The Panamanian province of Chiriqui has always appealed to adventurous travelers, and it’s easy to understand why.
Chiriqui is less developed than many of Panama’s provinces, and it still retains a great deal of natural charm. A lush cloud forest grows along its highlands; coffee plantations and cattle ranches can be found throughout its countryside; beautiful beaches line its coast. But one natural landmark tends to loom largest in the minds of its visitors: Volcan Baru.
Rising nearly 11,400 feet above sea level, Volcan Baru is taller than any other mountain in Panama. From its peak, travelers can sometimes see the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean simultaneously. Occasionally travelers can also see across the border of Costa Rica, located about twenty miles west of the mountain’s base.
Photo by Desi Burgos
According to scientists, Volcan Baru is a dormant, but potentially active volcano. It has gone through four eruptive episodes within the last 1,600 years, and the last of these eruptions occurred about 500 years ago.
But if Volcan Baru erupts again, it will provide everyone living or staying nearby with ample warning time to evacuate the area — scientists would notice increased seismic activity in and around the volcano weeks before it erupted, and as such, there is no reason to worry about being near the volcano, or even at its very summit!
Preparing for a Trip to Volcan Baru
The summit of Volcan Baru can be reached on foot or in a vehicle. Travelers short on time — or stamina — may want to opt to drive to the top of the volcano. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle can be picked up in the city of David, or in nearby Boquete or Cerro Punta. An experienced driver and guide can also be found in these cities, and is often worth the added expense. Travelers who choose to drive to the top of Volcan Baru will be treated to the sights and sounds of the Chiriqui highlands. They may catch a glimpse of a resplendent quetzal. And they may hear the noise of a tapir traipsing through the underbrush. They will also be presented with many opportunities to climb out of their vehicles, stretch their legs, and soak in the surrounding scenery.
More intrepid travelers will want to hike to the top of the volcano themselves. And although the trek to the top of the mountain is not particularly difficult, it requires a significant amount of time and planning.
The general consensus among adventure enthusiasts is that it takes approximately five or six hours to hike from Boquete or Volcan to the summit, and it generally takes just as long to climb back down again. For this reason, many travelers choose to camp along the slope of the mountain for a night before they make the return journey. Anyone interested in taking on the climb ought to bring these items:
- energy food, like granola and dried fruit
- a few hearty meals
- plenty of water
- a first-aid kit
- camping gear
- a change of clothes
- a flashlight
- a camera with plenty of battery life
Even travelers who do not intend to make a night of their trip to Volcan Baru ought to pack essential camping equipment, just in case they decide to change their plans at the last minute.
Trekking to the Top of Volcan Baru
The slope of Volcan Baru is a fairly gentle one, and travelers are able to enjoy the beautiful views and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside as they hike. The land around Volcan Baru is at its loveliest around dawn, when the cloud forests and coffee plantations of Chiriqui are illuminated by the sun’s first rays of daylight. Hikers: find a grassy area with great visibility to sit and relax just before sunrise.
The hike to the top of Volcan Baru is steep and occasionally difficult, but it is well worth the effort. The summit of the mountain commands some of the most jaw-dropping views in all of Panama. Travelers return from the peak knowing that they have seen something truly special.
Photo by SachaGriffin
More Volcan Baru facts
- The distance from the base of the mountain to its peak is roughly ten miles. The hike is, therefore, about twenty miles round-trip.
- The mountain is located just south of the Continental Divide.
- The towns of Volcan and Cerro Punta can be found on the western side of the mountain. The town of Boquete can be found on the eastern side of the mountain.
- The trail leading to the eastern side of the summit is easier and less technically difficult than the trail leading to the western side. Anyone interested in hiking the western trail will need to hire an experienced guide.
- Though the climate of Chiriqui is generally warm, the summit of Volcan Baru is notoriously chilly, and hikers ought to wear warm clothes.
- The summit of Volcan Baru is often obscured by clouds, and hikers ought to be prepared to hike in the rain.
The Bottom Line
Travel to Panama has become increasingly popular in recent years, but the country still remains something of an undiscovered gem, and the province of Chiriqui in particular offers its visitors of treasure trove of charms just waiting to be discovered. Its beautiful beaches and breathtaking highlands are certain to appeal to tourists of all ages, and its most notable landmark, Volcan Baru, is sure to amaze anyone privileged enough to see it.
Photo by Desi Burgos
[...] needs and makes for a pleasurable day-stop if you’re on your way to Chiriqui highlights such as Volcan Baru or the glittering Gulf of Chiriqui. Heat Advisory Situated on the coastal plain at the foothills of [...]
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