Centro El Tucán

Colón Province


The Área Protegida San Lorenzo is best explored with a guide, easily arranged at this community learning and visitor center, which lies on the edge of the reserve. Guides generally charge US$100 per group for a two-hour hike, though longer and more difficult treks can also be arranged. El Tucán also has an excellent documentation center on the flora and fauna of the reserve, human ecology and history. Hiking trails start 200m behind the center.

The Centro El Tucán is located in the village of Achiote, 13km northwest of Escobal on Lago Gatún. It can be reached on buses from Colón (US$1.50, one hour) marked 'Costa Abajo,' but the area is best accessed by private vehicle.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Colón Province attractions

1. Área Protegida San Lorenzo

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Centered on the ruins of the crumbling Spanish colonial fortress of Fuerte San Lorenzo, the 120-sq-km San Lorenzo Protected Area includes the former US…

2. Gatún Dam

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Constructed in 1908 to shore up the Río Chagres and create Lago Gatún, the Gatún Dam was once the world’s largest earthen dam, while Lago Gatún was also…

3. Gatún Locks

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The impressive Gatún Locks, 10km south of Colón, raise southbound ships 30m from Caribbean waters to Lago Gatún. Just the size of them is mind-boggling:…

4. Fuerte San Lorenzo

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5. Agua Clara Locks

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