- Address: Bugaba District, Chiriquí province, Panamá
- Height above sea level: 3474 m
- Diameter of the crater: 6000 m
- Date of the last eruption: about 1550.
The Baru volcano is the most famous in Panama : firstly, it is the highest point of the country (the height of the mountain is 3474 m), and secondly - it is the highest in the southern part of Central America. The diameter of the caldera is also impressive: it is about 6 km! There is a volcano Baru in the territory of the Volkan Baru National Park, named in his honor. The volcano also has another name - Chiriki (that's the name of the Panamanian province in which it is located).
More about volcano
Baru is a sleeping volcano: according to forecasts of seismologists, the next eruption will take place in 2035, although after the earthquake of 2006, some scientists believe that it can occur earlier. The previous, not too powerful, eruption took place around 1550, and the last, very strong, occurred around 500 AD.
Stunning views that open from the top of the volcano in all weathers attract a large number of visitors every year. On a clear day, a panorama view opens up, spanning dozens of kilometers of Panama's territory, including the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the ports of the Caribbean Sea. In cloudy weather, clouds of all sizes, shapes and colors can be seen here, and on a cloudless night from the top, you can see the lights of the city of David , the towns of Cocepción and Boquete .
Climatic conditions
Ascending to the top of the volcano, it should be remembered that it is much colder here than anywhere else in Panama. The temperature is most often in the region of 0 ° C, and precipitation falls not only in the form of rain, but also in snow.
sights
Tourists climb the top of Baru volcano not only for the species that open from it: there are many other interesting things. The first local landmark is the village of Boquete, with which, in fact, the ascent to the top, the world famous tourist route "Quetzal Trail" begins. The village itself has the title of "a town of coffee and flowers", around it there are many gardens and coffee plantations. The very road to the top is laid among the lush jungle, full of diverse livestock. The path runs past the settlement of Cerro Punta, which is the highest mountain in Panama. Not far from it you can see the ruins of an ancient Indian settlement destroyed by a volcanic eruption.
How to get to the volcano?
To see the Baru volcano, you need to get to the city of David first . The most convenient way to do this is by air: there is an airport in David where you can fly from the capital. You can also come by car through Carr. Panamericana, however, firstly, the road will take more than 7 hours, and secondly - it has paid plots.
From the city of David to the foot of the volcano it is possible to arrive via Vía Boquete / Road No. 41, the journey will take about one and a half hours. Then the ascent begins, but it's better to drive to Cerro Punta.
From the village of Cerro Punta to the summit you can climb on foot, but keep in mind: such an ascent (and especially a back descent) will suit only enough physically trained people. If you do not include yourself as such, you better go to the top on a rented jeep. You can climb up from the town of Boquete , this route requires less physical preparation.
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