A walk through the rainforest is not eco-tourism unless that particular walk somehow benefits that environment and the people who live there. A rafting trip is only eco-tourism if it raises awareness and funds to help protect the watershed. A loose interpretation of this definition allows many companies to promote themselves as something that they are not. If true eco-tourism is important to you, ask plenty of questions to determine if your trip will help "conserve and improve" the places you visit.
Barú Volcano Trek & Camp: summit to Panama's highest point
At 3,475meters (14,500 feet), the Barú Volcano, is Panama's highest point. The trip to the top of the Volcano, which is no longer active, is an adventure for the fit and reckless only. On a clear day you will be able to contemplate the Pacific and the Caribbean from the Volcano's peak which is marked by a cross and offers spectacular 360 degree views. On your way up you will also encounter several of its 7 craters and appreciate how the vegetation of the cloudy rainforest gradually changes from large trees at the beginning of the hike to smaller plants at the end of it.
The hike to the top of the Barú Volcano, back and forth (up and down), makes a total of 27 km. The excursion can be made a camping trip setting up tents, a camp fire and having a nice dinner just before reaching the top, or it can also be completed without dedicating a night to rest. The choice is yours but for several reasons we suggest the camping option as you will definitively enjoy the experience a lot more. For both options a bilingual guide and all the necessary gear is provided.
MORE ABOUT HIKING TO THE TOP OF THE VOLCÁN BARÚ GUIDED TOUR... »
Camping Trip + Guided Hike |
Guided Trek Only |
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| Student Price | Non Student | Student Price | Non Student | |||
| 1 or 2 persons | $125 in total | $150 in total | $95 in total | $120 in total | ||
| 3 to 5 persons | $75 per person | $85 per person | $45 per person | $55 per person | ||
| 6 to 10 persons | $65 per person | $75 per person | $40 per person | $50 per person | ||
| 11 persons or more | $55 per person | $65 per person | $35 per person | $45 per person | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK A TOUR TO HIKE THE VOLCÁN BARÚ »
Surrounding the Volcán Barú you will encounter one of Panama's most famous National Parks: the Volcán Baru National Park which covers approximately 35,000 acres (14,325 hectares) near the Talamanca Mountains and is limited by La Amistad International Park and Palo Seco protective forest. It features volcanic cliffs, cloud forests and rainforest and contains walking trails which provide ample possibilities for hiking (including the famous Quetzal's Trail), mountain climbing and camping. Abundant wildlife is located within its grounds.
Quetzal's Trail: Hike one of Panama's most incredible Eco-Paths
"El Sendero de los Quetzales" is a 9.6km trek (total length of 6 miles) in Panama's western highlands that connects the towns of Boquete and Guadalupe (Cerro Punta). Although the difference in altitudes between both towns is around 1 km, the real change in altitude when hiking this trail is approximately 2 kms.
Renown for its beauty, hikers will have a chance to encounter Chiriquí's wild rainforest, waterfalls, rivers and streams, explore its mountains and hills and discover its valleys and peaks. Hiking the trail takes an average of 4 to 7 hours. This enchanted path can be hiked uphill or downhill. Each option presents its own advantages and disadvantages.
MORE ABOUT HIKING THE QUETZAL'S TRAIL... »
Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| 1 or 2 persons | $125 in total | $140 in total | ||
| each additional person | $20 | $25 | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK A GUIDED HIKING TOUR TO THE QUETZAL'S TRAIL »
This Eco-Path has achieved international fame because it is one of the last places in Central America where a Resplendent Quetzal can be spotted with relative ease. Following certain tips and advice can increase possibilities of seeing a quetzal. LEARN MORE ABOUT "EL SENDERO DE LOS QUETZALES"...
White Water River Rafting: world class rafting rips in Panama
When travelers visit Panama or any other country in Central America, one of the most common thoughts that come to their minds is an unexplored land of virgin jungles full of exotic wildlife. Rafting gives them a unique opportunity to discover the tropical rainforest from the distinct perspective that comes from experiencing the adrenaline of running a rapid and contemplating nature's scenery from the river.
Panama's rivers are just being discovered and ever since the word started spreading out, the rivers of the province of Chiriquí have been particularly drawing the attention of rafters and paddlers from all over the globe. Considered by many experts as one of the most attractive destinations for rafting in Central America, the rivers of the province of Chiriquí in Panama are packed with thrills and beauty to captivate all.
Chiriquí has a rafting trip for everybody. Spectacular passages through mysterious gorges in the middle of nowhere, steep gradients that lead to boiling eddies and big drops, hidden waterfalls, strong hydraulics that produce wild waves and intense and crazy rapids. are you ready for Panama's rivers? If you are looking for big water, the rivers get even more water during the rainy season, from June to November.
MORE ABOUT WHITEWATER RIVER RAFTING TRIPS IN CHIRIQUÍ, PANAMÁ »
River |
Section |
Class |
Min. Age |
Drive Time |
Season |
Raft Time |
Cost p/p |
| Chiriquí Viejo | Palón | IV-V | 16 | 3 hours | All year | 4 hours | $85 |
| Chiriquí Viejo | Sabo | III | 12 | 3 hours | All year | 2 hours | $75 |
| Chiriquí | Witches - B. Méndez | III - IV | 14 | 1.5 hours | Jun - Nov | 5 hours | $80 |
| Chiriquí | B. Méndez - Barrigona | III | 10 | 1.5 hours | Jun - Nov | 5 hours | $75 |
| Caldera | 2 runs, upper section | IV | 16 | 1 hour | Jun - Nov | 5 hours | $90 |
| Caldera | 1 run, upper section | IV | 16 | 1 hour | Jun - Nov | 2.5 hours | $55 |
| Gariché | Bijagual | II - III | 10 | 1.5 hours | Jun - Nov | 3 hours | $75 |
| Dolega | Bridge | II - III | 10 | 1 hour | Jun - Nov | 4 hours | $70 |
| Majagua | Lower - Rafting | II | 8 | 1 hour | Jun - Nov | 2 hours | $50 |
| Majagua | Lower - Kayaking | II | 16 | 1 hour | Jun - Nov | 2 hours | $55 |
| Majagua | Lower - Kayaking | II | 16 | 1 hour | Jun - Nov | 4 hours | $80 |
| Estí | Lower | II | 6 | 1.5 hours | All year | 3 hours | $65 |
SIGN UP & BOOK A RAFTING TRIP IN CHIRIQUÍ »
You name it, the rivers of Chiriquí, Panamá have it: mild scenic Class II rivers for birdwatching lovers with tranquil pools (Majagua and Estí River), fun and technical Class III sections with secret passages to majestic waterfalls and pool drop rapids (Río Gariché and Dolega), challenging, long and continuous Class IV sections (Caldera River and Río Chiriquí) and wild action packed Class V rapids during the rainy season (Chiriquí Viejo).
Rappelling & Rock Climbing Routes on Natural Walls in Boquete
Only 15 minutes away from downtown Boquete there is an amazing natural climbing wall made of crystal shaped rocks originated by the basaltic rock formations formed after an ancient eruption of the Barú Volcano. One of the first rock climbing sites in Panama, "El Gunko de Boquete" is located in the "Bajo Mono" area. This natural rock climbing wall is known as "Los Ladrillos" or "The bricks" by the locals from Boquete.
More than 30 different rock climbing routes exist. Climbers will have the opportunity to experience 5.3 to 5.12c climbing routes (according to YDS) for a total of 3 hours. Routes available for everybody. "El Gunko" is an excellent climbing wall for beginners who initiate themselves in this extreme sport and for very advanced climbers who are traveling around Central and Latin America searching for challenges.
MORE ABOUT RAPPELLING & ROCK CLIMBING IN PANAMA... »
Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Rock Climbing & Rappelling Tour | $35 per person | $40 per person | ||
| Basic Rock Climbing Training Course | $100 per person | $120 per person | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK A ROCK CLIMBING AND RAPPELLING TOUR »
Security comes first: Vertical Adventures main rock climbing guide holds climbing certifications from the U.S.A. and has trained the rest of the guides in Boquete. A belayer always ensures every climber's safety by preventing a fall even if a climber completely looses hold of the wall.
Caldera Hot Springs: chill out & relax after Boquete's adventures
If you want to relax and chill out, on the path to Boquete lays a place famous for its natural hot springs renown for their healing properties. The hot springs are located within a private farm and four undeveloped pools of mineral water with different temperatures are easily accessible. With so many adventurous and physical demanding tours in Boquete, the Caldera Hot springs is certainly a place to come if you feel like soothing your aches.
Caldera, which means boiling pot, is a small town near the Caldera River and is half way between Dolega and Boquete. The river itself serves as a refreshing cool off after bathing in the hot springs. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the Río Caldera and marvel at the smooth and warm boulders and hot pockets of water within the river itself which can be located with the help of your guide.
MORE ABOUT TOURS TO THE HOT SPRINGS IN CALDERA... »
Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Caldera Hot Springs Tour | $65 for 1 - 2 persons, $20 each additional person | $75 for 1 - 2 persons, $25 each additional person | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK A TOUR TO THE CALDERA HOT SPRINGS »
The temperatures in each hot water hole range from 38ºC - 46ºC. What travelers most like about this hot water site is that it is totally uncrowded. Conveniently located beside the Caldera River, you can easily refresh yourself by taking a dip into the river's waters and two of the four water holes are surrounded by man placed rocks giving you added privacy.
Zip Line Canopy Tour with Boquete Tree Trek
Central America's second longest zip line canopy tour provides adventure enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience the cloud forest from a distinct perspective while gliding at high speeds from platform to platform in the rainforest's canopy.
The Zip Line Canopy Tour in Boquete is a unique experience that allows you contemplate the canopy of the cloudforest from thirteen different canopy platforms while smoothly soaring in the heights of the cloud forest from one treetop to another.
You will glide through the trees and encounter a world unknown. You will discover a fascinating perspective of wildlife that you had never appreciated. Native species of flora and fauna can be observed. You will marvel at the sight of a great variety of orchids, trees and wildflowers that are found throughout the area.
MORE ABOUT THE ZIP LINE CANOPY TOUR IN BOQUETE... »
Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Zip Line Canopy Tour | $55 per person | $60 per person | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK A ZIP LINE CANOPY TOUR »
3.5 kms of steel cable, 12 zip lines, 13 platforms, 100 to 200 feet above the ground (30 to 60 meters) for a 3 hour zip line canopy tour in the Palo Alto Region of Boquete, Panama.
Coffee Tours in Boquete: Panama's specialty coffee capital
You might have heard that Panama's coffee is the best coffee in the world. Did you know that Panama's best coffee is grown in the highlands of Boquete? Visiting Boquete without going on a coffee tour is like visiting Las Vegas and not going to a casino.
Come and discover the secret behind producing the world's best coffee and join a coffee tour! Boquete's coffee tours will take you to where it all begins: the coffee plantations of Chiriquí's highlands and you will end these tours sampling freshly roasted and grinded coffee from Boquete.
MORE ABOUT COFFEE TOURS IN BOQUETE... »
Complete Coffee Tour |
Specialty Coffee Tour |
Coffee Roastery Tour |
| $25 per person | $25 per person | $15 per person |
SIGN & BOOK A COFFEE TOUR IN BOQUETE, PANAMA »
At Habla Ya Language Center we recommend Café Ruiz's coffee tour because Café Ruiz is one of the oldest and most respected coffee producers in the country. The Ruiz family is 100% Panamanian and their coffee tours are led by Ngöbe Buglé Indigenous who play a vital part in Panama's coffee industry.
Horseback Riding Tours in Caldera only 20 minutes from Boquete
The mountains of Caldera, only 20 minutes away from Boquete, make an ideal destination for horseback riding. The rural countryside with its volcanic stone walls, golden fields and green rolling hills is very pleasant to explore riding in the company of a good horse and a couple of mates. There are miles and miles of open plains on mountain tops which are ideal for galloping and the horses naturally love it.
In this horseback riding tour you will cross rivers and small streams, encounter beautiful landscapes and admire the Volcán Barú from a real special perspective. This horseback tour is totally different from just renting a horse in downtown Boquete and horseback riding in the paved roads close to the town.
MORE ABOUT HORSEBACK RIDING TOURS IN BOQUETE... »
Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Horseback Riding Tour in Caldera | $35 per person | $40 per person | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK A HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR IN CALDERA »
Professional and bilingual horseback riding guide Franklin Rovetto, owns and breeds his own horses. During all his life he has been around horses. Your safety is in good hands.
Gear Rental Outlet: rent camping, kayaking & biking equipment
If you are coming to Boquete, and would like to explore the region on your own, at Habla Ya Language Center you can rent all the gear and equipment that you will need. We got camping gear, kayaking gear and biking gear. All you need is a good map and off you go!
We can also arrange your transportation to make any excursion happen.
MORE ABOUT GEAR RENTALS IN BOQUETE... »
Moutain Bike (these are student prices, non students pay 10% more) |
1 bike |
2 bikes |
3 bikes |
4 bikes |
| $3 per hour | $5 per hour | $7 per hour | $9 per hour | |
| $12 per day | $20 per day | $25 per day | $30 per day | |
| $70 per week | $120 per week | $150 per week | $180 per week |
If you would like to rent 1 bike for several weeks, then the price would be the same as renting several bikes per week. For example, 1 bike for 2 weeks would be $120, which is the same price as renting 2 bikes for 1 week.
Camping Backpack |
$4 per day |
Sleeping Bag |
$3 per day |
Sleeping Mat |
$2 per day |
Flashlight or Headlamps |
$3 per day |
Tent (can be shared between 2 or 3 people) |
$5 per day |
Sealed Dry Bag (1 per group) |
$3 per day |
Portable Gas Stove |
$5 per day |
Gas Canister |
$5 per canister |
Cookware utensils |
$3 per day |
Waterproof white water jacket, helmet, lifejacket, waterproof gear box |
$20 per day |
Kayaks (inflatable or hardshell whitewater w/paddles) |
$30 per day |
SIGN UP & RENT GEAR IN BOQUETE »
Passport and deposit will be required to rent gear. The deposit will depend on gear rented.
Four Wheel ATV Tours with Boquete ATV Adventures
For those passionate about extreme sports, Boquete ATV Adventures provides the ultimate 4 wheeling experience in Panama. Discover Boquete's scenery from a perspective full of adrenaline and speed. ATV tours are offered in Boquete and its surroundings, to the Caldera Hot Springs, to Coffee Plantations, to the skirts of the Barú Volcano and to the highest peak of Panama.
MORE ABOUT ATV TOURS AND 4-WHEELING IN BOQUETE... »
ATV Tour |
Length |
Price |
| Boquete Panoramic ATV Tour | 1.5 hours | $35 |
| Boquete Off-the-Road ATV Tour | 2.5 hours | $60 |
| Boquete ATV and Coffee Tour Trip | 3.5 hours | $80 |
| Río Caldera and Hot Springs ATV Tour | 5 hours | $100 |
| Barú Volcano ATV Tour | 7 hours | $150 |
SIGN UP & BOOK AN ATV TOUR IN BOQUETE »
No natural paths will be damaged as these 4 wheel tours are only conducted on previously made roads of dirt and stone. Our brand new ATVs are equipped with state of the art energy saving motors and are constantly maintained. We keep them efficient as possible.
Indigenous Villages Tour in the Highlands
Please contact us for further information about visits to Ngöbe Buglé communities. MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Indigenous Villages Tour | $30 per person | $35 per person | ||
SIGN UP & BOOK AN INDIGENOUS VILLAGES TOUR »
The Ngöbe Buglé is the largest group of Indians in Panama. They live in the Ngöbe Buglé comarca that was formed in 1997 with lands from the mountains of Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui and from the arid plains of Veraguas. The comarca is a protected area that operates its own political system. The majority of the Ngöbe-Bugle live in small communities or villages within "chozas" or huts made of straw with dirt floors. Most of these villages are too far away from basic health services, education facilities and many communities have severe nutrition problems, amongst others.
hablaya@hotmail.co.uk
+507-720-1294
+507-6-480-4506
