Chiriqui, Panama, Baru Volcano National Park, Central Americaby Robert Vahle This 10 mile hike skirts around the northern base of the highest mountain (11,400 feet) in Panama. Volcan Baru, in the Parque Nacional Volcan Baru. In Spanish the trail is named Sendero Los Quetzales. Trail of the Quetzals.
The bio zone for this hike is Tropical Bosque Nuboso. In Spanish Cloud Forest. Which means it rains a lot, and when it's not raining it is misting.
The climate of the hike is too cool for reptiles. And the monkeys are very wary of humans, and seldom seen. This plant life is awesome. Many types of brommeliads, mosses, hardwoods, and strangler figs, can be viewed.
This is also the realm of jaguars, ocelots and wild pigs,(sainas). Which you will never see. My guide showed me a jaguar den. Which was a deep chasm in the volcanic rock.
I recomend hiring a guide thru the cruz roja (Red Cross) in David, Panama or
in the hotel/resorts of Cerro Punta or Boquete.
Bear in mind the trail is steep and very muddy and slick. So quality footwear and rain gear is must. Check ahead before planning this hike, as the trail may be closed for repairs or lack of funding. Number Pictures:8 Date Created: 2/13/06
