The small town of Boquete is one of Panama’s most precious scenic gems situated in the highlands with the picturesque Rio Caldera flowing along side the town. The attraction of this simple no frills town nestled in a valley are the countless rolling green hills a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, or for those who enjoy walking at a leisurely pace. Walking has been one of my favorite means of exercise and now I never seem to tire taking a day hike in Boquete’s stunning natural forests up in the highlands whether in the Horqueta area, Bajo Mono (Pipeline), rainforest areas, or day hiking in the lower hotter areas of Caldera. Each of these areas has an inherent beauty, which continues to capture my interest.
As I hike in the early morning the aroma of spices and/or pine permeate the air, spotting the morning's dew on foliage or on the bed of fallen leaves, then listening in background the trickling sounds of the river and birds busy flying and chirping about. This is why I live in Boquete. Some trails have an abundance of wild flowers, a variety of orchids, Bromeliads hanging high up on trees, Heliconias, Birds of Paradise, butterflies such as the beautiful Blue Morpho, and sightings of various birds such as the Quetzale. For the Quetzale March is when the breeding begins during which the male, performs the courtship dance, calls, and loudly sings in order to attract females. This splendid bird is located in the cloud forests among lush vegetation, in very moist rainforest zones such as the Pipeline in Bajo Mono and the Quetzales Trail.
In March we will trek the “Los Quetzales Trail” to Cerro Punta. Our starting point will be Boquete it will be a six to seven hour trek and I do anticipate seeing and hearing the Resplendent Quetzale during this hike.
My love for walking began in Chicago; well it really began while jogging along Lake Michigan in my thirties, then in my late forties, I began a power walk routine, and bicycling along Chicago’s lakefront trails after moving and living in walking distance to the lake. In my fifties, I began walking 10,000 steps and eventually found that amount of steps not very challenging so I began to walk longer. While living Chicago, not very many of us go walking for long distances in the winter, it is just way to cold for that type of activity so one begins not to exercise very much at all in winter but se staying fit is inportant for me I would go to health club all winter. However, I have to say that after moving to Boquete I am in better shape and feel healthier than ever.
After having lived in Boquete for a short period, someone mentioned a walking group had formed; I joined it and began hiking the many trails of Boquete. It took a while for my body to acclimate to the altitude – Chicago is flat land and Boquete well it is much higher.
The group meets every Saturday morning at 8:00am hiking for about a two-hour sometimes less. I call our outings hikes because well we are in Boquete with some areas being over 1,400 meters or over 4000 feet above sea level and some trails higher than that. Most of the terrain requires hiking boots for safety because many trails are not level, they may be rocky, deep gaps and jagged with loose gravel roads. For some a walking stick is a big plus it aids as a balancing tool – I take mine along on every hike and love it. The greater part of trails are on an incline whether hiking up or down - the majority of us are accustomed to walking on level ground only, and lower altitude. As a result hiking in Boquete may be a challenge for some at first however; your body will acclimate to Boquete’s altitude if you stick with it.
There is also a Thursday hike starting at 8:30am. Thursday’s hikes frequently last longer about four to five hours and would be more difficult for some.
Hiking is vigorous at times but a great way to exercise. Most of the trails are up in the highlands and some are on back dirt roads where few cars are driven. All in all the landscape, natural surroundings, and views are splendid – well it is Boquete you know.
My love for walking began in Chicago; well it really began while jogging along Lake Michigan in my thirties, then in my late forties, I began a power walk routine, and bicycling along Chicago’s lakefront trails after moving and living in walking distance to the lake. In my fifties, I began walking 10,000 steps and eventually found that amount of steps not very challenging so I began to walk longer. While living Chicago, not very many of us go walking for long distances in the winter, it is just way to cold for that type of activity so one begins not to exercise very much at all in winter but se staying fit is inportant for me I would go to health club all winter. However, I have to say that after moving to Boquete I am in better shape and feel healthier than ever.
After having lived in Boquete for a short period, someone mentioned a walking group had formed; I joined it and began hiking the many trails of Boquete. It took a while for my body to acclimate to the altitude – Chicago is flat land and Boquete well it is much higher.
The group meets every Saturday morning at 8:00am hiking for about a two-hour sometimes less. I call our outings hikes because well we are in Boquete with some areas being over 1,400 meters or over 4000 feet above sea level and some trails higher than that. Most of the terrain requires hiking boots for safety because many trails are not level, they may be rocky, deep gaps and jagged with loose gravel roads. For some a walking stick is a big plus it aids as a balancing tool – I take mine along on every hike and love it. The greater part of trails are on an incline whether hiking up or down - the majority of us are accustomed to walking on level ground only, and lower altitude. As a result hiking in Boquete may be a challenge for some at first however; your body will acclimate to Boquete’s altitude if you stick with it.
There is also a Thursday hike starting at 8:30am. Thursday’s hikes frequently last longer about four to five hours and would be more difficult for some.
Hiking is vigorous at times but a great way to exercise. Most of the trails are up in the highlands and some are on back dirt roads where few cars are driven. All in all the landscape, natural surroundings, and views are splendid – well it is Boquete you know.
I researched just to find out how many calories a person can burn hiking on rough terrain like the Peterson #1 Trail, Horqueta #1, Piedra India Trail, to name a few so this is what I found out. It depends on the intensity (your speed, the terrain, the angle of incline, etc.), but you can burn anywhere from 1000 to 1600 calories in total.
I decided to write about Boquete’s off the beaten path “hiking trails” to share them with you - my audience and to let you know there are many trails and dirt roads to explore in this wonderful area of Panama. If you want to join us one-day contact me, my email address is on my blog. Below is a list of the trails with a brief description of each.
The hiking trails below may prove to be difficult at first if you do not walk very much or are sedentary. Here is my suggestion to acclimate yourself. Start by walking around town and take short walks that are on a slight incline. Begin your walking routine for a ½-hour the first 4 days then add 15-minute each week until you can walk for an hour. Do 15-minute stretches prior to walking and stretch afterward. Always take water, wear sunscreen, a hat, or cap. When hiking in the bush wear long pants and be prepared when hiking up in the highlands to get your shoes wet. My hiking boots are waterproof and purchased them at Sportline in David at the Chiriqui Mall.
FYI - When hiking on some of the trails you may have to walk on narrow footbridges that are not steady, or balance on rocks to cross-streams or rivers, climb over hefty fallen trees or around boulders.
Boquete Trails
The hiking trails below may prove to be difficult at first if you do not walk very much or are sedentary. Here is my suggestion to acclimate yourself. Start by walking around town and take short walks that are on a slight incline. Begin your walking routine for a ½-hour the first 4 days then add 15-minute each week until you can walk for an hour. Do 15-minute stretches prior to walking and stretch afterward. Always take water, wear sunscreen, a hat, or cap. When hiking in the bush wear long pants and be prepared when hiking up in the highlands to get your shoes wet. My hiking boots are waterproof and purchased them at Sportline in David at the Chiriqui Mall.
FYI - When hiking on some of the trails you may have to walk on narrow footbridges that are not steady, or balance on rocks to cross-streams or rivers, climb over hefty fallen trees or around boulders.
Boquete Trails
1. River walk Loop, 1 ½ to 2 hour – easy for the active person, a challenge for the inactive. A great hike close to town and good views.
2. Jaramillo Centro Loop, 1 ½ to 2 hour. Same as number one but a bit steeper in the beginning then a slight incline going back to town.
3. Cemetery to Volcancito Road, 1 ½ hours always on an incline going up, may be difficult for the beginner.
4. Il Pianista, short walk to Senor Ifrain’s property 1 to 1 ½ hour. Trail is slight incline from the beginning, balancing on stones is required while crossing a shallow river. Beautiful landscape and scenery.
5. Vocancito to CEFATI 1 ½ hours. Road hike on asphalt in the beginning then on a dirt road, then walk down steep stairs going down to main highway.
6. Alto Jaramillo, hike is up and down on dirt road, gravel road 3 to 4 hours. Great views of the ocean inlets and Boquete. Not easy for the beginner.
7. Past Alto Jaramillo, 4 hours. Begin hiking downward to Piedra India slight incline the entire way. It is a long hike, never made it to this rock.
8. Peterson-#1 Trail is along a river going up to Cerro Bueno Aires 3 hours. Great hike on a steady upward incline. Definitely, for people who are fit and enjoy mountain climbing. There are many birds, great views, narrow rough terrain.
9. Peterson-#2 trail is a dirt road passing cattle meadows 3 hours. Easier than number eight but still on an incline.
10. Il Pianista trail to Boca del Toro guide needed if you’re hiking to Bocas otherwise guide is not necessary
11. Bajo Mono Trail AKA Pipeline this is before the Quetzales Trail 3 hours. Steady incline but easy, trail is narrow, wonderful old growth, may hear Howler Monkeys early morning or mid afternoon. At the end of this trail is a beautiful waterfall but you must walk across some rocks to find it.
12. Quetzales Trail 4 hours but did not hike to Cerro Punta. Many birds, beautiful trees, a sheep farm, and the best trout farm along the way.
13. Horqueta Trail 1, 4-5 hours Steep dirt road going down into this valley or canyon then trails goes up on an incline. You may see and hear Howler Monkeys early, many birds, and orchids. Trail is along coffee fincas. Met the owner and he led us further up into hills. Great hike!
14. Horqueta Trail Loop 2, 2 ½ hours. Steadily down hill, loose rock, uneven trail until the main asphalt road then hike up to the dirt road to the top again.
15. La Estancia Loop number one 3 hours. Begin at la Estancia hike down onto dirt road and up onto asphalt road looping back to La Estancia.
16. La Estancia to Palmira Centro 4 hours. Begin at La Estancia walk down dirt road continues on dirt road to Palmira Centro hike back.
17. Las Brisas Boqueteneas Canyon 2 hours. Hike along the river, walking down to canyon must be done carelfully, fairly easy hike, go swimming. This hiking trail can take you to Potrerillos.
2. Jaramillo Centro Loop, 1 ½ to 2 hour. Same as number one but a bit steeper in the beginning then a slight incline going back to town.
3. Cemetery to Volcancito Road, 1 ½ hours always on an incline going up, may be difficult for the beginner.
4. Il Pianista, short walk to Senor Ifrain’s property 1 to 1 ½ hour. Trail is slight incline from the beginning, balancing on stones is required while crossing a shallow river. Beautiful landscape and scenery.
5. Vocancito to CEFATI 1 ½ hours. Road hike on asphalt in the beginning then on a dirt road, then walk down steep stairs going down to main highway.
6. Alto Jaramillo, hike is up and down on dirt road, gravel road 3 to 4 hours. Great views of the ocean inlets and Boquete. Not easy for the beginner.
7. Past Alto Jaramillo, 4 hours. Begin hiking downward to Piedra India slight incline the entire way. It is a long hike, never made it to this rock.
8. Peterson-#1 Trail is along a river going up to Cerro Bueno Aires 3 hours. Great hike on a steady upward incline. Definitely, for people who are fit and enjoy mountain climbing. There are many birds, great views, narrow rough terrain.
9. Peterson-#2 trail is a dirt road passing cattle meadows 3 hours. Easier than number eight but still on an incline.
10. Il Pianista trail to Boca del Toro guide needed if you’re hiking to Bocas otherwise guide is not necessary
11. Bajo Mono Trail AKA Pipeline this is before the Quetzales Trail 3 hours. Steady incline but easy, trail is narrow, wonderful old growth, may hear Howler Monkeys early morning or mid afternoon. At the end of this trail is a beautiful waterfall but you must walk across some rocks to find it.
12. Quetzales Trail 4 hours but did not hike to Cerro Punta. Many birds, beautiful trees, a sheep farm, and the best trout farm along the way.
13. Horqueta Trail 1, 4-5 hours Steep dirt road going down into this valley or canyon then trails goes up on an incline. You may see and hear Howler Monkeys early, many birds, and orchids. Trail is along coffee fincas. Met the owner and he led us further up into hills. Great hike!
14. Horqueta Trail Loop 2, 2 ½ hours. Steadily down hill, loose rock, uneven trail until the main asphalt road then hike up to the dirt road to the top again.
15. La Estancia Loop number one 3 hours. Begin at la Estancia hike down onto dirt road and up onto asphalt road looping back to La Estancia.
16. La Estancia to Palmira Centro 4 hours. Begin at La Estancia walk down dirt road continues on dirt road to Palmira Centro hike back.
17. Las Brisas Boqueteneas Canyon 2 hours. Hike along the river, walking down to canyon must be done carelfully, fairly easy hike, go swimming. This hiking trail can take you to Potrerillos.
18. Potrerillos Trail 3 hours to Potrerillos, hiking back 6 hours total.
18. Rio Caldera begins along river to new Hot Springs 4 to 5 hours. Hike on a dirt road it is an easy hike but is very lengthy and hot. At the end of hike, soak your body in the Caldera Hot Springs. Need to be fit to do this long hike.
19. Palo Alto road to the Canopy Tree and beyond the area. Start at the “Springs” walk on road which is at a slight incline all the way. Once you reach Canopy Tree walk across river on the footbridge. This is a wonderful rainforest hike; narrow trail on a steady upward incline, soggy, and slippery in areas. Hiking from the “Springs” into the rainforest area is about a 4-5 hour hike.
18. Rio Caldera begins along river to new Hot Springs 4 to 5 hours. Hike on a dirt road it is an easy hike but is very lengthy and hot. At the end of hike, soak your body in the Caldera Hot Springs. Need to be fit to do this long hike.
19. Palo Alto road to the Canopy Tree and beyond the area. Start at the “Springs” walk on road which is at a slight incline all the way. Once you reach Canopy Tree walk across river on the footbridge. This is a wonderful rainforest hike; narrow trail on a steady upward incline, soggy, and slippery in areas. Hiking from the “Springs” into the rainforest area is about a 4-5 hour hike.
After checking the list of trails we have hiked I am thinking WOW! I had not realized until this writing the many trails we have hiked since we began last year. It certainly has been, without a doubt a most fantastic educational and exhilarating activity exploring Boquete's hiking trails and being able to share them with you. Hope you join us on Saturday and Thursday. Happy trails!
Explore. Dream. Discover.
Explore. Dream. Discover.
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