Sierra Llorona

Sierra Llorona is a small but steep mountain range east of Gatún Lake and southwest of Portobelo that spends much of the year enveloped in clouds, and the abundant waterfalls that result from that rain are the origin of the range's name, which translates as "crybaby sierra." The sierra stretches southwestward from Portobelo and Chagres national parks to a sparsely populated area where you'll find the family-run Sierra Llorona Lodge, on a 500-acre private reserve that is home to hundreds of bird species and an array of other wildlife. The lodge is well worth spending a night or two at, but day visitors get lunch and a local guide for $35.