Volcan Baru National Park
Volcan Baru National Park
4.4
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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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4.4
450 reviews
Excellent
281
Very good
102
Average
44
Poor
14
Terrible
9
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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audreyma
Lille, France50 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We did the night hike with our 2 teenagers (17 and 14 years old). We took a taxi from Boquete to the park entrance because it is impossible to park there ($5 per person).
Normally the park opens at 5am, however many do so at night. There is no guard at the entrance and you just have to pass under the simple fence.
The headlamp is mandatory. For us the weather was clear but without a moon so in complete darkness.
The paths are really steep and stony but it is done. We did it in running shoes and I do not recommend at all 😂, for the climb no difficulties but the descent in running shoes is dangerous because some parts slip.
The higher the temperature, the lower the mandatory warm clothes and gloves. At the top the wind is really strong. We did the climb in 6 hours with regular breaks. And the descent in 4h20.
Do not underestimate this hike. There is no particular technique but you have to have the right equipment and cardio because it is really stiff sometimes.
Normally the park opens at 5am, however many do so at night. There is no guard at the entrance and you just have to pass under the simple fence.
The headlamp is mandatory. For us the weather was clear but without a moon so in complete darkness.
The paths are really steep and stony but it is done. We did it in running shoes and I do not recommend at all 😂, for the climb no difficulties but the descent in running shoes is dangerous because some parts slip.
The higher the temperature, the lower the mandatory warm clothes and gloves. At the top the wind is really strong. We did the climb in 6 hours with regular breaks. And the descent in 4h20.
Do not underestimate this hike. There is no particular technique but you have to have the right equipment and cardio because it is really stiff sometimes.
Automatically translated
Written 6 August 2024
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.
RudySzymon
Chicago, IL1,598 contributions
Mar 2025 • Friends
We went in very upgraded 4x4 with Volcano Baru 4x4 company. The road is extremely rugged, and it takes approximately 1.5 hours to get up to the top of the volcano. The view at sunrise was very interesting. However, we did not see the Pacific and Caribbean sea due to low clouds. They were visible before sunrise.
Written 16 March 2025
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.
Elena C
Paso Robles, CA7 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
It was an amazing day trip, we were lucky with sunny day in a rainy season
Of course we understood that we weren’t in a good shape to climb this mountain in expected time, but we did!!!
Hector was a great guide- not only guide (because he helped us to carry our backpacks when we were astonished 😅)
Thank you Hector!!!
I truly appreciate it and we enjoyed climbing together!!!
Of course we understood that we weren’t in a good shape to climb this mountain in expected time, but we did!!!
Hector was a great guide- not only guide (because he helped us to carry our backpacks when we were astonished 😅)
Thank you Hector!!!
I truly appreciate it and we enjoyed climbing together!!!
Written 21 September 2024
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.
Anna R
15 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
The view was spectacular. Wear winter clothes as temperatures are about 37 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. The wind is brutal. Better be over protected than cold. At Finca El Oasis we had breakfast one the way down. I do not recommend hiking up as it takes 6 hours.
Written 6 February 2025
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.
Leo G
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
A unique challenge for those of us who are not used to this type of activity. We were fortunate to have a certified guide who, together with his partner, was aware of our condition and always urging us to move forward. We walked up the Paso Ancho route (in the town of Volcán), a fully recommended journey with these guides +507 66767314 .
Written 23 April 2024
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.
Manja M
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We did the hike with no guide. It is really easy, the road is wide and well marked you can not get lost. I was a little scared because it was night but that was not necessary. We started hiking at around 00.30 and it took us about 5 hours of slow walking with a few breaks. If you are an active person then this hike should not be a problem. We were a little bit early for the sunrise so we’ve waited for an hour, warm clothes recommended.
Written 28 June 2024
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.
ced86
Poitiers, France255 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Solo and during the day for this demanding hike but which does not require you to be a great sportsman. Just love walking and enjoy the effort because the climbs are steep.
Ascent completed in 5h30 and descent in 3h15.
Sandy and stony path which requires good equipment.
You must register the day before on the site and have a confirmation email. Free access .
Collectivo to be taken in Bajo Boquete from 6 a.m. and for 3 dollars.
Ascent completed in 5h30 and descent in 3h15.
Sandy and stony path which requires good equipment.
You must register the day before on the site and have a confirmation email. Free access .
Collectivo to be taken in Bajo Boquete from 6 a.m. and for 3 dollars.
Written 25 March 2024
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.
Lee K
18 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The FWD vehicle left Boquete and drove up the very challenging road in the early AM.
We then climbed up the mountain which was very challenging but we were able to get to the summit a little before Sun up. What a beautiful view as we were above the clouds and were able to see much of Panama and neighboring countries .
We then climbed up the mountain which was very challenging but we were able to get to the summit a little before Sun up. What a beautiful view as we were above the clouds and were able to see much of Panama and neighboring countries .
Written 9 February 2024
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.
Marcushelmut
22 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I did this tour on foot. Ascent 6 hours and descent 3-4 hours. It starts at 1 a.m. along the dusty stone track that even off-road vehicles struggle up. There is nothing special about the fauna and flora here. It has nothing to do with a hiking trail in nature. Once you get to the top, you might be lucky enough to see the Pacific and Atlantic as the sun rises. As already mentioned, you can also do the whole thing on a tour in a 4x4.
It is very cold at the top. A hat and gloves would be recommended. T-shirt, medium layer like a sweater and a functional jacket. You can do the whole thing in sneakers. You can slip on the dusty passages. There is no admission charge, which is negotiable but difficult to implement. There is a national park guard at the entrance from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. But he won't do anything to you. Just walk through. At least that's how it was in April 2024. If you really want to climb the highest mountain in a country, you have to do it, otherwise you can spend the day better. Boquete is very beautiful.
It is very cold at the top. A hat and gloves would be recommended. T-shirt, medium layer like a sweater and a functional jacket. You can do the whole thing in sneakers. You can slip on the dusty passages. There is no admission charge, which is negotiable but difficult to implement. There is a national park guard at the entrance from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. But he won't do anything to you. Just walk through. At least that's how it was in April 2024. If you really want to climb the highest mountain in a country, you have to do it, otherwise you can spend the day better. Boquete is very beautiful.
Written 7 April 2024
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.
Daniel C
Belo Horizonte, MG126 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
The 4x4 journey of almost 2 hours to get there is completely compensated by a wonderful sunrise and incredible views of the 2 oceans that bathe Panama (Pacific Ocean, very close to Bo-que-te) and the Atlantic (further away). , which can only be seen on clear days). Unmissable and unpredictable tour! The day before we had a rainy day, but the morning we went to Baru, the sky opened until around 11am (we arrived from the tour at 10am).
Written 29 January 2024
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.
Fangzheng
Chicago, Illinois
Where can I take a 4×4 jeep to the peak of valcan baru. Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
Written 2 May 2024
Hola, me gustaría subir por el pueblo de volcan y acampar, pero necesito un guía, alguien que me pueda recomendar uno porfavor. Mi email es Roggercam1203@gmail com
Written 20 September 2019
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?
Written 2 July 2019
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.
Written 3 July 2019
J'aimerais savoir comment vous avez fait pour réserver avec votre guide jorge lopez?
Written 19 February 2019
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.
Written 10 January 2019
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
Written 17 January 2019
Vale la pena hacer la subida caminando? esta bueno el paisaje? Gracias!!
Written 29 April 2018
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 👌👌👌👌
Written 1 May 2018
Bonjour, j'aimerais monter le volcan, où puis-je trouver un guide et combien ça coûte ? Merci d'avance
Written 16 February 2018
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