Volcán Barú · 4x4

Volcán Barú tours

Volcán Barú is the highest point in Panama, and on a clear day you can see both oceans from the top. We drive up in a 4x4, either before dawn for sunrise or in the afternoon for sunset. No long hike, just a comfortable ride and a view that's hard to beat.

3,475 mHighest point in Panama

2 oceansPacific and Caribbean

4x4Driven to the top

Up before everyone else

There's nothing quite like standing on top of Panama while the sky turns gold. We leave Boquete in the dark and drive up by 4x4, so you're at the summit for first light, bundled up warm with the clouds below you and two oceans on the horizon.

Sunrise breaking over a sea of clouds from the summit of Volcán Barú

The Panama flag flying at the 3,475 m summit of Volcán Barú

At the top

What you'll see up there

A few shots from the summit. This is what you're getting up early for.

A traveller watching sunrise from the summit of Volcán Barú — Sunrise over the clouds
Get to the top in the dark and watch the light come up over a sea of clouds.

Panoramic daytime view over the Boquete valley from Volcán Barú — Two oceans at once
On a clear morning the Pacific and the Caribbean are both in view, with Boquete down below.

Departures

Sunrise or sunset, your call

We run this tour twice a day. Both go to the same summit. What changes is the light you get and how early you have to be up.

Sunrise

Pickup: 3:50 AM
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Group size: Min 2, max 4 to 7 (shared)

Sunset

Pickup: 3:30 PM
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Group size: Min 4, max 6 or 7 (shared)

A guide certified by Panama's Tourism Authority (ATP)
Transport and pickup from Boquete

Rather not share the vehicle? We run this as a private tour too. Just tell us when you book and we'll set it up.

Traveling on your own? A departure needs at least 2 people before we can confirm it, so ask us about the waiting list and we'll do our best to pair you up with another traveler so the tour can run.

Volcán Barú 4x4 Sunrise & Sunset Tour

Two oceans from the top of Panama, at sunrise or sunset

From$125per person

We drive up Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama at 3,475 meters, for sunrise or sunset. On a clear day you can see the Pacific and the Caribbean at the same time. No long hike, just an experienced driver and a capable 4x4.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Group: Shared 4x4, 2 to 7 people
Level: Moderate, early start and high altitude

How the day goes

•
3:50 AM
Pre-dawn pickup
We collect you from your hotel in the dark so you reach the top before first light. On the sunset run we leave at 3:30 PM instead.
•
Climb
The drive up
The 4x4 takes the rough park road all the way to the summit.
•
Sunrise
The top
Watch the sun come up over the clouds. Two oceans on a clear morning.
•
Back
The way down
Take in the daytime views on the descent, then a ride back to your hotel.

Golden sunrise glowing over forested ridges and clouds from Volcán Barú

Highlights

Reach the summit of Volcán Barú (3,475 m), the highest point in Panama
See both oceans on a clear day
Watch the sunrise or sunset from above the clouds
A capable 4x4 with an experienced mountain driver
A hot drink at the top and advice on what to wear

What's included

An ATP-certified 4x4 driver-guide (English or Spanish)
Round-trip 4x4 ride up the volcano
National park entrance
A hot drink and a snack at the summit
Hotel pickup around Boquete

From

$125per person

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Before you go

What to bring

It's mild in Boquete and cold at 3,475 meters, so pack for both. Here's what we'd take.

One thing we have to ask

If you have a medical condition or anything that might affect you at altitude, tell the team before we set off and take whatever medication you need beforehand. Our guides aren't able to hand out medication.

A warm coat. It gets close to freezing at the top
A long-sleeved shirt or a sweater
Long pants
Closed-toe shoes, hiking boots if you have them
Sunscreen. The sun is strong above the clouds
Sunglasses
Insect repellent for the lower slopes
A camera. You'll want one
Any pain or anti-inflammatory medication you normally take

Photos

From the summit

Real mornings on Volcán Barú, above the clouds.

The sun rising above the clouds from the top of Volcán Barú

Soft pastel dawn over the Chiriquí highlands seen from Volcán Barú

Two-ocean panorama from the rocky summit of Volcán Barú, Panama

Volcán Barú tour questions

How high is it, and can you really see two oceans?+

The summit is 3,475 meters (11,401 feet), the highest point in Panama. When the sky's clear you can see the Pacific and the Caribbean at the same time.

Do I have to hike?+

No. We drive up in a 4x4 with an experienced driver, so you get to the top for sunrise without the long trek. It's a good option if you want the view without the climb.

What should I bring?+

It's cold and windy up top before sunrise, so bring warm layers, a hat, gloves, and a jacket, plus good shoes and a camera. We'll send you a packing list when you book.

What time do we leave?+

The sunrise tour picks you up at 3:50 AM, so you're at the summit before the sun. The sunset tour leaves at 3:30 PM. Either way you're out for 5 to 7 hours door to door.