los quetzales trail boquete cerro punta panama

los quetzales trail boquete cerro punta panama chiriqui province panama boquete tourism
The Los Quetzales trail unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta, and is one of Panama's most visited and popular hikes. Cerro Punta resides on the western slope of Baru Volcano, whereas Boquete is situated on the volcano's eastern side. The trail cuts through some of the province's most pristine, protected forest, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley. On both ends of the trail there is a National Park's office, where you'll be asked to pay $3.00 per person to access the trail and sign in. The overwhelming majority of those who complete the hike depart from Cerro Punta and head towards Boquete, rather than depart from Boquete. Cerro Punta's elevation is much higher than that of Boquete's, so much of the trail is downhill if you depart from Cerro Punta.

Departing from Cerro Punta
The road leading from Cerro Punta to the ranger station begins as a paved road and later turns into a dirt/gravel road. The paved section gradually climbs as it passes through private agricultural farms, whereas the dirt/gravel portion is steep and winding. There are few signs along the main road pointing to the Los Quetzales trail entrance, just one that is situated right at the entrance point. In spite of this, the trail should be easy to find, as locals should have no problem pointing you in the right direction. There are no public buses that service the Los Quetzales trail, rather you'll either have to walk or take a taxi to the ranger station. The walk from the trails entrance to the ranger station could take anywhere from 1.5 - 2 hours. There are taxis for hire that can take you to where the paved road ends, leaving to walk the remainder. As well, there are some 4x4 taxis that can take you right to the ranger station. For those who prefer to conserve their energy for the trail this might be the best option.

From the Cerro Punta Ranger Station
The hike begins with a relatively flat section as it heads to the lookout ledge (mirador), which is approximately 35-50 minutes from the ranger station; just prior to reaching the mirador trail there is a short, modestly steep section. The trail to the mirador breaks off the principal trail on the left side, and proceeds for a very short distance before reaching its end. Here you'll find a stable, wooden platform, from which you'll enjoy spectacular views looking east towards Boquete.

From here you'll have to retract back to the principal trail before continuing east towards Boquete. From this point the trail generally heads lower, with some steep sections along the way. Most of the steep sections have secure, wooden staircases with handrails to assist you. After approximately 35-50 minutes of walking you'll come across what appears to be a camp ground. It's a rather large open area with open views to both sides, with benches and tables. It's a good spot for a break.

The trail continues to descend, offering some stunning views of the valley below. There are some very steep sections along the way, cutting through the dense jungle and rock face. In the steeper sections you'll once again find wooden staircases with handrails. As well, to ensure proper footing, round wooden steps have been placed along the trail's path. At some point, as the trail nears Boquete, the trail runs into the Caldera River, which will run alongside the trail right to its very end. Depending on your physical condition and interest in the local flora and fauna, it might take anywhere from 2.5 - 4 hours to descend from the lookout to the park headquarters in Boquete. The trail departs the forest and continues for approximately 25-50 minutes along a dirt road, which handles vehicle traffic. This road descends and ascends as it winds through several privately owned farms.

From Boquete Ranger Station to Boquete town
Upon departing the national park headquarters you'll have to walk back to the principal, paved road that services the town of Boquete. While this road is wide and does handle vehicle traffic, it's loaded with large stones and deep ruts. From here it's virtually impossible to arrange for transportation since the park headquarters has no telephone system. The walk should take approximately 45-70 minutes. Once you reach the primary road, turn left and start walking towards Boquete. At the point where the trail branches off the primary road there is no public bus service available, but if you walk along the main road towards Boquete you'll reach a point where bus service begins. You shouldn't have to walk for but 15-25 minutes. Bus service from that point costs about $1.00. You could also get lucky and hire a taxi that happens to be passing by. Regardless, it makes no sense to stand at the roadside where the trail starts, start walking towards Boquete.

If you enter the park from Boquete you can hire a 4x4 taxi to take you to the park headquarters to eliminate the need to make this portion of the hike, much like in Cerro Punta. If you wish to make the hike and hire a taxi to take you only to the trail entrance it's important that you take the proper trail. The trail sign that's situated along the roadside actually directs you to the wrong trail. Off the main road there are two trails that lead to the right. You HAVE to take the first trail and not the second. The correct trail will have a long, steel tube that runs along its left side, that will continue for some time until you reach a sign that reads "Proyecto de Riego". At that point stay left and continue walking. If you find yourself walking along the initial stages of the trail and don't see the metal tube you have selected the wrong trail.