Tours & Local Attractions
 Sitio
Barriles is an open window to the past, a place in the Volcán
highlands where, during the last 100 years archaeological artifacts
have been discovered that are helping to uncover the mysteries of
old cultures that inhabited the Volcán Baru area. Located only 6 kms
out of the town of Volcán, Sitio Barriles is a thematic garden,
where you will find old paintings and engravings on the rocks,
ceramic artifacts; some still lying intact in a three sided
excavation. What makes this particular site so interesting to
archaeologists is the mix of artifacts that show influences of
Indian, Oriental and African cultures. The people living there are
direct descendants of the family who discovered the first of the
artifacts and are more than willing to share their special insights
of the history and mysteries of the region with guests.
(2 hrs.)
Click For More Information & Photos
Parque Internacional de La Amistad (Friendship Park):
Established jointly by Panama & Costa Rica it is the largest
highland forest in Central America (407,000-hectares). The park is
mostly mountainous, and because of the elevation changes, a great
diversity of life zones are found there. La Amistad is made up of
protected areas of exceptional biological diversity and beauty. This
pristine forest is home to over 90 mammal species including jaguars
and pumas. Among the more than 400 recorded bird species found there
are the resplendent quetzals and harpy eagles (The harpy eagle has
claws as big as a Grizzly bear’s and legs as thick as a man’s
wrist!). It is also home to the Teribe, Bribri and the Ngöbe-Buglí
Indian tribes.
There are 3 main trails that originate at the Las Nubes ranger
station:
Mirador la Nevera (1.4 km) trail which leads to a lookout
point at 2500 meters.
Sendero La Cascada (1.7 km) trail which leads to a 45-meter
high waterfall with refreshing swimming pools. This is a fairly
steep climb with many breathtaking views of the cloud forest. (3
hrs)
Sendero El Retoño (Rebirth Trail) is a 2.1 km loop trail
through secondary forest along winding mountain streams. A fairly
easy hike through the cloud forest. (3 hrs)
The Las Nubes ranger station has dormitory sleeping quarters for $5
per person. Park fees are $3 per person (reservations highly
recommended). There is a community kitchen guests are welcome to
use. You can stock up on provisions in Volcán or Cerro Punta. A
local women’s co-op restaurant near the entrance to the park is open
from 9am to 4pm Monday thru Saturday. Be sure to bring warm clothing
as temperatures can range from 75ºF to 40ºF at night.
(Day tour: 6 hrs.)
Parque Nacional Volcán Baru: founded in 1976 covers 14,325
hectares (35,000 acres) and has 3 types of life zones. Volcán Baru
is no longer active. Its summit at 3475 meters (11,000 feet) is the
highest point in Panama. In this park you will find tropical
rainforest landscapes with highland species and the remains of the
eruption that happened millions of years ago. Upon the summit on a
clear morning you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean oceans.
There are several trails leading to different craters of the
volcano. An exceptional bird watching area, many species can only be
seen in this region. The average temperature ranges from 50ºF to
65ºF.
(Tour duration: 12 hours round trip or 2 days with overnight at
the summit.)
Lagunas de Volcán (1240m) are the highest lake system in Panama,
with lush virgin forest at their edges and Volcán Baru rising
majestically in the background. The two lakes and surrounding forest
are excellent sites for bird watching. The lake has excellent large
mouth bass fishing. (3 hrs.)
Finca Dracula Orchid Sanctuary is one of Latin America's finest
and most varied orchid collections with more than 2,000 species.
(4-5 hrs.)
Sendero Los Quetzales'...a birdwatcher's dream, over 225 species
have been recorded. The Quetzales Trail is a 10 kilometer trail from
Cerro Punta to Boquete through the national park crossing back and
forth over the Rio Caldera.
(4 hrs. birdwatching) (Alizanza: hike Cerro Punta to Boquete
6 hrs.)
Highland Agricultural Tour: At an altitude of 5,904 feet terrace
vegetable fields line the steep mountainsides. With its cool misty
climate and rich volcanic soil it produces 80% of Panama's cool
weather vegetables. Walk through meticulously tended organic and
traditional vegetable farms, flower gardens, racehorse ranches,
dairy farms, trout farms, botanical gardens and enjoy the beauty of
the surroundings.
(3 Farms, 5 hrs.)
Town tour of Volcán: (5 hrs.)
La Fuente: Volcan community park with a spring and pond
San Benito: Catholic agricultural & craft school with a nice
showroom of wood carvings and handicrafts
Sitio Barriles: Indian culture & history.
Arte Cruz Volcán: Jose de la Cruz Gonzalez, a local artist
trained in fine arts in Italy and Honduras, creates sculptures and
furniture out of wood and etchings on crystal and glass.
Janson Family Coffee: watch how coffee is processed and enjoy
a delicious cup of coffee
Vino Don Coba: natural tropical fruit wine
Finca Guardia: horse ranch
Sendero del Tapir: Explore the Tapir Trail looking for these shy
animals and many more.
(5-6 hrs.)
Sendero Las Tres Rocas: a beautiful hike to three big rock
formations and a lookout platform. A camping site is available
nearby. (6-7 hrs. - Overnight camping )
Visit Rio Macho de Monte Waterfall:
(4 hrs.)
Visit the natural hot springs, Los Pozos de Aguas Termales.
(5 hrs.)
Visit the natural spa at the head of the Rio Gariche:
(2 hrs.)
Visit a
thoroughbred racehorse ranch:
(4 hrs.)
Visit a Sugar
Cane processing plant.
(4 hrs.)
Horseback riding:
Recommended Hotels and Cabinas:
Finca La Providencia: Charming fully
furnished cabins for rent in a rainforest setting. Lush
tropical landscaping, flower gardens, nature trails and bird
watching in a 5 hectare park like location. Peaceful, private
accommodations for 2 to 10 guest per cabin. For prices and
availability contact Gorge Babos. Email:
laprovi@hotmail.com,
Telephone: 011-507-771-5484 * 771-4162 * 6624-9687 * 6651-4777
Click For More Photos of Finca La Providencia, Cabaña Zafiro
Getting There:
Drive westward out of David on the Inter-Americana Highway to the
town of Concepción. Turn right at the highway sign that reads
Volcán, Guadalupe, Cerro Punta (Also a billboard that points the way
to Hotel Bambito). The drive is approximately 20 minutes to Volcán.
English/Spanish
speaking guide:
Claudia Flores - Telephone: 6457-6080 (Van available which
accommodates up to 14 people)
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