By any measure, the most popular trail is Sendero Los Quetzales, a superb, short-haul day hike -- regarded as the best in Panama by most visitors to the country. The rainforest here is thick and lush and dazzling with its array of colorful birds, panoramic lookout points, and crystalline streams rushing across velvety moss-covered rocks. Most important, and most unique, is the fact that the trail connects Cerro Punta (and Guadalupe) with Boquete, allowing hikers to have their baggage sent from one town to the other, and to arrive by foot at their next destination. If you're physically up to it, I recommend the entire trek as one of the region's highlights -- but there are a few things to consider before setting out. First, Cerro Punta's altitude is 1,981m (6,500 ft.), while Boquete's is 975m (3,200 ft.) -- so the trail is mostly downhill from Cerro Punta. Now, a lot of Boquete residents and tour guides will pooh-pooh the level of difficulty and stamina needed to complete the uphill trail from Boquete to Cerro Punta, but every hiker I saw doing the trail uphill looked just frazzled. In other words, if you're fit and looking for a workout, walk Boquete to Cerro Punta; if not, either plan your trip so that you visit the western region of the volcano first and then Boquete or, if you only plan to walk the trail for the day, leave early and drive to Cerro Punta. For those who want to just get out and hike around a little, you'll be okay because the first couple of kilometers from the Boquete ranger station are relatively flat, offer outstanding opportunities to see birds (especially the quetzal), and put you in the middle of a stream-lined forest. You can walk as little or as much as you like and then turn around and head back.
The Quetzales Trail from Boquete begins with a 45-minute walk from the ranger station on a semi-paved road. After the sign for the trail head, the trail continues for about 2 hours before heading up into a steep ascent. Midway up the ascent is a picnic area with tables. Farther up, about halfway along the trail, is a sweeping lookout point, with a roofed eating area and a couple of campsites.
From the Cerro Punta ranger station, a rutted road requiring a 4WD heads downhill for almost 3km (2 miles) until it reaches the paved road to Cerro Punta. Tour operators and taxis with 4WD traction can make it up and down this road, but few seem willing -- so prepare yourself to walk this portion. The total number of trail miles is anyone's guess, as park signs, rangers, and tour guides all disagree on the distance; it's estimated that the trail is about 9.7km (6 miles). From station to station, plan on 6 to 7 hours if walking uphill, and 4 1/2 hours if walking downhill, plus another 45 minutes to 1 hour for the last leg of the Cerro Punta ranger station to the road.
Keen adventurers might be interested in the trail to the volcano's summit, a very arduous climb that puts visitors at the highest point in Panama and offers electrifying views from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Although this trail can be reached from the Cerro Punta side, the trail from the Boquete side is far easier and better marked. You don't want to get lost on the volcano and spend the night freezing in the wet rainforest. This is but one of the serious considerations you must make when attempting to summit the volcano. The trail, an old service road, is ragged and rough, and even the most agile hikers often slip and fall on the slick downhill trip. Second, the trail is confusing in some areas, so it's highly recommended that you hire a guide. Lastly, the peak is shrouded in thick clouds with such frequency that the chances of seeing the view are not particularly good; but even on good-weather days you'll want to begin the hike at the crack of dawn to increase your chances of clear skies. The trail takes between 5 to 6 hours to climb, and about 4 to 5 hours to descend.
Or you can call Will Holiday at tel. 6613-5444 (wh@pocketmail.com), an American bush pilot and adventurer, and have him drive you to the top of the summit in his sturdy 4WD. The trail is so steep and treacherous at times that Will must use a winch to pull the jeep up.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
