Rock Climbing Routes & Tours in Chiriqui
- Daily Rock Climbing Tours
- Hiking + Rappelling Circuit
- Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Tour
- Water Solo Bouldering
Daily Rock Climbing Tour in Boquete, Panama | $40 - $45 pp
Today more than 35 different routes have been setup for bouldering and rock climbing at "El Gunko", "Maná", "Paradiso" and "Legacy" in Boquete. Under the motto of "redefining what's impossible", Rock Climbing started out in the district of Boquete, Panama with 5.3. and 5.5 routes that could easily be climbed by amateurs. After building up their skills and gaining more experience they have continued to push the level and now routes from 5.9 all the way up to 5.13a have been established (difficulty measured according to the Yosemite Decimal System). The highest wall is 30 meters tall and there is a very challenging route with a 4 meter roof.
El Gunko is for basic to intermediate climbers and has a total of 15 routes (5.6 - 5.11a). Mana is for advanced climbers and has 7 routes (5.11a - 5.12d). And Legacy with 6 routes is for elite climbers (5.10a - 5.13a). Paradiso only has 1 route (5.13a). The following photos illustrate these sectors and rock climbing routes currently available in Boquete, Panama.
Gunko (Sector A)
Gunko (Sector B)
Maná Sector
Paradiso Sector
Legacy Sector
Each rock climbing tour includes a short warm-up and detailed safety briefing. Rock climbers with previous experience will be given 3 hours to climb any amount of routes of their own choice. Those new to rock climbing will be suggested different routes taking into account physical characteristics and age.
First timers will be explained everything they need to know, but if you are looking for a more extensive knowledge of this extreme sport, rock climbing courses are offered and you will be shown rock climbing techniques and rappelling in rock and in bridges, and you will receive a complete explanation of the equipment and gear used in rock climbing and rappelling.
Habla Ya Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Rock Climbing Tour | $40 per person | $45 per person | ||
| 3 Package Rock Climbing Tour | $105 per person | $125 per person | ||
| 5 Package Rock Climbing Tour | $155 per person | $195 per person | ||
* The above prices do not include Panama's 7% ITBMS Sales Tax.
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Hiking + Rappelling Circuit | $60 - $65 pp
Boquete is famous for its hiking trails and in this tour you will get the opportunity to hike for about 2.5 - 3 hours through Boquete's cloudforest, pass by several coffee, agricultural and cattle farms, and finally reach the Piedra de Lino Rock, from where you will enjoy a majestic view of the valley of Boquete and descend by rappell about 60 meters of volcanic rock. This excursion ends with a short hike, again through Boquete's cloud forest.
This tour takes about 4 hours in total, and includes everything you need: climbing harness, slings, ropes, helmet, rappelling devices, professional guide and roundtrip transportation to site.
Habla Ya Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Hiking + Rappelling Tour | $60 per person | $65 per person | ||
SIGN UP & REGISTER NOW FOR A HIKING & RAPPELLING TOUR IN BOQUETE, PANAMA »
Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Tour | $60 - $65 pp
Experience the ultimate sense of freedom by hiking, rappelling and climbing at 1690 meters above sea level. You'll start with a 30 - 45 minute hike (level 3) through a coffee farm until you reach the top of a beautiful natural rock formation known as Piedra de Lino from where you'll admire incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Then you'll rappel down the cliff and climb any of our beautiful multi-pitch routes. This tour is Intermediate (5.11a) and advanced levels (5.12a) only. The 2 routes heights vary between 30 m and 50 m, and each route has 2 pitches, which can be climbed by lead or top rope.
This tour lasts about 4 hours in total and includes roundtrip transportation to site, professional guide, climbing harness, climbing shoes, quick draws, rappelling devices, ropes, belay devices and chalk.
Habla Ya Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Tour | $60 per person | $65 per person | ||
SIGN UP & REGISTER NOW FOR A MULTI-PITCH ROCK CLIMBING TOUR IN BOQUETE, PANAMA »
Water Solo Bouldering | $60 - $65 pp
Los Cangilones de Gualaca is a stunning natural rock formation carved by the currents of the Estí River. Centuries and centuries of flowing water have created the most incredible playground for bouldering and water solo enthusiasts.
In this tour you will be climbing rocky formations 4 - 5 meters high over deep water protection. The Cangilones are located about a 45 minute drive from Boquete. This tour includes transportation to the site, your professional rock climbing guide, climbing shoes and chalk.
Habla Ya Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Water Solo Bouldering Tour | $60 per person | $65 per person | ||
* The above prices do not include Panama's 7% ITBMS Sales Tax.
SIGN UP & REGISTER NOW FOR A WATER SOLO BOULDERING TOUR IN BOQUETE, PANAMA »
All the areas for climbing are located within lands owned by the local Municipality and protected by government authorities such as ATP (Autoridad de Turismo en Panama) and ANAM (Autoridad Nacional del Medio Ambiente). If you already know to climb and have your own climbing gear, a 3 day access pass and more information about these rock climbing sites can be granted for $35. You are welcome to contact us to get your pass.
Rock Climbing Courses
Basic Course (Level 1) – Safe Belay & Climbing Techniques, $195 pp
3 day course (3 hours per day), or 1 full day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Day 1
- Theory: Introduction to Rock Climbing. Disciplines of rock climbing. Philosophy. Basic climbing gear. International commands. Important knots. Safety practices. Different grades in climbing. Basic techniques, body positioning and movements in climbing. Different types of rocks. Ropes and their uses. Assisted rappelling techniques.
- Practice: "La Frontera", a 5.6 route (10 meters). "End of Rainbow", a 5.7 route (15 meters). "King's Throne", a 5.8 route (15 meters). "La Mermelada", a 5.9 route (18 meters). All routes will be climbed by top rope and assisted rappelling.
Day 2
- Theory: safe belay lessons with different devices (Petzl GRIGRI and ATC)
- Practice: climb and belay of the route "La Frontera", 5.6, in top rope with GRIGRI (10 meters). climb and belay of the route "La Frontera", 5.6, in top rope with ATC (10 meters). Climb and belay of the route "El Camino negro", 5.9, with instructor on lead with GRIGRI (20 meters). Climb and belay of the route "El Camino negro", 5.9, with instructor on lead with ATC (20 meters).
Day 3
- Theory: use of bolted anchors.
- Practice: climb and belay of the route "King's Throne", 5.8 - 15 meters, and basic operation with anchors (assisted). Climb of route "La Mermelada", 5.9 - 18 meters, and basic operation with anchors (assisted). Special knots in climbing and mountaineering. How to do a Butterfly coiling and how to use a rope as a backpack. Climb of "The Matrix", 5.10a - 20 meters, in top rope, operation with anchors, clean the route and assisted rappelling.
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Intermediate Course (Level 2) – Lead Climbing, $185 pp
3 day course (3 hours per day), or 1 full day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Day 1
- Theory: Introduction to "Lead Climbing" - Ascending to the top of a route placing security. Preparation of gear for lead climbing, commands, safety practices, how to belay with ATC and Grigri when a climber leads a route. How to use draws in sport climbing. Techniques to place security in Trad climbing with anchor systems like Cams, Stoppers, etc.
- Practice: Belay of the route "La frontera", 5.6 (12 meters), on lead and how to rappel down a climber. Climb the route "La frontera", 5.6 (12 meters), on lead, operation with anchors and assisted rappelling.
Day 2
- Theory: non-assisted rappelling techniques with "figure eight" device and ATC.
- Practice: Climb and belay of the route "King's throne", 5.8 (15 meters) on lead, operation with anchors and perform a non-assisted rappelling with figure eight device. Climb and belay of the route "Evolution", 5.10 (20 meters), on "lead", operation with anchors and perform a non-assisted rappelling with ATC device.
Day 3
- Practice: Climb and belay of route "El Camino Negro", 5.9 (20 meters), on lead, operation with anchors and non-assisted rappelling with preferred device. Climb and belay of route "Majestic in Mana Sector", 5.10 (25 meters), on lead, operation with anchors and non-assisted rappelling with preferred device. Climb and belay of the classic route "El Camino de los locos", 5.10b/c (15 meters), on lead, operation with anchors and non-assisted rappelling with preferred device.
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Advanced Course (Level 3) – Multiple Pitch Climbing, $175 pp
2 day course (4 hours per day), or 1 full day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Day 1
- Theory: introduction to "Multiple Pitch Climbing" - preparation of gear, safety practices, how to belay (ATC & Grigri) when doing multiple pitch climbing routes, use of slings.
- Practice: 30 - 45 minute hike (level 3) to the top of the Lino cliff located at 1690 meters above sea level. Rappelling down the cliff to the base and explanation about how to belay on multiple pitch. Climb of the route "Cosmic Love", 5.11a, first pitch (30 meters), operation with anchors and belay of second climber. Climb of the route "Cosmic Love", 5.11a, second pitch (30 meters), operation with anchors and belay of second climber. Rappelling down to the base of the route and hiking out of the mountain.
Day 2
- Practice: 30 - 45 minute hike (level 3) to the top of the Lino cliff located at 1690 meters above sea level and rappel down the cliff. Climb the route "Lady Galaxy", 5.12a, first pitch (30 meters), operation with anchors and belay of second climber. Climb the route "Lady Galaxy", 5.12a, second pitch (30 meters), operation with anchors and belay of second climber. Climb the entire 60 meter route "Cosmic Love" 5.11a or "Lady Galaxy" 5.12a (on lead or following).
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Price |
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| Basic Rock Climbing Course - Level 1, Safe Belay & Climbing Techniques | $195 per person | ||
| Intermediate Rock Climbing Course - Level 2, Lead Climbing | $185 per person | ||
| Advanced Rock Climbing Course - Level 3, Multiple Pitch Climbing | $175 per person | ||
* The above prices do not include Panama's 7% ITBMS Sales Tax.
SIGN UP & REGISTER NOW FOR A ROCK CLIMBING COURSE IN BOQUETE, PANAMA »
At all times you will be assisted by a professional guide, ensuring your safety with appropriate advice and he will also act as a "belayer" for you at all times, guaranteeing that you do not fall down even if you completely lose grip of the wall. Helmets are worn at all times to ensure complete safety. At the end of each ascent, climbers will be able to rappel their way down or can descend with the help of a certified guide.
More about Rock Climbing
An Extreme Sport for the Body & Soul
As with any other extreme sport, rock climbing is an adventure sport that originated from human's nature. As humans, we have the desire to face and conquer challenges. Why climb the wall? Because it is there! As simple as that...
For those not familiar with rock climbing, it is an extreme sport that involves ascending steep rock formations through a sequence of gymnastic maneuvers in order to reach the top of a wall using the body's energy in the most efficient way. A focused spirit and balanced mind are attributes of a good rock climber. It is not only a physical challenge, but as well involves mental control and profound concentration.
Rock climbing requires agility and balance in addition to strength and endurance. Patience, speed, determination and courage are virtues found in an experienced climber. Knowledge of climbing techniques and the use of essential pieces of gear and equipment are crucial when climbing a difficult route. A high degree of alertness and capacity to predict consequences of movements are also key features to successful rock climbing.
Rock Climbing Gear & Equipment
Risks in sport climbing are greatly reduced if all the necessary equipment is used as it is intended to be used and instructions given by guides carefully followed. In sport climbing, climbers are secured to the wall using metal loops called bolts. Bolts are secured to the rock with either expanding masonry bolts taken from the construction industry, or by placing glue-in bolt systems. Climbers are protected from falling by a belayer.
Top rope climbing involves suspending a rope from an anchor located at the top of a short climb. The climber is then safeguarded by his belayer who holds the rope at the base of the climb. Rock climbing at el Gunko in Boquete can be described as bouldering as short, severe routes are setup.
After reaching the top, climbers can rappel back down by themselves or descend with the help of their belayer. In either case the belayer will be securing the climber. Rappelling or abseiling is a common method for returning to the bottom of a completed climb by descending on a fixed rope.
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Climbing equipment and gear includes dynamic ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, descenders, lockers, carabiners, helmets, etc. Specifically designed footwear, known as cat shoes, is used for rock climbing and increases the grip of the foot to the rock surface due to friction.
About Panama's 1st Rock Climbing Company
After rock climbing for several years as an amateur, in 2006 César traveled to the United States to promote Boquete as a rock climbing destination by competing in several rock climbing competitions. Wisely enough he also made the most out of it by receiving professional training and received the degree of Rock Climber Instructor and Equipment Manager from the YMCA of Florida's First Coast in Jacksonville, U.S.A. This certification includes the 6 levels of a certified climber (belay safe certification, equipment management, climbing technique, rappel technique, bolting and rock climbing instructor).
Before traveling to the United States, César Meléndez had already received rock climbing training from international rock climbers that had visited Boquete and taken rappelling courses given by the national fire department and rescue team.
Other climbers have joined Boquete Climb Adventure enriching the team with their experience gained when climbing in the US, Europe and South America. The international experience and vision of these new members have given the team a major catalyst for national multipitch routes and international rock climbing and alpine projects.
SIGN UP & REGISTER NOW FOR A ROCK CLIMBING TOUR IN BOQUETE, PANAMA »
With these certifications César has been able to train other guides, setup new routes and has added a new degree of safety to rock climbing in Boquete and Panama.
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