11 Incredible Trails and Waterfalls in Boquete for Hikers

Boquete, a valley in the middle of green mountains, is a special place for hikers. Its trails lead through farms, jungles and cloud forests, offering you a different landscape with every walk. 

To reach the top from Boquete, it is best to start walking early in the morning. Volcano Baru National Park opens at 4am and the journey takes between 6 and 8 hours. Wildlife is very active during this time, so you'll hear and see all kinds of animals. About 250 species of birds and many mammals, including 5 species of felines, have been recorded along this route. Both the summit and the trail offer unforgettable views.

Tip

Always check with the authorities before going this route. This park is sometimes closed due to heavy rains.

There is a campsite in the highest part of the park. If you're brave, you can spend the night watching the sunrise while sitting among the clouds.

Entrance to the park costs about $5, and tours range from $30 to $150.

• Location: Vulcan
• Distance: 8.69 miles (14 km).
• Difficulty: Hard.

If you want to combine walking with very refreshing breaks, don't miss this trail. The trail connects 3 beautiful waterfalls, which you can see by deviating a few feet along the forks in the trail. Be sure to wear a swimsuit, as at waterfalls 2 and 3 you will find pools where you can swim and enjoy the scenery in the middle of the water.

Tip

Keep in mind that This is a dirt trail. During the rainy season it fills with mud and becomes very slippery. Wear shoes with good soles.

If you find the trail very difficult, you can stop just at the first waterfall or follow the trail without making any detours.

Entrance to the trail costs approximately $7 USD if you go alone, or approximately $38 USD with a guide.

• Location: Los Naranjos
• Distance: 1.2 miles (3.2 km).
• Difficulty level: medium.

A level and clearly marked walk, ideal for a family holiday. The trail follows the path of the river through natural jungle to an impressive waterfall. You will have to cross several bridges from which you will see dense forest on both sides of the river. Take time to admire the huge tree, over 1,000 years old, located halfway along the trail. You'll recognize him by his huge roots and desire to take a photo when you see him. You should always be aware of your surroundings: you may see species such as howler monkeys, snakes and, if you're lucky, a quetzal.

Tip

• Location: Bajo Mono
• Distance: 2 miles (3.05 km)
• Difficulty: Low to Moderate

Climbing to over 2,000 feet (600 meters), the trail takes you past views of rolling hills and through a dense cloud forest. Climb to the top in the midst of a landscape full of life, where clouds and flowers touch.

Tip

This trail is located in the middle of wild and changing nature, take it in the company of a certified a guide who knows the area very well. Avoid going on this trail on rainy days as the mud may cause you to slip. Stay safe and follow the instructions of guides and locals.

• Location: Los Naranjos
• Distance: 5 miles (8.18 km).
• Difficulty level: high.

Short trail, but with 1,423 feet of elevation gain. This slope is a test for the brave. Don't stop climbing until you reach the large Lino rock. From there you can enjoy views of Volcano Baru, Bajo Mono and Boquete.

Tip

Wear hiking boots or shoes with good soles for this route. Remember that the climb is difficult and the trail may be slippery. Always go with a guide and, if the weather is perfect, stay to watch the sunset. You won't regret it.

• Location: Los Naranjos
• Distance: 0.80 miles (1.3 km).
• Difficulty: moderate to hard.

This Los Quetzales trail connects two charming places. Visit the home of the mysterious quetzals to hike from Bajo Mono to Cerro Punta.

What makes this trail special is that the most iconic point, “The Rock,” is located halfway along the trail. So you can walk just 6 miles (9.6 km) to get to this viewpoint, or you can hike the trail all the way to the end. It will depend on you and the effort you want to put in. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in the middle of pure nature and return the same way. You'll see huge trees with their giant roots and vines, butterflies, many species of insects, mammals and birds.

If you decide to continue the remaining 5.5 miles (9 km), after the suspension bridge the hike becomes a bit more challenging as you begin the climb towards Cerro Punta.

Tip

Check with the authorities before planning your visit to the park as they sometimes close path due to rain.

This road ends in the Tierras Altas area. You can combine the two destinations and arrange to transport your luggage to a new location or return to Boquete on the same day.

• Location: Baru Volcano National Park, Bajo Mono.
• Distance: 11.30 miles (18.2 km).
• Difficulty level: Intermediate.

Don't let the name of this trail (Snake Trail) scare you: although you'll encounter incredible natural fauna, the name comes from the curved shape of its path.

The road is a flower lover's paradise. In the middle of the cloud forest you will see the relief and tree trunks covered with moss, you will find orchids of all colors and shapes. You will find several species of ferns and many other plants such as leafy liverworts.

Tip

For an unforgettable experience, walk this trail with a specialized guide who will tell you about all the life that surrounds you. Tour costs approximately $35 per person.

• Location: Los Naranjos
• Distance: 2.75 miles (4.43 km) ).
• Difficulty level: low to high.

This trail takes you to the edge of the mountain, a rocky peak with some of the best scenery in Boquete.

The road is a fairly challenging climb, with the trail in the middle of wilderness. Although it can be quite challenging due to the steepness and uneven terrain, getting to the La Piedra (The Rock) viewpoint is always worth it. Walk along the edge of the summit, over rocks and surrounded by mountains in an ideal location to connect with nature and take photos.

Tip

This trail is not very well marked or demarcated, so it is important that you always do so in the company of a certified guide who knows and has all the necessary resources for a safe hike.

• Location: Jaramillo.
• Distance: 4.34 miles (7 km).
• Difficulty level: Hard.

This trail will take you to a very beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Boquete Valley. The first part of the trail passes through rural landscapes and you will see agricultural farms and farm animals such as horses and cows. The road then enters primary forest, a tropical jungle that fills the much wilder environment with greenery.

From this point, begin the climb to the viewpoint. But the most iconic part of this trail is the famous abandoned car in the middle of the jungle. This location will be the perfect spot for photos straight out of the movies. Have fun in this strange landscape before following the trail to the top.

From the top you will see beautiful panoramic views and colorful flora. Don't miss the detail in the colors of the moss, flowers and mushrooms that grow along the way.

• Location: Jaramillo
• Distance: 1.8 miles (3 km).
• Difficulty level: medium

This route begins in the middle of an open field surrounded by the beautiful Boquete Mountains. Then walk among the giant trees on a fairly open path where you can go bird watching. There you can find finches, tanagers, hummingbirds, nightingales, trogons, toucanets and woodpeckers. The route then enters the depths of the cloud forest, especially to see flowers such as orchids or medicinal plants.

Finally, the route ends at La Dama de la Montagna, a high waterfall 50 feet (15 meters), which with its beauty creates the feeling of being in a sacred place. Here it is customary to bathe in ice-cold water from a natural pool... Are you brave enough to take part in the ceremony?

Advice

Keep in mind that... Due to the weather and temperature the water is really cold. If you're ready to go through the whole adventure, make sure you have a change of clothes and a coat for the return trip.

• Location: Los Naranjos
• Distance: 1.40 miles (2.25 km).
• Difficulty: Moderate