada was so great! Sitting around a bonfire and just looking at the night sky painted with stars was the best therapy for me. If you plan to visit the area, remember to take your garbage when you leave. We are all responsible for our planet.

So here's a selection of my favourite shots of that weekend! Enjoy! 

Ed and his floater.

Dawn in La Yeguada.

Rise and shine!

Our new friend Saturno's grocery store called "La Economia", near the waterfall. Such an appropriate name! haha!

Have a nice day,
Astrid