Barú Volcano is part of BARU NATIONAL PARK (14,000 hectares). A visit to the volcano involves a long trek of some 22 km and since there is a road many prefer the driving alternative; hire a 4WD vehicle with a driver. The view at the summit is breathtaking. During the dry season, both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans can be seen. If you drive yourself, to reach the summit road from Boquete, turn west on Calle 2a Norte; continue for 7.5 kms and then turn left; after 500m. there is a gravel road on your right that leads to the summit amid forests.

You need a written authorization to walk in the park. Call ANAM in Panama at 500-0855 or in David at 774-6671. There is no guide but the director kindly accompanies visitors if you ask him. There is a three-room lodging facility with water situated at a four to six hour walk from Boquete to Culebra on the road known as "Pianist's Road", or El Pianista in Spanish. The extinct volcano is located 700m. below the summit and surrounded by cloud forest up to 3,200m. Sub-alpine scrub forest adorns the summit. Barú National Park has more quetzals during the nesting season in April and May than Costa Rica and some of the countries to the north. Some 100 bird species can be seen including the endemic Volcano humming bird.