Boquete, a valley in the middle of green mountains, is a very special destination for hiking lovers. Its paths take you through farms, jungle and cloud forests, offering you different landscapes with each walk. Discover the thousand colors of this beautiful district in these 11 trails that we have for you.
1. Baru Volcano
- Location: Volcan
- Distance: 8.69 miles (14 km).
- Difficulty: high.
To get to the top, going up from Boquete, it is best to start walking in the early morning. Volcan Baru National Park opens at 4 a.m. and it takes 6 to 8 hours to arrive. At these times the wildlife is very active, so you will hear and see all kinds of animals. Around 250 species of birds and many mammals have been recorded on this route, including 5 species of felines. Both the summit and the trail have unforgettable views.
Tip
Always check with the authorities before embarking on this path. Occasionally this park is closed due to excessive rain.
The park has a camping area in its highest part. If you’re feeling bold, you can spend the night to see the sunrise while you’re sitting among the clouds.
Entrance to the park costs approximately US$5 and tours vary between approximately US$30 and US$150.
2. The Lost Waterfalls
- Location: Los Naranjos.
- Distance: 1.2 miles (3.2 km).
- Difficulty: Moderate.
If you want to combine your walks with very refreshing breaks, don't miss this trail. The route joins 3 beautiful waterfalls, which you can see by deviating a few feet along the forks in the path. Make sure you wear a bathing suit, since in waterfalls 2 and 3 you will find pools to take a dip and enjoy the landscape in the middle of the water.
Tip
Keep in mind that this is a dirt path. In the rainy season it fills with mud and tends to be very slippery. Wear shoes with good grip soles.
If you find the path very challenging, you can stop only at the first waterfall or follow the path without making the detours.
Entrance to the trail costs approximately US$7 if you go alone or approximately US$38 in the company of a guide.
3. Pipeline Trail in Boquete
- Location: Bajo Mono.
- Distance: 2 miles (3.05 km).
- Difficulty: Low to moderate.
A flat and well-defined walk, perfect to do with the family. The trail follows the path of a river through the natural jungle towards an impressive waterfall. You will have to cross several bridges, from which you will see the deep forest on both sides of the river. Take the time to admire the immense tree more than 1,000 years old that is halfway along the path. You will recognize it by its enormous roots and the desire that will make you want to take a photo when you see it. You should always be aware of your surroundings: you may see species such as howler monkeys, snakes and, with some luck, the quetzal.
Tip
The entrance to the trail costs around US$3 but you can hire an organized tour or a guide to accompany you for an approximate cost of US$38 per person.
4. El Pianista Trail
- Location: Los Naranjos.
- Distance: 5 miles (8.18 km).
- Difficulty: high.
Climbing more than 2,000 feet (600 meters), the trail takes you past views of the hills and through a dense cloud forest. Walk to the top in the middle of a landscape full of life where clouds and flowers touch.
Tip
This trail is located in the middle of a wild and changing nature, do it in the company of a certified guide who knows the terrain very well. Do not embark on this trail on rainy days, as the mud may cause you to slip. Take care of yourself and respect the guidelines of the guides and locals.
5. La Piedra de Lino Trail: on the Edge of the Mountain
- Location: Los Naranjos.
- Distance: 0.80 miles (1.3 km).
- Difficulty: moderate to high.
A short trail but with a climb of 1,423 feet (434 meters). This slope is a challenge for the brave. Don't stop climbing until you reach the large Lino stone. From there you can look out to enjoy the views of the Baru Volcano, Bajo Mono and Boquete.
Tip
Wear hiking boots or shoes with good grip soles for this trail. Remember that the climb is hard, and the path can be slippery. Always go in the company of a guide and, if the weather is ideal, stay to watch the sunset. You will not regret it.
6. Los Quetzales Trail
- Location: Volcan Baru National Park, Bajo Mono.
- Distance: 11.30 miles (18.2 km).
- Difficulty: Moderate.
This Los Quetzales Trail connects two charming destinations. Visit the house of the mysterious quetzals to walk from Bajo Mono to Cerro Punta.
The particular thing about this trail is that the most iconic point, “The Rock,” is halfway along the path. So you can walk just 6 miles (9.6 km) to get to this viewpoint or take the trail to the end. It will depend on you and the effort you want to make. Enjoy the beautiful landscape in the middle of pure nature and return the same way. You will see immense trees with their gigantic roots and vines, butterflies, many types of insects, mammals and birds.
If you decide to continue the remaining 5.5 miles (9 km), after the suspension bridge the hike becomes a little more challenging as you begin the ascent towards Cerro Punta.
Tip
Check with the authorities before planning your visit to the park as they occasionally close the trail due to rain.
This road ends in the Tierras Altas district. You can combine the two destinations and arrange to transfer your luggage to your new location or return to Boquete that same day.
7. Exploring the Culebra Trail
- Location: Los Naranjos.
- Distance: 2.75 miles (4.43 km).
- Difficulty: low to high.
Don't let the name of this trail (Snake Trail) scare you: although you will find incredible natural fauna, the name is due to the curved shape of its path.
The road is a paradise for flower lovers. In the middle of a cloud forest, you will see the terrain and the trunks of the trees covered with moss, you will find orchids of all colors and shapes. You will find several species of ferns and many more plants, such as leafy liverworts.
Tip
To have an unforgettable experience, travel this path with a specialized guide who will tell you about all the life that surrounds you. The tours cost approximately US$35 per person.
8. The Epic Journey to Piedra de la India Vieja
- Location: Jaramillo.
- Distance: 4.34 miles (7 km).
- Difficulty: high.
This trail will take you to the edge of the mountain, a rocky summit with one of the best landscapes in Boquete.
The road is a fairly hard climb, with a trail in the middle of wild nature. Although it can be quite challenging due to the steepness and uneven terrain, getting to La Piedra (The Rock) viewpoint is always worth it. Walk along the edge of the summit, over the stones and surrounded by the mountains in an ideal setting to connect with nature and take photos.
Tip
This trail is not well marked or demarcated, so it is very important that you always do it in the company of a certified guide who knows and has all the necessary resources for a safe hike.
9. Jä Gwätä ñöi Waterfall
- Location: Caldera
- Distance: 1.24 miles (2 km).
- Difficulty: Easy
Getting to this waterfall is quite easy, since it is located near the road. As you get closer, from the car and during the short way to the fall you will see very particular giant stones. Once at the waterfall, go up to the upper pool to see the cliff with a drop of 26 feet (8 meters).
Here the trip is pure adrenaline. In Jä Gwätä the bravest dare to jump from the stones into the natural pool of crystal clear water.
Tip
Although it is a fairly easy trail to follow, always remember to be accompanied by a local or specialized guide who can know the place and the safest way to enjoy it. This waterfall is within the territory of the Ngäbe community, so it will be a great opportunity to learn much more about this people and their culture.
10. Path to the Piedra del Musgo
- Location: Jaramillo
- Distance: 1.8 miles (3 km).
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail takes you to a very nice viewpoint, where you can see the Boquete valley. The first part of the trail is through rural landscapes, you will see agricultural farms and farm animals, such as horses and cows. Then the road enters the primary forest, a tropical jungle that fills the much wilder environment with green.
From this point, begin an ascent towards the viewpoint. But the most iconic part of this trail is the famous abandoned car in the middle of the jungle. This place will be the perfect point to take photos straight from the movies. Have fun in this strange scenery before following the path to the top.
From above you will see beautiful panoramic views and colorful flora. Don't miss the details in the colors of the moss, flowers and mushrooms that grow along the way.
11. La Dama de la Montaña
- Location: Los Naranjos
- Distance: 1.40 miles (2.25 km).
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail begins in the middle of an open field surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Boquete. Then walk among the middle of giant trees, along a fairly open path where you can watch birds. There you can find finches, tanagers, hummingbirds, nightingales, trogons, toucanets and woodpeckers. The path then enters the depths of a cloud forest, special for seeing flowers, such as orchids or medicinal plants.
Finally, the trail ends at La Dama de la Montaña, a 50-foot-high (15 meters) waterfall which, with its beauty, gives the feeling of being in a sacred place. Here the tradition is to take a bath in icy-cold water from the natural pool... Do you feel bold enough to be part of the ceremony?
Tip
Keep in mind that, due to the weather and temperature, the water is really cold. If you are willing to complete the full adventure, make sure you have a change of clothes and a coat to take on the return trip.
Where to stay in
Boquete
