Volcan Baru National Park
Volcan Baru National Park
4.5
About
Panama's highest peak and only volcano at 3,478 meters offers sweeping ocean views and spectacular cloud forests from its summit.
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- AniLittleton, Colorado6 contributionsBe prepared it’s a long and tough hike.Tough hike. It took us 6h to hike up and 4h to hike down. Total time hiking 10 hours. 13 kilometers one way. Very steep incline leading up. Good views from the top. We started hiking at 4:30 amVisited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 February 2023
- Vicsie72Leeds, United Kingdom16 contributionsGood day hike especially if you like peak baggingWe complete this hike yesterday. We decided we valued our sleep more than seeing the sunrise and so set off at 8.15am. It took us 4.5 hours to get up, we had 20 mins at the top then 3 hours down. I'm 50 and of average fitness and found it pretty easy. Despite reading reviews saying to start early we felt doing all the walk in the daylight worked better for us. There is plenty of shade on the route apart from the last hour. Just take plenty of suncream, water and wear good shoes and you'll smash it. Some nice views from the track along the way and great from the top.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2023
- betteskidBoston, Massachusetts1,310 contributionsMarvelous place to visit and see the sunriseWe visited here and saw the sunrise from the summit - an amazing experience. There are also interesting birds along the way. There are multiple hikes in the park but it is important to choose one that matches your abilities. Some of these are guided. You should definitely come here during your time in Boquette.Visited March 2023Written 1 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
435 reviews
Excellent
268
Very good
102
Average
44
Poor
13
Terrible
8
Natalie S
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Whoa buddy!! Hiking this is not for the faint of heart. It took us about 6 hours up and don’t be fooled by the signs saying the trail is 13.5 kilometers, we tracked it and it was closer to 9 miles. When we finally got to the top it was too cloudy to see the sunrise (we started hiking at midnight). The way down is much harder then you would think, big rocks makes it slippery. Going down took us another 6 hours. If you are not an experienced hiker this hike is HARD!
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
7,280 contributions
Jun 2023
I did this hike in late June 2023. The first step in travelling to Boquete is usually achieved by a flight to the airport in David. A taxi from the David airport to Boquete should cost between US$30-$40. Another option, is a taxi from the airport to the David transport terminal, which should cost between US$5-$10. There are regular buses from David to Boquete which cost approximately US$3. The Boquete bus station is opposite the Central Park of Boquete.
The next step, is to make a reservation at least 24 hours before the day of your trek. An email should be sent to "rcastillo@miambiente.gob.pa" stating basic information such as name, nationality, email, cell phone number and passport number. A response will be received confirming the reservation, and the park opening hours i.e. 4am - 1pm. The Ranger may ask to see the reservation email confirmation on your phone. Assuming that you are staying near to Central Park, a taxi can be arranged with your hostel for transport to the Park. The Park is an 8.5km drive west of the town center. The taxi will stop where Volcancito Road meets the rocky start of the entrance to the park. After a short 5 minute trek from the main road, the Ranger hut and entrance gate will be in sight. You will be asked to "sign in" the park reservation book, although you already have the email response confirming the reservation. Note that entry to the park is free.
Our group of four (4) reached the park entrance at 4am. It is a 13.5km hike to the summit. The height is 3,475m, and you will start the ascent from approximately 2,000m. We completed the hike to the summit in a little over 4 hours. For the first 2 hours of the hike, headlamps or flashlights are required, as the path is muddy and rocky. The path has approximately 4 areas where you will be walking downhill for short distances, but these areas are usually followed by steep uphill walks. On reaching the weather station area, a bit of climbing is required to reach the highest point. Care is required at this point, as the rocks may be slippery and a little difficult to negotiate. You will be rewarded with great views (if the weather cooperates).
The trek back down was just as difficult as the ascent. A steady pace will reduce stress on the knees, and the loose rocks and mud will require a careful descent. We took a little over 4 hours for the descent. There is no need to sign in at the Ranger station when departing the park. There usually is a colectivo bus parked at the Ranger station for returning trekkers, but this bus was not on site when we finished the trek. Luckily a member of our group was able to contact the taxi service and arrange pick up on the main road near the park entrance.
It was an enjoyable day in the park which started at 4:00am and ended at 1:30pm. You have to meet a basic level of fitness to attempt this trek, as it may be difficult for inexperienced hikers.
The next step, is to make a reservation at least 24 hours before the day of your trek. An email should be sent to "rcastillo@miambiente.gob.pa" stating basic information such as name, nationality, email, cell phone number and passport number. A response will be received confirming the reservation, and the park opening hours i.e. 4am - 1pm. The Ranger may ask to see the reservation email confirmation on your phone. Assuming that you are staying near to Central Park, a taxi can be arranged with your hostel for transport to the Park. The Park is an 8.5km drive west of the town center. The taxi will stop where Volcancito Road meets the rocky start of the entrance to the park. After a short 5 minute trek from the main road, the Ranger hut and entrance gate will be in sight. You will be asked to "sign in" the park reservation book, although you already have the email response confirming the reservation. Note that entry to the park is free.
Our group of four (4) reached the park entrance at 4am. It is a 13.5km hike to the summit. The height is 3,475m, and you will start the ascent from approximately 2,000m. We completed the hike to the summit in a little over 4 hours. For the first 2 hours of the hike, headlamps or flashlights are required, as the path is muddy and rocky. The path has approximately 4 areas where you will be walking downhill for short distances, but these areas are usually followed by steep uphill walks. On reaching the weather station area, a bit of climbing is required to reach the highest point. Care is required at this point, as the rocks may be slippery and a little difficult to negotiate. You will be rewarded with great views (if the weather cooperates).
The trek back down was just as difficult as the ascent. A steady pace will reduce stress on the knees, and the loose rocks and mud will require a careful descent. We took a little over 4 hours for the descent. There is no need to sign in at the Ranger station when departing the park. There usually is a colectivo bus parked at the Ranger station for returning trekkers, but this bus was not on site when we finished the trek. Luckily a member of our group was able to contact the taxi service and arrange pick up on the main road near the park entrance.
It was an enjoyable day in the park which started at 4:00am and ended at 1:30pm. You have to meet a basic level of fitness to attempt this trek, as it may be difficult for inexperienced hikers.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
betteskid
Boston, MA1,310 contributions
Mar 2023
We visited here and saw the sunrise from the summit - an amazing experience. There are also interesting birds along the way. There are multiple hikes in the park but it is important to choose one that matches your abilities. Some of these are guided. You should definitely come here during your time in Boquette.
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicsie72
Leeds, UK16 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We complete this hike yesterday. We decided we valued our sleep more than seeing the sunrise and so set off at 8.15am. It took us 4.5 hours to get up, we had 20 mins at the top then 3 hours down. I'm 50 and of average fitness and found it pretty easy. Despite reading reviews saying to start early we felt doing all the walk in the daylight worked better for us. There is plenty of shade on the route apart from the last hour. Just take plenty of suncream, water and wear good shoes and you'll smash it. Some nice views from the track along the way and great from the top.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelfunandenjoy
Jacksonville, FL68 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is a pure joy to get to the top and see sunrise, we took a 4 wheeler tour, started early at 3:45 am, but made it on time, now getting there is no quick trip, it’s a long, bumpy, slow trek driving over boulders, and be prepared, it’s cold atop, but on its top we could clearly see the Caribbean and pacific ocean
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S L
7 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The hike was nothing special. It‘s rough.
Good shoes are needed.
But the view at the end was amazing!
Get sure also have warm clothes with you. During the night and in the morning it‘s cold.
Amazing view
Good shoes are needed.
But the view at the end was amazing!
Get sure also have warm clothes with you. During the night and in the morning it‘s cold.
Amazing view
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ani
Littleton, CO6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Tough hike. It took us 6h to hike up and 4h to hike down. Total time hiking 10 hours. 13 kilometers one way. Very steep incline leading up. Good views from the top. We started hiking at 4:30 am
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enjoy
Zurich, Switzerland101 contributions
Dec 2022
We booked online 4x4 Volcan Baru ... really easy, fast answer...
Down payment online 30% / Personalized confirmation with driver name ...
4 am precise in front of hotel and let's go ...
Felix, good driver & guide / Good car & fast ....
Relatively cold at the top (extra clothes available), a lot of fun, beautiful scenery, personalized snacks, ... perfect !
Back to the hotel, happy !
Down payment online 30% / Personalized confirmation with driver name ...
4 am precise in front of hotel and let's go ...
Felix, good driver & guide / Good car & fast ....
Relatively cold at the top (extra clothes available), a lot of fun, beautiful scenery, personalized snacks, ... perfect !
Back to the hotel, happy !
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick H
2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Honestly Speaking... not a place to take family. Way overpriced. One can see all it has to offer across the fence from the parking lot. Waste of money when one can enjoy the free park in Boquete
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara G
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This is a must-see for anyone visiting Boquete. You will get spectacular views at 11,300 feet with the clouds below you. Dress warmly; it gets very cold at the top!
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanette P
Vacaville, CA95 contributions
Hi, Jeanette. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I am confused as some reviewers say you need to be in great physical shape to go to "Volcan Baru" and others talk about driving up! We are in our 70's with bad knees, etc. Does this rule us out of getting to Volcan Baru?
jen95401
Santa Rosa, CA61 contributions
I would advise against hiking it. It's a 4WD trail that you can either hike or drive a 4WD vehicle to get to the towers; that is the majority of the distance and elevation gain; the final ascent from the towers is probably 0.5 mile and technically challenging as you have to climb over some rocks, but it's not far if you can manage to get over the rocks ok. My recommendation if you have bad knees would be to join a tour or hire a driver unless you are comfortable driving on a 4WD trail yourself (I would not be comfortable myself), there are some steep sections. Once you get to the top, you do have to hike the very final ascent as mentioned already.
Eva
Panama City, Panama
Are dogs allowed in the reserve?
Reginald S
California, United States1,272 contributions
I honestly dont know? Sorry.
J'aimerais savoir comment vous avez fait pour réserver avec votre guide jorge lopez?
Nath D
Lyon, France11 contributions
Hello, is it possible to climb alone to reach top of Baru volcano ? If not, where can I find a guide ? How much does it cost ? I'm alone and I don't want to spend to much money. Thanks.
FernandoL1
London, UK186 contributions
There are a lot of people (including groups) climbing the volcano at night. They usually organise a shared taxi from your hotel with other tourists. No probs to do it by yourself
ayelen s
Buenos Aires, Argentina1 contribution
Vale la pena hacer la subida caminando? esta bueno el paisaje? Gracias!!
Mi instagram es enriquecmpos.trekking
Volcan, Panama1 contribution
Si claro es super subir el volcan baru. Una gran esperiencia inolvidable donde podras ver los dos mares y un hermoso amanecer . Lo he subido 28 veces y no me canso de subirlo y guiar personas a la cima .
El reto de subirlo es por paso ancho ya que aprecias paisages hermosos 👌👌👌👌
Sissi L
Madrid, Spain1 contribution
Bonjour, j'aimerais monter le volcan, où puis-je trouver un guide et combien ça coûte ? Merci d'avance
dan_richard09
Montreal, Canada
Bonjour,
Quel prix dois-je m'attendre à payer par personne pour louer un tour en Jeep avec un chauffeur. Quelles entreprises offrent ce service?
viajes y buceo (kea_pan)
Panama1,046 contributions
No mas de 50 y que incluya snack van 4 en el jeep
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Claim your listingVolcan Baru National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Volcan Baru National Park
- Hotels near Volcan Baru National Park:
- (8.17 km) The Guest Suites at Manana Madera Coffee Estate
- (13.23 km) Coffee Estate Inn
- (12.44 km) Boquete Garden Inn
- (13.69 km) Los Establos Boutique Inn
- (12.80 km) The Inn at Palo Alto
- Restaurants near Volcan Baru National Park:
- (12.51 km) Buckle Tip Coffee Studio
- (12.22 km) Restaurante Ngädri GastronomÃa Panameña
- (12.43 km) RetroGusto Restaurant & Bar
- (14.16 km) Morton's Bakehouse
- (12.39 km) Donde Giselle
- Attractions near Volcan Baru National Park:
- (9.56 km) Boquete Coffee Tour
- (11.96 km) Finca Casanga
- (12.84 km) Spa Boquete Professional Massage and Spa Facials
- (12.97 km) Panama Relocation Tours
- (7.11 km) Iwanna Boquete Tours