THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 280

fit person soaking up the scenery and making occasional stops to spot the odd shy bird in the
undergrowth should count on five to six hours to complete the trail.
Climbing Volcán Barú
The unremarkable haul up Volcán Barú (3474m), Panama's highest point, is rewarded at the
summit, which on good day boasts a truly breathtaking panorama of the Pacific and Carib-
bean, both dotted with a myriad of islands. The dry season is the best time to attempt the
ascent but even then clouds and rain can close in quickly. To maximize your chance of a
clear view, you should attempt some, or all, of the climb at night - for which you'll need a
guide - to arrive at dawn. Leaving at 11pm to midnight, the 13.5km ascent from the small
park office takes 4-6 hours, arriving in time to enjoy a sunrise picnic before descending. No
rock-climbing skills are necessary, just the grit to plod up a boulder-strewn track and a little
rock-scrambling. Once on top, you'll need to turn a blind eye to the radio masts and graffiti-
covered rocks on one side.
If you prefer a daytime hike, but still want to enjoy sunrise on the summit, you can camp
on the volcano's upper slopes, although there are no formal camping facilities, including no
water, and nowhere particularly pleasant to pitch a tent. The police at the security post close
to the summit will also allow you to sleep there for a small fee. You'll need warm, waterproof
clothing, as it's cold on the summit, plenty of water and the usual hiking essentials.
Climbing Volcán Barú from the western side (see Activities around Volcán ) is more phys-
ically demanding, and takes longer, but is more rewarding as you are taken up a path, albeit
very indistinct in places, rather than a road, and across more varied terrain.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: PARQUE NACIONAL VOLCÁN BARÚ
ALTO CHIQUERO RANGER STATION
By taxi The Alto Chiquero park office, accessible by 2x4, is a steep, almost completely tarred
11km up from Boquete, reachable by taxi ($12).
By bus You can take a bus as far as the T-junction, followed by a 3km hike.
EL RESPINGO RANGER STATION
By taxi Hiring a 4WD taxi from Volcán to the park office will cost around $20-25.
By bus You can get dropped off any Cerro Punta-bound bus from Volcán and walk the rough
5km road to the office.
THE VOLCÁN BARÚ TRAILHEAD
You'll need a 4WD taxi to take you to the trailhead ($12) and should arrange a pick-up and
time, unless you walk to the main road and flag down a taxi or bus.
INFORMATION
Park information Contact the ANAM regional office in David (

774 6671); ask for Áreas

Protegidas .