Baru Volcano Hiking

At 3,475meters (11,400 feet), the Baru Volcano is Panama’s highest point. The trek to the top of this volcano is for the fit and adventurous only. You will encounter 4 different types of forest, and if the weather permits, you will be able to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the peak of this volcano. If you hike back and forth the same day, it will take 12 hours. It is advisable to camp overnight to lessen the intensity of the hike. At the summit, the temperature can drop below zero. Tips: 1. Take a minimum of 2 liters of water per person. 2. Take food that is light and easy to digest. Good foods to take are cookies, pre-prepared sandwiches, fresh fruit, energy bars, chocolates, etc. Canned food and anything that adds unnecessary weight is not recommended; remember you have to carry everything on your back. 3. Wear light and comfortable clothes, temperature regulating clothes (if possible), as they are lighter to carry in your backpack and will protect you from the very cold weather and strong winds at the summit. Wear a pair of comfortable sneakers or preferably a pair of hiking boots. 4. Trekking poles are a good idea to take if you have any. They will help support your weight during the descent. 5. Between April and December, there is a chance of rain, so if you go during this time, take a waterproof jacket to keep dry. Multiple organized hiking tours are offered by local companies.

Information

Finca Dracula

Finca Dracula is located 2000m above sea level in the lush little charming town of Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, and is dedicated to the promotion of education, research and the conservation of orchids and other tropical ornamental species. The farm was originally owned by Swiss German settlers in the 1920s and acquired by Andrew Maduro in 1969, who engaged in land reforestation. Today, Finca Dracula is considered to be one of the largest orchid collections of the Americas, being home to 2,700 exotic orchid species, of which you can spot at least 124 Dracula genre. Approximately 150 species of orchids unknown to the scientific world have been discovered here.

Sitio Barriles

The Sitio Barriles site is located on a private farm, Finca Landau, just outside of Volcan. It is one of Panama’s most famous archaeological sites, where Pre-Columbian Indian artifacts and petroglyphs are preserved. The family that owns and lives on the farm provides tours of the property, which has some unique and odd features. This is an interesting and enlightening way to learn about the history of the area and the art and culture of the original inhabitants of the region. Visits are free; guided tours are inexpensive and well worth it.

Cerro Punta

The Cerro Punta area of Chiriqui is the breadbasket, or rather the vegetable basket of Panama. This area is where ninety percent of all the fresh produce in Panama comes from. Strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, potato, oranges and flowers are abundant here. Cerro Punta and Bambito are quiet and colorful with breathtaking views of the mountains and rocky gurgling rivers. It is common to see the local indigenous people walking in their traditional costumes.

La Amistad International Park

La Amistad International Park is a 207,000 hectare cloud forest park which straddles the border shared by Panama and Costa Rica, and the Cordillera Central (the Continental Divide mountain range). The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the diversity of plant and animal life here, and the headwaters of several major rivers can be found here. Numerous rare species inhabit the park, such as the harpy eagle and crested eagle, the quetzal, tapirs, five species of cats, several monkeys, and indigenous frogs and reptiles. The park is open to the public and accessible by road. The Visitor’s Center is located at Las Nubes, Cerro Punta, along with a camping area and trailheads.

Haras Cerro Punta

Haras Cerro Punta is a thoroughbred horse breeding farm and stable located between Cerro Punta and Guadalupe. The paddocks are set in the alpine hills, thick with lush greenery and spectacular vistas of the countryside. This stable is famous for breeding, nurturing and training racehorses for Panama and other countries. The 100 hectare farm is home to more than 200 animals and the trainers have produced many champion horses. The family-owned stable is well known for their annual thoroughbred auction and community sponsorship. Tours of the farm can be arranged and guides are on site.

Cerro Brujo Gourmet

A highlight of any visit to the province, Cerro Brujo Gourmet is a rustic restaurant run by talented chef Patricia, who welcomes diners in person and is a prominent figure in the local community. She lays emphasis on fresh, organic ingredients, and changes the menu up seasonally, continuously offering up pleasant surprises.