The 4x4 ascent to Volcan Baru offers more people the opportunity to reach Panama's highest point. Not everyone is fit enough to undertake the strenuous 27-kilometer (return) hike, but many more people can embark on this 4x4 adventure! You will be picked up at your hotel in Boquete between 3:30 and 4:15 a.m., depending on the location of the other passengers on your tour. You will depart from an elevation of 7,498 feet (2,274 metres) in Boquete, ascending to 11,398 feet (3,475 metres) in just two hours. It will be dark during the drive up the volcano, so you won't be able to appreciate the beauty of this natural park until the descent.
This somewhat rugged journey will take you off the main road onto a steep, rocky trail. Only specialised vehicles are permitted to enter the park; private vehicles are not granted access, as they are not modified to withstand these conditions. The 4x4 vehicle will shield you from the cold and wind that hikers on foot must endure. Our drivers are cheerful and enthusiastic, and they will do everything possible to make this experience as enjoyable as can be. You will arrive at the summit of Volcan Baru before dawn to witness the sunrise. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. Volcan Baru features numerous microclimates, so weather conditions can vary. Ideally, it is best to visit in the morning to maximise your chances of enjoying clear views; however, it is worth remembering that the weather is beyond our control.
It is essential to bring warm clothing, as it gets cold at the summit of the volcano. The temperature will rise as the sun climbs higher in the sky. The tour includes hot drinks, which you can enjoy inside the vehicle—with the heater running— while you wait for the sun to rise. Breakfast is also included. Take the opportunity to capture beautiful photographs from the summit of Panama before beginning the descent. The return trip to Boquete takes approximately two hours. During the descent, you will be able to observe local wildlife, though not as closely as hikers do on foot.
