Summit trail
A gravel road and path of about 13 km from the ranger station to the summit, steep and cold at the top. A guide and a very early start are advised.
Boquete · Chiriquí · Panama
Volcán Barú National Park
The highest point in Panama, a volcano above Boquete with cloud forest, quetzals and views of two oceans on clear days.
- Summit about 3,475 m
- About 14,000 ha
- Resplendent quetzal
- Summit hike at night
About the park
Volcán Barú National Park protects the slopes of the highest mountain in Panama, a dormant volcano rising above the highland town of Boquete, close to the border with Costa Rica. Its forest changes from cloud forest on the lower slopes to stunted forest and open rock near the top.
The summit hike from the ranger station is long and demanding, about 13 km in each direction, and is usually started at night to reach the top for sunrise, when on clear days both the Pacific and the Caribbean can be seen. Easier options are the lower trails of the park and the Sendero Los Quetzales, a trail of about 8 km through cloud forest between Cerro Punta and Boquete.
- The highest point in Panama
- Cloud forest with quetzals
- Sunrise from the summit on a clear day
- Boquete: coffee farms, hot springs and trails
Wildlife
Resplendent quetzalHummingbirdsVolcano juncoMany orchids and bromeliads
Trails
Sendero Los Quetzales
A trail of about 8 km through cloud forest linking Cerro Punta and Boquete. It was closed after storms in 2021 and has been reported reopened, so check the current condition.
Boquete valley
Outside the park, the valley offers coffee farm tours, hot springs, waterfalls and a mild climate.
Plan your visit
- Entrance
- Mainland parks are in the lower price tier: foreign adults pay a few dollars, children under 12 are free. The portal shows the exact price when you book.
- Guide
- A guide is recommended for the summit and the quetzal trails.
- Best time
- The dry season from December to April is best; the summit is very cold at any time of the year.
- What to bring
- Warm and waterproof clothes, a headlamp for the night hike, strong boots, water and snacks.
Book your entrance online
Entrance to Panama's protected areas is sold online through the official MiAmbiente reservation portal: you choose the area and the date, enter the name and passport number of each visitor, and pay by card. You receive a code to show at the entrance.
If you book a tour or a stay with us, we can arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and fees are approximate and based on published information from the Panamanian Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and public guides; fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
Boquete is about 40 minutes from David and about 6 hours from Panama City. The park entrance is a short drive or taxi ride from the town.
By air
David has an airport with flights from Panama City. Ask us for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can everyone climb to the summit?
It is a long, steep walk of about 13 km each way and needs good fitness; most people start at night.
Will I see a quetzal?
There is a chance in the cloud forest, best in the early morning with a guide, but wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Do you offer this as a tour?
We arrange Boquete and Barú on request. Tell us your dates.