Introducing Parque Nacional Volcán Barú

This 14, 300-hectare national park is home to Volcán Barú, which is Panama’s only volcano as well as the dominant geographical feature of Chiriquí. Although Volcán Barú is no longer active (there is in fact no record of its most recent eruption), it has not one but seven craters. Its summit, which tops out at 3478m, is the highest point in Panama, and on a clear day it affords views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

The national park is also home to the Sendero Los Quetzales, one of the most scenic treks in the entire country. As its name implies, the trail is one of the best places in Central America to spot the rare resplendent quetzal, especially during the dry season (November to April). However, even if the Mayan bird of paradise fails to show, the park is home to over 250 bird species as well as pumas, tapirs and the conejo pintado, a spotted raccoon-like animal.