SENDERO DE LOS QUETZALES

This trail, within Volcan Barú National Park, is one of the most beautiful hikes in the region. With a length of 5.7 km and a vertical drop of 686 m, it runs along the northern flank of the volcano, linking Bajo Mono to the north of Boquete and Bajo Grande to the east of Cerro Punta. It can be hiked in either direction, downhill from Cerro Punta (4-5 h), or uphill from Boquete (6-7 h). The round trip takes 10-12 h, and we recommend setting off at daybreak, around 5-6 h. For practical reasons, many hikers cover only half the trail (4-6 h each way). It is also possible to camp, with your own equipment, in the middle of the trail on a prepared site.

Cloud forests, bamboo, pastures, crystal-clear rivers: the crossing is superb, but there's no guarantee of seeing quetzals! The services of a guide will help you find them, and you'll learn a lot more about the park's flora and fauna. Good walkers on a tight budget can do without a guide, as the trail is signposted.

Pleasenote: always check the condition of the trail before setting off. During the rainy season, especially from October to December, the trail is generally very muddy. Rehabilitation work is often carried out at different times of the year, depending on the weather, forcing the trail to be temporarily closed.

Access from Boquete (uphill, east-west). Take the road to Bajo Mono, by cab or bus (from Boquete Central Park). The national park station is at Alto Chiquero, but the trail starts 2.2 km from there, accessed by a gravel track. The trail climbs all the way to the El Respingo station. To reach Bajo Grande, take the trail downhill for 3 km to the road-trail leading to Cerro Punta (walk or arrange to be picked up here with a cab).

Access from Cerro Punta (downhill, from west to east). Take the road-trail leading to Bajo Grande (past the B&B Las Orquídeas) to the sign describing the trail. You can get there by cab (US$6 from Cerro Punta or Guadalupe). The rest of the trail can be reached on foot in 45 min-1 hour (3 km), or by 4x4 cab (approx. US$25 from Cerro Punta). The trailhead is at El Respingo. The first section up to the mirador is the most interesting. Allow around 5 hours to reach the Alto Chiquero station. From there, it's 6 km to the center of Boquete (you can catch a bus or cab along the way).