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Highlands

The highland rainforests are the heart of Chiriquí Province. From the rugged mountains of Parque Internacional La Amistad and the misty hills of Boquete to the continental divide traversing the cordillera (mountain range), this is probably the only spot in Panama where you might need a sweater. While Panamanians relish the chill, you’ll appreciate the astounding natural beauty throughout the region.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Highlands.

  • See

    Parque Nacional Volcán Barú

    Volcán Barú is Panama's only volcano and the dominant geographical feature of western Panama. It is no longer active but has seven craters and its summit, at 3474m, is the highest point in Panama. On clear days it affords views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The 143-sq-km park provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing and camping. It's home to abundant wildlife, including pumas and the resplendent quetzal, most commonly seen here between February and May.

  • See

    Arte Cruz

    On the west side of Hwy 41, some 3.5km south of Volcán, you’ll spot this workshop where master carver and artist José de la Cruz González makes and sells exquisite signs, sculptures and furniture in mahogany and other woods, as well as impressive etchings on crystal and glass. José trained in fine arts in Italy and Honduras, and his work has been commissioned by buyers worldwide. Visitors are treated to his entertaining demonstrations.

  • See

    Finca Dracula

    This orchid sanctuary, 500m from the center beyond the landmark Los Quetzales Ecolodge & Spa, is one of Latin America’s finest orchid collections, with some 2600 species cultivated here. The extremely knowledgeable staff take great pride in showing off this impressive sanctuary to interested guests on an included 45-minute tour run hourly.

  • See

    Área Silvestre Protegida Lagunas de Volcán

    Some 4km west of Volcán, this protected area encompasses the highest lake system (1240m) in Panama. The two picturesque lakes swell in the rainy season, with lush, virgin forest at their edges and Volcán Barú in the background. Surrounding woodlands are excellent sites for birdwatching.

  • See

    El Explorador

    Great for families, this private garden is located in a hilly area 3km northeast of the town center. You can walk to it in about 45 minutes. The 2 hectares of gardens are designed to look like something out of Alice in Wonderland, with no shortage of quirky eye-catching displays, including fanciful suspension bridges, koi ponds and playful sculptures.

  • See

    Parque Internacional La Amistad

    Parque Internacional La Amistad was established jointly by Panama and Costa Rica in 1988; two years later it was added to Unesco's World Heritage List. In Panama the park covers portions of Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro Provinces, contains seven of the 12 classified life zones, and serves as a refuge for a great number of endangered flora and fauna.

  • See

    La Piedra Pintada de Caldera

    Some of the best examples of petroglyphs found in Panama can be seen in this park at Caldera, about 23km southeast of Boquete. It's located 400m down a marked trail about 1km past the police station on the right.

  • See

    Sitio Barriles

    The pre-Columbian ruins at this site 6km west of Volcán along the Río Gariche date from between AD 300 and 900, when the settlement had as many as 1000 residents. The site is on the private Finca Campestre; the owners have a variety of artifacts on display in their yard and in a small, underwhelming museum. Not all of the artifacts were found on site. Guided tours of the collection and gardens are in both Spanish and English.