Panama has some of the most popular mountain peaks in the region. The most notable is the Baru volcano, no more and no less than 3,474 meters high and from where it is possible to see the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at the same time on a clear day. For those who like hiking, visiting this site is a must-do experience when visiting Chiriqui Province.
Two Options to Ascend
There are two different starting points to begin the ascent. The most popular begins in Boquete and the second at Paso Ancho. In the second option the distance to the top is shorter, but the slope is much steeper and the path is hard with climbing sections. Due to the difficulty, it is only recommended for experts.
From Boquete, the Best Route to the Top of the Volcano
From Boquete the route can take 5 to 7 hours depending on the pace at which you ascend. The incline is not very steep, but the ascend is constant. The accumulated difference in altitude is 1800 meters in just over 11 kilometers. On this route it is possible to regulate the breaks much more to reach the summit at the desired time. The descent is much faster, just 2 or 3 hours.
Enjoy the Sunrise at the Top of the Baru Volcano
If you want to see the sunrise from the top, you must arrive before 5:30 am. For this reason, it is recommended to start the route from Boquete around 12 midnight. If you are in very good physical shape, it is possible to start a little later.
Another alternative is to do the entire climb during the afternoon and spend the night at about 200 meters from the summit in an area set up for tents. The next morning the camp is dismantled and the remaining section is completed until reaching the summit.
Comfortable Climb to the Top in All-Terrain Vehicles
If a Visitor also wants to enjoy the sunrise from the highest point in Panama, but does not want to walk all night, they can climb to the top of the Baru volcano in a 4X4 vehicle. Although it is a more expensive tour, it is much more comfortable, faster and even includes breakfast.
The climb in all terrains vehicles lasts approximately 1 hour. The tours arrive at a flat area shortly before dawn and from there they climb the last meters to the top. Normally, you have about half an hour to enjoy the views while the guide prepares a good breakfast. After breakfast, the descent begins, which lasts a little less than the ascent.
