Parque Nacional Volcan Baru or the ‘Baru Volcano’ National Park, spread over an area of 14,323 square hectares, was established in 1976 in the Province of Chiriqui, located in the north of Panama. The park finds itself in a position of immense geological and ecological significance in the country as it houses and protects wide biological diversity involving some very unique animal and plant species. Although the ‘Baru’ Volcano isn’t active anymore, its summit boasts of being the highest point in the country, located about 3475 meters above sea level.
The park houses the most agriculturally productive areas in the country as it renders fertile soil and a temperate climate optimal for growing a variety of vegetables. This hiking, mountain climbing, and camping destination in Panama can be reached in one hour by air or in six hours by road from Panama City.
Major Places, Attractions, and Activities
Senderos Los Quetzales
Senderos Los Quetzales is a renowned hike in the Boquete region of Panama. The region also houses other major hikes in the country, but the Quetzales trail is the most loved because it provides tourists a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of the decorated and elusive ‘Quetzal Bird’. The ‘Quetzal’ is a beautiful multicolored bird, with awe-inspiring red feathers in the front and green feathers in the back. This bird, sacred to American mythology, has a very long tail, growing up to 90 cm in male species.
There are many ways to go about the hiking trail running between Cerro Punta and Boquete, located 1000 m downhill from Cerro Punta. The best way, however, is to start the trail at sunrise from the ranger station at Alto Chiquero, located 8 km below the town of Boquete. Travelers can use a taxi or can even walk the complete trail. Hikers will find the viewing point, ‘Mirador Roca’, midway through the trail, rendering a bird’s eye view of the picturesque surroundings. People can rest and take their lunch here before resuming the trail. The scenario during hiking may change, affected by heavy rains, storms, and landslides, therefore hiking with a travel guide is recommended. High chances of getting lost during the trail in stretches, possessing effectively no resources for survival, further increase the importance of a guide.
Volcan Baru
Another hiking point in the area is the Baru Volcano, the highest mountain in Panama, standing about 3475 m above sea level. The place is a popular destination worldwide as, on a clear day, the summit can render a clear and panoramic view into both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. But don’t lose hope on a rough and cloudy day as the Volcano, now inactive, also offers national parks on both its western and eastern sides. The path to the top consists of lush green hills, dense forests, and rocky cliffs towards the end. It takes around 6-7 hours one way to reach the highest point in Panama, so starting the hike with a travel guide at around 11:00 at night is recommend if you want to reach the top during sunrise when the views are the best.
Finca Dracula
Finca Dracula is located in Guadalupe in the highlands of Chiriqui. This privately owned botanical garden boasts of a collection of around two thousand species of orchids, along with extensive tropical gardens. The place was founded by a man named Andrew Maduro when he decided to acquire a largely abandoned pastureland and then converted it into a farm, housing a large variety of plant and flower species. The place is located around 2200 m above sea level, rendering the perfect climate for growing orchids. The farm, however, is a Dracula kingdom as it houses 112 of the 120 Dracula Orchids existing in the world, giving it the name ‘Finca Dracula’.
Tourists can take a tour of the lush green gardens that house a variety of native plants, birds, and animal species. Also, the ‘Orchid Exhibition’ shows orchids of different shapes, sizes, and textures and the guide will tell you about the planting strategies for each species. The cafeteria here renders delicious sweets made from indigenous ingredients, giving a fresh and local feel. The Orchid Garden and the Succulent Garden housed here are the two most unique gardens in the country.
Places to Stay and Eat
Tourists can always find places to rest and eat in and around the highlands of Chiriqui, including beautiful campgrounds and hotels. The best places include:
Parque Nacional Volcan Baru Camping
Midway through the hiking trail running between Cerro Punta and Boquete, tourists will find a beautiful camping spot called Mirador La Roca, at the entrance to the Sendero Los Quetzales on the Cerro Punta side, providing extensive views of the surroundings. The place is a picnic cum camping spot where people can rest and have lunch before resuming their hike. In addition to this, camping and eating are also possible in the national parks.
Cabanas el Parador
Located a 15-minute drive from Boquete, this hotel offers luxury lodgings with free Wi-Fi and parking facilities. The place also offers cable TVs, wardrobes, and ceiling fans. The full kitchen comes with a refrigerator and dining area and the private bathrooms come with showers. Tourists can find a variety of restaurants in the nearby area, along with a general store 15 km away. The Baru Volcano National Park is also around 10-15 km from the chalet.
Hotel Bambito Resort
Hotel Bambito Resort by Faranda Boutique is a luxury accommodation located in Bambito, a mountain village on the way to Cerro Punta. The rooms offer picturesque views into the countryside and render a local charm for tourists. All rooms offer cable TVs and private bathrooms; some rooms also offer private balconies. The luxury amenities include a lounge, game room, and a health club, including tennis courts, a spa with a sauna and a swimming pool, a restaurant (Las Truchas), and a bar. Travelers can also participate in various outdoor activities while staying in the resort, including fishing and horseback riding. The hotel staff also provides relevant updates on the hiking trails of Sendero Los Quetzales.
Conclusion
The above article talks about the hiking trails and other exciting experiences of Parque Nacional Volcan Baru. The best places to visit for scintillating hiking experiences include the Senderos Los Quetzales, home to the world-renowned ‘Quetzal’ birds; the Baru Volcano, boasting of having the highest peak in Panama and providing a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time.
A visit to the beautiful orchid gardens of Finca Dracula also provides a mesmerizing experience. The Province of Chiriqui has many picnic spots and campgrounds on hiking trails, along with various hotels and lodgings with on-site restaurants. Your trip to Panama would be incomplete without experiencing these beautiful locations in Chiriqui.
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