- Overall length: 193 km
- Area of the pool: 3262 sq. M. km
In Panama , there are about 500 rivers, but the main one is Chagres river, thanks to the waters of which the work of the entire Panama Canal is possible.
Interesting facts about the river
Several dams were installed in the central part of the river. One of them was built in 1935 and is called Madden (Madden Dam). It passes into the same lake Madden Lake with an area of 57 square meters. km. and controls the generated electricity and floods, as well as facilitates navigation.
Another dam, erected in 1912, forms a reservoir of Gatun area of 425 square meters. km. It is located after the confluence of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River, its work is connected with the operation of hydroelectric power stations and locks.
In 1527, at the mouth of the river to protect against pirates, the fortress of San Lorenzo was laid. Since historical times conquistadors have transported their goods through Chagres. This path was quite popular until the XIX century, it is located on the territory of the modern National Park Camino de Cruces .
Its origin takes a pond in the Cordilleras, and flows to the Madden dam in a southeasterly direction. Then the river turns south-west to Gamboa , then merges with the Panama Canal, and then goes north to Lake Gatun. After that, Chagres separates from the canal and flows into the Caribbean basin, not far from Cape Limon.
The pond has a huge number of rapids, so ships can only pass on certain stretches of the river. In general, Chagres is a fairly unique river, as it, unlike other isthmus rivers, flows from east to west and at the same time it feeds many tributaries: Limpio, Piedras, Chico, Esperanza, Indio, San Juan and Boqueron.
Around the coast, there is constant deforestation of the rainforest, so the water level decreases all the time, which is a rather serious problem. During the rainy season, the lakes are heavily flooded and obstruct the locks , while a sediment from the eroded rocks accumulates at the bottom.
Excursions and entertainment on the river
In 1985, on the banks of the Chagres River in Panama, the Chagres National Park was founded, the main purpose of which was the protection of the ecosystem of the reservoir. The nature reserve attracts the attention of tourists with its proximity to the city of Panama . Here live the Indians of the tribe of Amber-Vounaan , who once came here from the province of Darien. Aborigines live in pile huts built from palm leaves. Visitors can get acquainted with the traditions and life of this people.
Also in the National Park there are two famous routes that were used by the colonialists in the XVI century for the export of Indian jewelry to European countries.
Fans of rafting on kayaks, kayaks and rafts will appreciate the Chagres River, where there are many rapids and rapids. Especially tourists chose the upper stream between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Madden. The water here is not too muddy, thanks to the tropical jungle surrounding the pool, but it is also not transparent. Those who are not looking for extreme, you can safely swim by boat through mangrove groves or in the shade of palm trees.
The best time for hiking around the forests on the banks of the Chagres River is from January to April. There is organized a huge number of sightseeing tours for real adventurers. Fans of diving will definitely like the site where the river flows into the Panama Canal . In these places you can see the sunken French train, as well as various equipment and things since the construction of the isthmus.
This river is considered one of the most important on our planet and at the same time quite mysterious, despite its rich history and huge importance at the moment. Here they transported simply innumerable riches, food products and other goods. The reservoir has witnessed human greed and ingenuity.
How to get to the Chagres River?
As the river flows through several provinces, you can get here from different places. It is most convenient to get here from Panama and Colon by car, bus or organized tour .
Go on an excursion to the river Chagres is definitely necessary, because it is the only one in the country that falls into 2 oceans simultaneously.
