Tierras Altas is an incredible destination for those who love to walk among nature and challenge themselves while doing so. Its mountains are criss-crossed by trails with ascents and descents that vary depending on the route you choose. Hike to magnificent waterfalls and marvel at the abundant greenery and stunning views. Travel its paths, climb its mountains and discover its different microclimates that give life to an immense diversity. Do it by following this list of 11 routes for hikers of all levels.
1. Ascent to Volcan Baru
- Location: Volcan
- Distance: 13.5 km (8.3 miles)
- Difficulty: high
In Tierras Altas, the shortest and most challenging trail begins to reach the summit of Volcan Baru, the highest peak in Panamá. The climb lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours and you must do it in the company of a specialized guide. You will arrive at one of the best viewpoints in the country. You will go up in the middle of a forest whose vegetation will change: from humid mountainous forest to low forests. This is one of the unique combinations in the country.
When you reach the top, which is at 11,410 ft. (3,475) meters above sea level, you will be able to have unparalleled panoramic views, marvel at sunrises above the clouds and, on clear days, you can see both oceans from the same vista point!
To be able to see the sunrise from the tip, there are two options: make the ascent at night and reach the top with the first rays of sun, or go up during the day, sleep in the camping area and wake up with the sunrise. As you climb, you will see how many types of birds, felines, monkeys and rodents accompany you on the way.
Tip:
The temperature of the park varies from 68 ºF to 50 ºF (20 ºC to 10 ºC) and in the early mornings it can drop to 32 °F (0 °C). When you pack, please remember to bring layers of light clothing that you can put on and off during the journey.
Remember that this is a protected area. Please do not touch or feed the animals. Take care of the environment and yourself.
2. Panama Verde Trail
- Location: La Amistad International Park, Las Nubes.
- Distance: 400 m (1,312 feet)
- Difficulty: Easy.
A short, flat trail within an immense protected forest, La Amistad International Park (PILA) has for years welcomed scientists and nature lovers who study life within the forest. On this trail, you and your family can also enjoy walking a small portion of the park and getting to know the secondary forest. Make the most of the walk to look for wild animals such as monkeys, butterflies and birds.
Tip:
This trail is clearly marked and does not require a guide. Likewise, we advise you to stop by the forest center so that you know all the details of the important forest you are about to visit.
3. El Retoño Trail
- Location: La Amistad International Park, Las Nubes.
- Distance: 2.4 km (1.49 miles).
- Difficulty: Easy.
Another trail that’s perfect for the whole family. It is quite flat and short, you can complete it and continue the adventure with another activity the same day. The most fun thing about this path is that you will cross two rivers: the first by jumping from stone to stone, and the second by walking on a log that goes from one bank to the other. Walk carefully as the trees are covered with orchids, ferns, mushrooms and serve as shelter for several species of birds. You might spot a quetzal or hear its song as you walk.
Tip:
Wear appropriate shoes for jumping between the stones and be very careful when doing so.
4. La Cascada Trail
- Location: La Amistad International Park, Las Nubes.
- Distance: 3.73 miles (6 km)
- Difficulty: Medium
This is the most complete and most difficult trail in this sector. It starts at the Las Nubes center. It is steep and more than half of the way is uphill, though at these heights you can enjoy the abundant flora and fauna of the park. When you finish climbing, you will arrive at “La Nevera,” a truly special setting where you can see the condensation of the clouds on the giant trees of the place. Afterwards, the descent towards the Mirador and the Waterfall begins. The water is cold but the experience is incomparable. If you decide not to swim, you can always reward yourself with spectacular views worthy of some beautiful pictures.
Tip:
Although the trails are well marked and have been recently restored, it is recommended to visit with a guide so you can get more out of your tour and spot the wildlife more easily.
Remember that this is one of the last refuges for Central American big cats. By walking through the PILA you are visiting a World Heritage Site that was declared as such by UNESCO due to its immense biodiversity.
5. Los Quetzales Trail
- Location: Cerro Punta
- Distance: 9.6 km (6 miles)
- Difficulty: Medium
This trail connects two very important points in the mountainous area of Panamá: Cerro Punta and Boquete. It is famous because the quetzal, the mythological bird of the native peoples of the region, lives there. Travel in the company of a specialized guide who will help you find some of the hundreds of pairs of this species that have been counted among the branches of the park.
The Los Quetzales Trail is long, but relatively easy. It’s a perfect challenge if you like to walk without a major workout. Another advantage of starting in Cerro Punta is that you will go downhill constantly.
You can do this trail in any season: just remember to be careful not to slip, especially in the rainy months which stretch from October to December.
The route is mostly done in the middle of a dense cloud forest. Look towards the treetops and you can see monkeys and different species of birds.
Tip:
This trail ends in Boquete, another destination that you will fall in love with. If you want to do the complete trail, you don’t have to return to the starting point. You can book a hotel and hire a service that will move your luggage to the other end while you walk in the middle of the forest.
6. Climb to Cerro Punta From Entre Rios
- Location: Cerro Punta
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty: high
With a 45° incline start, this is one of the most challenging trails in the region. Although it depends on your physical condition, the climb may force you to stop several times. Take the opportunity to breathe fresh air and spot all kinds of species in the trees.
The path is bordered by the flora of tropical cloud forests, where orchids and bromeliads abound. You will pass through a cave that increases the adrenaline and makes this an unforgettable experience. The summit offers a complete view of Cerro Punta that you won't want to miss.
Tip:
Although the best-known ascent is from Entre Rios, you can also choose other routes, depending on the day, your physical condition and the tour you book. The other two roads are in Las Nubes 3.4 miles (5.4 km) and Guadalupe 3.7 miles (6 km).
7. Mount Totumas
- Location: Nueva California
- Distance: 30 km (18.6 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
This incredible private reserve has a network of 9 trails that together make up over 18.6 miles (30 km) of hiking. In the middle of high altitude landscapes you can find mammals such as monkeys, nasuas, agoutis and anteaters. Mount Totumas is also a strategic place for bird watching: more than 260 species have been recorded in the reserve, including the highly sought-after quetzal.
Most of the trails, which lead to viewpoints and waterfalls, are easy and you can explore them alone or with the company of a guide who will give you more information about the fauna and flora of the place. If you still want a greater challenge, you can climb to the top of Mount Totumas at 8,628 feet (2,630 meters) above sea level.
Tip:
Mount Totuma features different types of luxury rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, and coffee tours. The entire concept is developed for nature lovers and has an important focus on conservation. If you are not staying on site, to explore its trails you will have to book with an authorized tour operator.
8. Macho de Monte Canyon
- Location: Cuesta Piedra
- Distance: 800 m (0.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
This waterfall, located in the middle of a canyon, will leave you speechless. The incredible stone walls enclose the bed of a river with completely crystalline waters.
There you can enjoy three different experiences:
1. Descend from the top of the canyon to the river bank along a path that has been prepared with stones and requires aids such as ropes and harnesses. Then continue along the river bank until you reach the attractive finale, the Charco Brujo. The dip will be refreshing in the middle of a natural landscape.
2. Add adrenaline to your day and go rappelling in a 20 meter free fall. Then follow the path until you reach El Brujo and finish your experience with a refreshing swim.
3. If you love birdwatching, stay in the upper part of the canyon where 300 different species of birds live. This hotspot for poultry tourism is super easy to access and does not require great physical effort. It is also perfect if you have reduced mobility.
Tip:
For these adventures, always go in the company of an expert guide who will provide you with the necessary equipment. Assistance from ropes, harnesses and helmets is required. Always ask about the weather: in the rainy season there may be flash floods.
9. Lagunas de Volcan
- Location: Volcan
- Distance: 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
The Lagunas de Volcan are part of a wetland full of diversity. Although the lagoons are located within private properties, the 143 hectares of the wetland have been declared a protected area and have public access. The tour begins in the valley to end in a secondary forest, where you can find an immense variety of flora and fauna.
Visit the lagoons in the early hours of the day to be able to listen to the more than 425 species of native and migratory birds that come to this place.
Tip
This trip is a little different from the others since most of the hike is done in a valley. Because there is very little shade, we recommend that you protect yourself from the sun and bring enough water.
Although the lagoons can be explored on your own, the place is of great natural value and is worth exploring with a specialized guide. This will teach you about the flora and fauna around you, show you how to find birds among the trees and you can even choose a medicinal plant tour.
10. From Finca Guardia to Salto del Tigre Waterfall
- Location: Volcan
- Distance: 2.48 miles (4 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Have a slightly different morning on this tour that combines forest, mountain, valley, farm and rural landscapes. Something very curious and different about
this trail is that during the tour, in addition to a wide variety of flora, you will be able to see farm animals such as cows, horses and donkeys. Of course, in the midst of so much greenery, you can also encounter wild animals such as squirrels, monkeys and a wide variety of birds, especially hummingbirds. When you reach the waterfall, a drop of about 25 meters (82 feet) high will leave you with all your energy recharged.
At the waterfall you can have a picnic, enjoy nature and, for the bravest, you can even enjoy a quick swim in the clear, icy water at the bottom of the waterfall.
Tip
It is recommended to start your trip very early in the morning, as you will have better conditions, you will see many more animals and you will be able to return at noon to continue enjoying all the adventures that lie ahead.
11. Salto Cabello de Ángel Waterfall
- Location: Volcan
- Distance: 2.5 km (1.55 miles).
- Difficulty: high
You will see this immense waterfall from the Breñón road; Its height will undoubtedly leave you breathless. The fall is so striking that it has invited more than one adventurer to ask permission from the private estates that surround it to find the path next to the river and reach its incredible lagoon.
From below, the waterfall seems to disappear into the clouds. When it is at its greatest splendor, you can see up to four waterfalls falling. It has a height of 35 m and at its base a beautiful lagoon. The best part of the adventure is jumping from the rocks into the water and enjoying an icy dip.
Tip
The tour starts from a private property, from there you can walk along a small path used by the owners of the farm or go through the middle of the pine trees. The hike down is not marked and the trails are not well indicated, so it is very important to go with someone who knows their way.
Dare to walk under the forest and above the clouds, discover unparalleled landscapes and bathe in icy, crystalline waterfalls. To find wildlife at its best, always take advantage of the mornings. Wake up at sunrise, have a delicious cup of local coffee and embark on your adventure!
Where to Stay in
Tierras Altas
