Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 6622-1502; 8am-noon & 1-5:30pm)
On the western side of the Concepción-Volcán
road, 3km south of Volcán, you'll see Arte Cruz Volcán - Artesanía en Madera, where
artist José de la Cruz González makes and sells exquisite wooden signs, sculptures and
furniture as well as impressive etchings on crystal and glass.
José trained in fine arts in Italy and Honduras, and his work has been commissioned
by buyers worldwide. Visitors are treated to José's entertaining demonstrations.
Barriles
RUINS
These pre-Columbian ruins (located on private land) are about a five-minute drive
from the center of town. The settlement, inhabited in the period during 300-900 AD, was
believed to have up to 1000 residents. Some artifacts are display onsite though not all
were found here.
Área Silvestre Protegida Lagunas de Volcán
PARK
Four-and-a-half kilometers from Volcán, this protected area encompasses the
highest lake system (1240m) in Panama. The two picturesque lakes swell in the rainy
season, with lush, virgin forest at their edges and Volcán Barú in the background. To get
to the lakes from the Concepción-Volcán road, turn west onto Calle El Valle (near central
Volcán) and follow the signs.
Surrounding woodlands are excellent sites for bird-watching - of special interest are
the masked duck, the northern jacana, the rose-throated becard, the pale-billed wood-
pecker and mixed flocks of tanagers, flycatchers and antbirds. No buses go to the lakes,
but you can hire a taxi in Volcán to bring you here. If you take your own vehicle, be ad-
vised that there have been reports of thefts from vehicles.
Highland Adventures
ADVENTURE TOUR
( 6685-1682; hlaaizpurua@hotmail.com; Av Central)
With some English, Gonzalo Aizpurua
is a good source of information, though rarely in the office since he's usually in the field.
Guided activities include rainforest mountain -biking, birding or hiking Parque Inter-
nacional La Amistad (US$90 for two people) and guided climbs to the top of Volcán
Barú (US$130 for two people, 12 hours). His stand is 1.5km after the police station.
Sleeping & Eating
Mount Totumas Cloud Forest
CABIN $$$
