Baru Volcano

Volcán Barú, at 3,474 metres, is the highest point in Panama and sits within the Barú Volcano National Park near the town of Boquete. The dormant stratovolcano is draped in pine and cloud forest — among the most biodiverse habitats in Central America and one of the last refuges of the resplendent quetzal. The most popular summit trail starts in Boquete and is typically tackled as an overnight ascent timed to reach the top at dawn, when clear conditions allow a rare simultaneous view of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The climb takes six to eight hours and temperatures near the crater can drop close to freezing, demanding proper gear year-round.