Lagunas de Volcan
The Lagunas de Volcán are two wetland lakes set outside the town of Volcán in Panama’s western highlands. The wetlands are protected and, at almost 4,000 feet (1,200 m), the highest in Panama.
The two lakes vary in size and have an average temperature of 57 °F (14 °C). Dense green trees surround the water and the Barú Volcano peeks up in the distance. It’s a pretty place.
This is a good area for birding. Birds seen here include pale-billed woodpeckers, flycatchers, antbirds, masked ducks, and rose-throated becards. Other animals include deer, pacas, agoutis, armadillos, frogs, and toads. The lakes are also stocked with bass and can be fished.
The Lagunas de Volcán are tough to find, so it’s best to go with a guide. They’re a 15-minute drive from Volcán. There are no facilities here, so be sure to bring any food or water that you will want. The lakes are also close to the La Torcaza Estate coffee farm; in one afternoon you can easily visit both the lakes and the coffee farm.
Where to stay in Lagunas de Volcan
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Lagunas de Volcan accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Valle Escondido Resort
Nestled in the rolling highlands of western Panama, Valle Escondido Resort occupies a tranquil valley just a short drive from the town of Boquete. The property sits at an elevation of roughly 1,200 metres, where the climate is cool and the air carries the faint scent of coffee blossoms. Its address places it within easy reach of the region’s most frequented attractions while still feeling removed from the bustle of the town centre.
Hotel Panamonte
The Hotel Panamonte is located in the highlands of Boquete. The hotel opened in 1914 but has undergone extensive renovations. It’s a comfortable and attractive place to stay.
The Riverside Inn
The Riverside Inn is set along the shores of the Río Palo Alto in Boquete. With just six luxurious rooms, this hotel is small and intimate.
Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort
Zipline cables stretch directly across the grounds of Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort, an ecotour bed & breakfast set inside a national park in Los Naranjos, Panama. The single-level venue holds 13 rooms on terrain without elevators or wheelchair access. Guests step straight from the main building onto hiking paths and canopy lines, or gather around a fireplace in the lobby.
Insider-led Panama Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
