The Utmost of Panama's Outmost

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An April 2006 trip to Parque Nacional Volcan Baru by Jose Kevo

Ditchweed Photo - Panama, Central America

Quote: A volcano is the only thing dormant in this National gem which reigns over the Chiriquí Highlands, with extreme hiking and birdwatching like none other.

28 Photos

The Utmost of Panama's Outmost

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Overview

Yodel and a Yelp! Photo - Parque Nacional Volcan Baru, Panama

Quote:

In terms of make believe, if Tarzan were to ever run-off with the Swiss Miss, they'd undoubtedly head for the Chiriquí Highlands and live happily ever after. Beyond divine compromise, there's nothing fictional about these epic peaks and jungles; voluptuous to extreme, daring to be commanded. Determining whether to throw head back and cut loose with a yodel, or yelp fervidly while thumping chest was a dubious impulse. Either way, conquest was mutual. For hikers...Read More

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Quetzal Trail

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Hotel | "The Quetzal Trail -- Need to Know Logistics"

Quetzal - Monet style Photo - Quetzal Trail, Boquete, Panama

Quote:

Popular opinion often leads explorers astray because everyone tends to begin on the Cerro Punta side, hikes towards Boquete, and rarely spots quetzals. Best intentions even fail, catching the first bus departing Boquete at 5:30am. With connection in David, and arrival in Cerro Punta with taxi to the drop-off point, trekkers never reached the trail before 9am when wildlife had retreated.Added appeal is "said" downhill-course which does favor east-bound trekkers, but no one mentions beginning or ending! Unless paying drivers $10+-extra, expect to endure 2km of steep, ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 23, 2006

Quetzal Trail
Baru Volcano National park
Chiriqui Province, Boquete, Panama

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Quetzal Trail

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Attraction | "The Quetzal Trail"

The Quetzal Trail Photo - Quetzal Trail, Boquete, Panama

Quote:

Highlight of my 18 days in Panamá was unequivocally hiking The Quetzal Trail. Volcán Barú may be centerpiece of the National Park, but this adventure was matchless for beholding splendors of the Chiriquí Highlands. Anyone eager for a rewarding challenge will not want to miss this Central American gem; even if it takes all day at a snail's pace. Cloud forest reigns supreme through these upper elevations, but appears more like impenetrable jungles out of Africa. As a b...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 23, 2006

Quetzal Trail
Baru Volcano National park
Chiriqui Province, Boquete, Panama

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La Artilleria Trail

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Story/Tip

Mount Artilleria Photo - Parque Nacional Volcan Baru, Panama

Quote:

This short but grueling trek is the only one reviewed not within the National Park. The peak is located on eastern side of the Boquete valley, and is a favorite of Panamanians. Since it's on private property, ask around with guides for an escort.Considering these were the Highlands, this was just another mountain. From the Jaramillo Alto Road, it didn't even seem that impressive when looking through a zoom lense or binoculars. I had no idea what really awaited nor why this particular peak held such esteem. ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2006

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Volcan Baru National Park

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Hotel | "Loop Walk 2nd Half; Bajo Mono/Alto Quiel - Boquete"

All in a Day''s Work Photo - Volcan Baru National Park, Boquete, Panama

Quote:

Road sign at the Bajo Mono tee-intersection had arrows pointing in both directions for Boquete. Pausing at the transportation stop, I questioned several passing locals to find the easy recommendation had just been explored. The loop-route continued to the left, as suspected, with temptations to catch the next ride into town. While the first segment trails along foothills, the second gets right down to business climbing them! The course immediately began snaking steep...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2006

Volcan Baru National Park

Chiriqui Province, Boquete, Panama

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Volcan Baru National Park

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Attraction | "Loop Walk 1st Half; Boquete to Bajo Mono "

The Lowlands Road Photo - Volcan Baru National Park, Boquete, Panama

Quote:

What's recommended as one of the area's most scenic drives was even more extraordinary on-foot. Following a loop itinerary, the first half passes through lower elevations of the National Park’s buffer zone. The narrow, two-lane roadway trails along the crystal-clear Río Caldera, which skirts majestic foothills. Explorers are engulfed by imminence of the Chiriquí Highlands, complimented with the finest of alpine and tropical verdancies. Walking insured that eve...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 23, 2006

Volcan Baru National Park

Chiriqui Province, Boquete, Panama

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Over-the-Hill in Panamá; the Photo Tour

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Story/Tip

Quote:

When it comes to crash-course collisions, is there anything that pits denial against reality quicker than the aging factor? As time marches on, funny how the female clock is said to tick towards producing youth, while timepieces of the other gender tock for trying to hold onto it. Don't I know it; the instincts debate over becoming tied-down vs. unconstrained liberation!The whole process for both sides involves changes in perceptions and everyday lifestyles; subtle for some, extreme for others. As a single, middle-aged male, they've been nothing short of what the responsible sector quickly labels "mid-life crisis". Even more enviable, my perpetual state of adolescent whims is...Read More