GUNUNG · Panama
Volcan Baru
Source
Photo: source
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Source: Open-Meteo
Information
- Elevation
- 3.474 m
- Country
- Panama (PA)
- Location / Range
- Talamanca Mountains, Chiriquí Province, Panama
- Mountain type
- Stratovolcano (inactive)
- Volcanic?
- Yes — volcano
- Coordinates
- 8.8080, -82.5430
- Difficulty
- Moderate–Strenuous (non-technical; long distance, low temperatures, night start)
- Best Season
- December–April (Panama's dry season; best visibility for seeing both oceans)
- Permits & Rules
- Entry permit for Volcán Barú National Park (MiAmbiente) is mandatory; it can be purchased at the Boquete or Volcán-side ranger post
- Hazards
- Temperatures near 0 °C at the summit, strong winds, thick fog, nighttime climbing (a reliable headlamp is needed), slippery trails when raining
Description
Volcán Barú (3,474 m) is a long-dormant stratovolcano in Chiriquí Province and the highest point in Panama. Situated within Volcán Barú National Park, it holds a geographical distinction unique on the Panamanian mainland: on a clear day, the summit offers simultaneous views of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The last eruption is estimated around 550 CE. Two main routes reach the top — the eastern Boquete trail (most popular, typically started at midnight to arrive at sunrise) and the quieter, more forested western Volcán/Cerro Punta approach. The summit hosts telecommunications towers and a small chapel. The climb is non-technical but long and cold, with summit temperatures near 0 °C and strong winds frequent.
Gallery
Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.
Routes
Jalur Boquete (Sisi Timur — Rute Utama)
Sedang–BeratThe most popular route, starting from Boquete town at roughly 1,800 m. The trail is ~13.5 km one-way through montane rainforest, elfin forest, and sub-alpine scrub. Most hikers depart around midnight to reach the summit at sunrise — an iconic moment with dawn lighting both ocean horizons simultaneously. Non-technical but long and cold; summit temperatures approach 0 °C and strong winds are common.
Jalur Volcán / Cerro Punta (Sisi Barat — Rute Alternatif)
Sedang–BeratA quieter western approach starting from Volcán or Cerro Punta village. Shorter than the Boquete route and passes through dense moss-draped cloud forest. Some sections are steeper, but the lush vegetation offers its own beauty. Preferred by hikers seeking solitude away from the main eastern trail.
Climbing Experiences
Volcán Barú (3,475 m), Panama's highest point — a ~27 km round-trip usually started at midnight for sunrise; on clear days both the Pacific and Caribbean are visible from the summit. Hikers highlight the long distance, cold, and two-ocean panorama.
References
The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.