Los Quetzales Trail
The Los Quetzales Trail is a popular hiking trail that links Boquete with Cerro Punta and passes through the Barú Volcano National Park. The trail takes about 6 hours to hike and can be completed in a day.
The Los Quetzales Trail is well maintained and can be hiked in either direction—from Boquete to Cerro Punta or from Cerro Punta to Boquete. The hike from Boquete is mostly uphill, while the route from Cerro Punta is downhill nearly all the way. The best choice of direction will depend upon your fitness level and knee stability. Some people prefer to coast downhill while others favor slow ascents.
Either way it’s a gorgeous hike. The changing elevation corresponds to different life zones and landscapes—along the way you’ll cruise through cloud forests and bamboo woodland, crystal-clear streams and green pastures. The trail doesn’t actually ascend to the top of the Barú Volcano, but rather skirts its side. You’re likely to see birds and other small critters along the way, but despite the trail’s name you’ll need to be darn lucky to see a quetzal.
The Los Quetzales Trail has fairly good signage and can be hiked on your own. That said, it’s still usually best to go with a guide—you’ll see more animals and will be certain to not get lost.
The hike runs from the Alto Chiquero ranger station along the Boquete side to the El Respingo ranger station on the Cerro Punta side. This takes most people 5 to 6 hours. Remember, however, that both ranger stations are a good distance from either town. Driving to them will add to the total time.
The trail can see cool temperatures and sometimes rain, so be sure to bring pants and a waterproof jacket. A first aid kit is a must.
Where to stay in Los Quetzales Trail
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Los Quetzales Trail 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.
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.
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.
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