Tierras Altas

The Tierras Altas region is a quite different place from the rest of Panamá. It is a mountainous district located in the extreme west of the country, in the province of Chiriquí. Take in its peaks, forests, rivers, and set out on an adventure among agriculture and culinary activities it has in store for you. Can you fathom how it feels to see both oceans at the same time? Well, in Tierras Altas, you can!

Its visitors are welcome at any time of the year, with the coolest temperature in the country: between 53 ºF and 77 ºF (12 ºC and 25 ºC).

The Highest Peak in Panamá
The World's Most Valuable Coffee
Tierras Altas Wildlife
Getting There
Plan Your Trip to Tierras Altas

Couple at sunset in the top of Baru Volcano. At the background you can see huge clouds

The Highest Peak in Panamá

In Tierras Altas, you can find the highest peak in Panamá, the Barú Volcano at 11,410 feet (3,475 meters) above sea level, and in its foothills lies the town of Volcán, the district seat. This town looks like a Christmas village during springtime. Here, you can find different styles of cabins, including wooden houses and hotels with chimneys. It is also called “Little Switzerland,” thanks to its architecture and temperature.

Coffee experience with indigenous group at Boquete

The World's Most Valuable Coffee

The coffee from Tierras Altas is at another level. Much of the coffee produced in Panamá is grown here, especially the Geisha coffee variety, the most valuable in the world! In Volcán itself, you can visit several farms and learn about the entire artisanal process.

Visitors walk near the river in FInca Guardia

Tierras Altas Wildlife

Hikers have declared Tierras Altas as one of their favorite places.

In addition to the Barú Volcano Natural Park, there is an international park called La Amistad (PILA). This is one of the five Panamanian assets declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its conservation and importance for the environment. The two parks, bird watching, and wildlife such as quetzals and orchids are unforgettable places and activities that you cannot miss.

To the right of the town of Volcán lies a quiet area called Cuesta de Piedra. It hides some jewels of nature, such as the Macho de Monte canyon. A canyon with natural walls 15 meters high from where the crystalline water flows. If you are in the area, do not hesitate to make a recreational stop.

Further north lies Cerro Punta, an area known as the pantry of Panamá. It is a lovely place with gardens, coffee plantations, equestrian and cattle farms, and hydroponic and greenhouse farms.

Enjoy the heights. The adventure and the pantry of Panamá. Tierras Altas is calling you.

Couple at the Top of Barú Volcano, Province of Chiriquí

Getting There

To reach Tierras Altas by air, take a flight to David, Chiriqui, from either of Panama City's airports: Tocumen or Marcos A. Gelabert. Once in David, you must take a car for about 1.5 hours to reach Cerro Punta.

If going by road, drive approximately 6 hours on the Pan-American Highway to David. There, look for the turn-off to Tierras Altas and drive for another 1.5 hours. Or take one of the buses with regular departures from the Gran Terminal de Albrook in Panama City. These will take you to the David Terminal in approximately 6 hours. There, you will need to change, taking another bus or car to your destination in Tierras Altas.

If you are in the neighboring town of Boquete, you will be just 1.5 hours by road to complete your adventure in the mountains of Panamá.