Boquete

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Cloud Forest Hike

More Photos
ext212
ext212
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
8
Photos
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

In search of the rare Quetzal

  • March 27, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Jiki from Boquete, Panama
In search of the rare Quetzal

Another spectacular hiking trail in the Cloud Forest is along the Quetzal Trail. You can take a cab ride up to the beginning of the trail or you can hire one of the local guides. I chose Boquete Mountain Safari ( www.boquetesafari.com – 6627-8829) as the ‘open air jeeps’ looked liked they would be more fun. I also heard that at this time of year the wildlife is abundant, but often difficult to see without a good guide. My guides were fantastic—they made the ride to the beginning of the trail an experience by itself. It took about 20 minutes to get to the beginning of the park. Since Boquete Mountain Safari goes there often, the guides knew the park ranger, and he let us drive in a little further, so we could get deeper in to the forest, and away from the crowds. The expense of hiring a guide was worth every penny as they were actually calling the birds. We saw The Resplendent Quetzal, Three Wattle Bell Bird, a Sloth, and the Black and White Hawk Eagle. After the hike on the trail, we rode further up the mountain to a hill top coffee plantation—now we were really in the cloud forest. At the coffee plantation they had a small café were they serve their own coffee, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit smoothies. Boquete Mountain Safari includes all the park fees, snacks, water and award winning coffee--they even carried my backpack. Near the coffee plantation they are also growing acres of onions and greenhouses are filled with Calla Lilies. Our guide was able to pick both of those for us fresh from the ground. Touring with a guide, especially Boquete Mountain Safari, made the trail hiking experience more exciting.
Editor Pick

Cloud Forest Hike

  • January 15, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by ext212 from New York, New York
Cloud Forest Hike

For $33 per person, you can join Hans hike the Ngobe Indian trail in the cloud forest of Boquete. The trail is still being used by the Indians today to cross over the mountains. You can still see machete markings on trees that they use as meeting spots. (There is no such thing as “time” with the Indians, so they would play with their machetes using the trees while they wait.) Hans will tell you all about the Indians and their life in the forest. You’d also learn about the many plants that survive along the way including all the epiphytes, ferns or orchids that grow and depend on other trees.

We had the perfect cool weather when we hiked. The sun was peeking through the trees and the plants smelled fresh as if coming out of a rainfall. The river was peacefully running, untouched by the small town right below it. The hike itself wasn't strenuous. There were some slippery peaks but nothing too hard to hike without the aid of a stick (also provided by Hans). Worried about snakes? Hans has a first-aid kit just in case.

Tours are organized daily. The fee includes the transportation to the farm and back to your hotel plus a simple snack of Hans’ fresh coffee and some chocolates. Call (507) 720-3852 or email Hans at info@coffeeadventures.net. Check the Web site for more info: http://www.coffeeadventures.net/hiking.html

If you’re lucky, one of his dogs will be in the mood to join you.
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

Compare Boquete Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Boquete Travel Deals