The Volcán Barú is the highest point in Panama at some  3,474 metres (11,398 ft) high. It is one of the most interesting attractions in Boquete both for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The Barú is a dormant volcano. The last major eruption of the mountain was about 500 AD (although there are reports and some evidence of a minor eruption around 1550 AD). The mountain is located just south of the Continental Divide in the western Chiriquí Province, it is surrounded by a fertile area of cool highlands drained by the Chiriquí and Caldera rivers. The towns of Volcan and Cerro Punta can be found on its western side, while Boquete is on the eastern flank.

Due to its height and Panama’s relatively short width, it is possible to see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea from Volcán Barú’s peak on a clear day(1). The occasional fall of snow has been reported on the summit, where the minimal temperature can be below 0°C (32°F) and the formation of frost is frequent during the dry season.

The mountain is the center of the Volcan Baru National Park, a 14,325 hectares (35,000 acres) protected area that has a highly valuable geological and ecological scenic landscape that protects a biological diversity with some unique species of this area. In this park you will find tropical rainforest landscaped with highlands species and the remains of the last blast of the Baru Volcano that happened millions of years ago.

Guided tours from Boquete can be arranged at Boquete Visitor Center.

Glide through the treetops of century-old forests, high above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru volcano.

Tarzan, 21st century! Who would have thought that a technology utilized hundreds of years ago by our indigenous people and later perfected by botanists and naturalists to observe and study the behaviors of wild creatures in their natural habitat, would be transformed into one of the most revered extreme sports.

Drop us a line to get your adventure started!

There’s great hiking all around Boquete and the mountains surrounding the town.

Hiking in Boquete offers many opportunities to enjoy not only close contact with nature and a variety of ecosystems, but also with the local coffee culture, flower production and farming, staple economical activities of the area.

Boquete is nestled in the slopes of a dormant volcano, the Baru Volcano, located some 14,00 feet above sea level. The mountain forms part of La Amistad International park jointly administered by Panama and Costa Rica. Hiking to the volcano is a wonderful experience, a little challenging, but greatly rewarding. If you prefer an equally pleasant but not overly challenging day hike, consider a walk among the hundreds of distinct species of flora in the mountains and roads closer to the town.

Some essential objects to take on any hiking or camping trip, in Boquete are: canteens, good hiking boots, a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen. Due to the weather conditions here, specially during the green season, a hiker must consider the rain factor and take plenty of socks, raingear and a jacket.

Be sure to stop by Boquete Visitor Center to give you the best options and packages available.

Boquete, Panama offers to birders great birdwatching opportunities within relatively short distances, involving very diverse habitats. The mountains surrounding the valley of  Boquete, the Baru Volcano and La Amistad International Park are the most popular places to spot literally hundreds of species of birds. Exciting guided tours and itineraries take you to wonderful locations where you are able to enjoy the best of birding and nature.

Boquete is the perfect starting point for a number of activities that take place in nearby areas in Chiriqui. One of the most popular is river rafting and kayaking. With over 150 inches of  annual rainfall, the Chiriqui province offers dozens of world-class river rafting and kayaking places. The combination of the region’s topography, abundant watersheds and incredible biological diversity make Panama, and specially Chiriqui, an extraordinary whitewater rafting destination. From Class II for an easy, relaxed trip  to a demanding  Class V, Chiriqui is an exciting destination among whitewater enthusiasts worldwide.

Since expertise and a perfect safety record are of the utmost importance, at Boquete Visitor Center we can recommend you the most reputable operators for a great adventure!

Located in the slopes of the Baru Volcano and close to La Amistad International Park, Boquete is the ideal place for those who seek a great vacation with minimal impact on the environment. Activities like hiking, river-rafting, horse-back riding, bird-watching and many others give the visitor the opportunity to experience first hand the diversity of flora and fauna of the area.

One attraction you can’t miss on your visit to Boquete is the Caldera hot springs. Caldera is a small quaint town about 30 minutes  from Boquete. The place is also famous for its petroglyphs and its wide golden meadows are suitable for horseback riding.

The 5 natural pools that compose the hot springs -which are rumored to have healing properties- are well kept by the owners of the property where they are located (There is a symbolic charge of $2 dollars that is used to keep the area in pristine condition). The temperature of the springs is variable, the hottest pool reaches about 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you decide to visit the Caldera hot springs, it is advisable to take some bug spray for the walk back. Contact us for more information. We will happily inform you on available tours and ways to get there!

Horseback riding in Boquete takes place mainly in the beautiful area of Caldera (some 20 minutes from Boquete), yet other mountainous zones and even downtown Boquete are also covered by the tour operators. With a variety of ecosystems and topographical features, horseback riding in Boquete is rewarding.

This activity is very popular for families or groups!

Stop by Boquete Visitor Center, we have a number of options for you!