Boquete Offers Natural Wonders for Independent Hiking
Boquete is home to a range of adventures, but not all of them require booking excursions in advance. A number of outings, even ones offered by the adventure companies, can be done on your own at the spur of the moment. If you have a car it’s even easier, but arranging a taxi to get to these places isn’t much of a problem.
Boquete Waterfall Hike
Take the main road past town and keep going north until it forks. There should be a sign on the right that signifies this road goes in a loop. It doesn’t matter which direction you take, but we found the trail head after heading left and following the road until it steered right over several windy curves. You’ll pass a large white sign that advertises a hotel and hiking trails; the trail you’re looking for is about two minutes past this point. Stop when you see a dirt road that leads up to painted signs around a gate.
The trail runs through private property, but the $3 entrance fee is well worth it. We met with a group of Israeli backpackers who joined us along the way.
The hike begins in a small native community where groups gather around to play soccer on a mud field, then progresses into the forest. Beautiful trees, bridges crossing over streams, and side trails that open up to beautiful vine overhangs lie along the 1-hour uphill trek.
The waterfall drops more than a hundred feet from crescent-shaped cliffs overhead, creating a near panoramic scene that you will likely have all to yourself.
When we eventually decided to head back, the Israelis asked if we had been to the hot springs yet. That answered where the rest of the day would take us.
Local soccer game on the way to the waterfall.
Caldera Hot Springs
A widely-visited destination for tour groups, the excursion isn’t all that complicated once you know the directions. Leave town the same way you came in and drive for about 15 minutes until you see the turnoff for Caldera, printed on a large white sign that looks like an advertisement for real estate. You’ll pass housing developments and enter a number of turns that take you through the countryside. You’ll reach the town of Caldera a few minutes later. Follow the road until you see a sign for the hot springs on your right. This will take you along a dirt road that opens up to a dam.
If you don’t have an SUV, you’ll likely have to get out and walk from here. Cross the dam and take the downhill path straight ahead, where you’ll cross a wide bridge. If driving, park and walk up the hill, turning left at the first gate you see. Keep following the trail and you’ll arrive at a farm. Pay the $2 entry fee and the hot springs are straight ahead.
Got all that? Okay cool.
Island Interns get hot in the natural jacuzzi at Caldera Hot Springs.
TAGS: Chiriqui Do & See Hiking Island Intern Nature Panama Panama Do & SeeThe hot springs, surrounded by stone walls, are at ideal Jacuzzi temperature. Smooth stones provide excellent seats to enjoy the water. Two hot springs stand here, one hot and the other extra hot. But if you feel yourself getting too warm, the cool river is a minute down the hill.
Getting there is half the fun, and a natural hot tub makes uncovering your destination that much more rewarding.
