Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
takes about five or six hours to reach the summit from the park gate; walking from town
would take another two or three hours each way.
On this route, it's best to camp on the mountain at least one night; and you should be
prepared for the cold. Camping will also allow you to be at the top during the morning,
when the views are best.
The other park entrance is just outside the town of Volcán, on the road to Cerro Punta.
This rugged road into the park (requiring a 4WD vehicle) goes only a short way off the
main road to the foot of the volcano. The view of the summit and the nearby peaks from
this entrance are impressive, and there's a lovely loop trail that winds through secondary
and virgin forest. Access from this side is steep and technical.
Sendero Los Quetzales
HIKING
(Quetzals Trail)
Sendero Los Quetzales near Cerro Punta is one of Panama's most beautiful
trails. The 8km route takes between four and seven hours. It runs between Cerro Punta
and Boquete, crisscrossing Río Caldera. You can hike from either direction, but it is easi-
est from west to east: the town of Cerro Punta is almost 1000m higher than Boquete, so
hiking east offers more downhill.
While the trail is easily visible in most parts, down bridges can be a serious affair. At
the time of writing, a suspension bridge was being installed over the Río Caldera.
The trail itself takes four to five hours walking west to east, though getting to and from
the trailhead adds another couple of hours of walking on either side. A 4WD taxi can
take you to the trailhead on the Cerro Punta side for about US$25 per person; taxi drivers
know the area as Respingo. Road conditions may be very poor from landslides. The trail
is 5km uphill from the main road and 2km from the last paved road. When you exit the
trail, it's another 8km along the road to Boquete, though you may be able to catch a taxi
along the road. In total, the hike is about 23km, so plan accordingly if you intend to walk
the entire trail.
After arriving in Boquete, stay overnight or take a bus to David and then Cerro Punta;
note that the last Cerro Punta bus leaves David at 6pm. You can also leave your luggage
at one of the hotels in David to save yourself the hassle of backtracking. Take only the
bare essentials with you on the walk (and a little cash for a good meal and/or lodging in
Boquete).
Sleeping
Parque Nacional Volcán Barú Camping
CAMPGROUND $
