Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For scooter or bike rentals (about US$3 per hour), check out local hostels. Cars can be
rented at
Thrifty
(
721-2477; Av Central, Plaza Los Establos;
8am-5pm Mon-Sat)
, which is
a great option to explore more of the local area.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parque Nacional Volcán Barú
This 143-sq-km
national park
(admission US$5)
is home to Volcán Barú, Panama's only
volcano and the dominant geographical feature of Chiriquí. Volcán Barú is no longer
considered active; in fact, there is no record of its most recent eruption. Yet the volcano
has not one but seven craters. Its 3478m summit is the highest point in Panama, and on a
clear day it affords views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
The national park is also home to the Sendero Los Quetzales, one of the most scenic
treks in the entire country. As its name implies, the trail is one of the best places in Cent-
ral America to spot the rare resplendent quetzal, especially during the dry season
(November to April). However, even if the Maya bird of paradise fails to show, the park
is home to more than 250 bird species as well as pumas, tapirs and the
conejo pintado
(a
spotted raccoon-like animal).
After a series of severe landslides, the Quetzals trail has suffered extensive damage.
While it is still walkable, there are sections that are very indistinct and under heavy
debris. We recommend that you hike the trail with a guide; ANAM plans to soon make
this a requirement. In recent times many travelers have gotten lost on this stretch and re-
sources for rescue are practically nonexistent.
Activities
Volcán Barú
HIKING
(Barú Volcano)
With summit views of both oceans, climbing the volcano is a goal of many
visitors. It might not be worth it in poor weather, as the going is strenuous and rough. In
addition, there is little to see in cloud cover. You can enter the park on the eastern and
western sides of the volcano. The eastern access, known as 'El Salto,' includes a drive
through beautiful forest.
From Boquete, the eastern summit access is the easiest, but it involves a strenuous up-
hill hike along a 14km road that goes from the park entrance - about 8km northwest of
the center of Boquete - to the summit. The road is paved to the ranger station and 2km
beyond. If you drive or taxi as far up as possible and then walk the rest of the way, it
