Now that, it is the dry season, we can spread our wings and hike in areas that could prove to be difficult in the rainy season.
Lately the group has hiked for fours hours on the Volcan Baru. Although, I have never hiked all the way, I have friends who have but, I choose not to hike to the top. My reason, it is tough coming down. The terrain is loose at the halfway point, although, I do intend to hike a little more on this trail each time with group. Next time, we go hiking on the trail the plan is to hike for we will a little further.
The section of the trail, I have trekked on is beautiful. In the beginning the trail is a road full of small stones. There is a sheep farm owned by a Panamanian family that has lived in Boquete for many, many years. The rolling hills are green and lush and while you are walking if it is the day time may hear the little lambs bah, bah, bahhing.
Most likely if, you plan to hike the Volcan Baru, the chance of hearing the sheep or lambs will not happen since, you will be hiking at midnight. Most people climb at that hour to see the sun rise on both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans at dawn. Non rainy season is the time to hike up to Volcan, another bit of information the trail is easy to follow on the Boquete side. The trail on the Volcan side has many trails and one can get lost, a guide is best for that trail.
My understanding about the Volcan Baru trail is that before you reach the top it becomes steeper and more difficult, windy at the top, and cold no matter the season.
Two weeks ago a group of organizations hiked up to the Volcan, they were a group of young people who are visually impaired, each one having his own guide. Everyone made it to the top and they camped there all night. I really admire their courage.
What to take if you going all the way to the Summit? Dress in layers and where good hiking shoes or gym shoes with good outer sole treads, socks that are of wool blend, hat to cover your ears, hiking pole one or two.
What to pack? Pack lightly; take a camera, water at least two bottles, shirt to change into; the one you hiked in may be wet from your sweat and may need a dry one to stay warm, and some protein bars. Below are a few photos of mine taken on this trail.
Happy trails! Explore Dream Discover