Barú Volcano National Park

Barú Volcano National Park enjoys a pleasant temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, because of the elevation, but it can drop down to 0 degrees Celsius. A singular attraction of the Barú Volcano National Park is that from the summit both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea can be seen. It covers an area of 14,322 hectares and was created in 1976 in order to preserve its natural wealth and rich biodiversity.

The Barú Volcano reaches 3,475 meters above sea level. It is considered the highest point in the Republic of Panama.

According to scientific studies, its last eruption was more than 500 years ago, when it was calculated to have had a higher elevation, with snow on its summit. The last eruption was on the southwest-western side, and the melting of the snow causing the summit to collapse, unleashing a huge avalanche of mud and lava. It is now an inactive volcano.

The surrounding areas of the Barú Volcano are covered in tropical rainforest, but there is also agricultural activity nearby.

The volcanic soil from the Barú is fertile, as well as from deposits of the Chiriquí and Caldera rivers.

Location:

It is located in the province of Chiriquí, Republic of Panama, along the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Range.

How to arrive?

Car: From Panama City, take the Interamerican Highway in the direction of David - Chiriquí. Upon reaching the city of David, continue straight towards the border, and about 15 minutes after leaving the city limits you will find the entrance to the town of Concepción. Enter Concepción and continue to climb for another 25 minutes until reaching the town of Volcán.

The park is accessible by car only from the towns of Boquete (on its eastern slopes) and Cerro Punta. It lies 33 kilometers from the highway.

Bus: The buses to Cerro Punta, with stops at Volcán and Concepción, leave the terminal in David every half hour, reaching Volcán in an hour and 45 minutes.

What to bring?

Light-weight clothing

Cold-weather jacket

Water bottle

Activities:

Hiking

Mountaineering

Canoeing

Mountain climbing