The uppermost reaches of the Chepo is alternately called the Bayano River after the construction of the Bayano Dam that resulted in the 350-square-kilometre (140 sq mi) lake reservoir.

[1] The headwaters of the Chepo encompass watercourses running south from the San Blas Mountains near the Caribbean along with other rivers draining parts of the Majé and Darien Mountains.

[2] The Mamoni River is a major tributary farther down stream.

Measuring 206 kilometres (128 mi) in length, the Chepo-Bayano is the third longest river of Panama.

[3] Coquira, in the lower reaches, is the main riverine port.