Volcán Barú
Sunday, October 11th, 2009
View from atop Volcán Barú
Volcan Baru is Central America’s most spectacular peak. The Baru Volcano is at the heart of Parque Nacional Volcan Baru. It is halfway between Belize and Bogota and adjacent to International Park Amistad, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its summit one can view the Pacific Ocean, southern Costa Rica, the Caribbean Sea, and a good portion of Panama’s northern highlands. Dawn atop Volcan Baru is a photographer’s dream.
The whistles of the quetzal – so splendid it was worshipped by the Maya as a sacred bird – entertain the few hikers brave enough to ascend 6,100’ over eight miles to the volcano’s 11,400’ summit. Many of Panama’s 50 species of raptors can be seen soaring for prey, as can hummingbirds – the main pollinators of the numerous and exotic species of Heliconias. Five species of cats make their home in this cloud forest; pumas are most numerous. One species in short supply is mankind.
The shortest ascent is via El Salto, the author’s home, at 5,000 feet. Allow 5.5 hours in thin air, and plan to leave around midnight to navigate a crude path in the dark. To enjoy vistas too magnificent for words, hikers must reach the summit before clouds and fog form mid-morning. Hikers enjoy breakfast at the summit and descend in periodic or constant rains for well-deserved feasting and resting before posting photos on the Internet bragging of their accomplishment.
Insider’s tip from Dave at Hostal Boquete: make sure your camera is fully charged. The journey is 10-hours walking plus 1.5 hours drive from Boquete to the trailhead and back to the pueblo. Essentials: flashlight, quality footwear, warm clothes, gloves, rain gear, 2.5 liters of water, food, and sun block.
