Tierras Altas

The Volcán Barú (also Volcán de Chiriqui) is an active stratovolcano and the tallest mountain in Panama, at 3,475 metres (11,398 ft) high. Due to its height and Panama's relatively short width, it is possible (though relatively rare) to see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea from Volcán Barú's peak on a clear day. The occasional fall of hail or ice pellets has been reported on the summit, where the minimum temperature can be below 0 °C  (32 °F) and the formation of frost is frequent during the dry season. The peak is host to a large installation of broadcast towers. The volcano was declared Volcán Barú National Park in 1976, with an area of 14,325 ha (35,400 acres). It is a part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Fauna include the black guan, black-and-white hawk-eagle, Underwood's water mouse, volcano junco, wrenthrush, and yellow-thighed finch. Over 250 species of birds have been identified within the park, and all five species of big cats live here as well. The national park protects a range of habitat, including humid montane forests, low humid montane forests, and montane rainforests. The park's most popular hiking trail is the Sendero Los Quetzales (Los Quetzales Trail), which connects Boquete with Cerro Punta and wraps around the side of the volcano. The trail takes around 6 hours to hike. There is another trail to the top of the volcano, but this is long, steep and strenuous. You can, however, see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea from the summit on a clear day.