Page 195 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

The Chiriquí highlands Chiriquí and Veraguas 193
ACTIVITIES AROUND VOLCÁN 5
Hiking and birdwatching are very much the order of the day, in particular on the forested
slopes of the volcano within the protected boundaries of Parque Nacional Volcán Barú,
which lies between Volcán and Boquete. The Sendero de los Quetzales (see p.191) is by far
the most popular destination for hikers and birding enthusiasts, offering a wonderful twisting
trail through verdant forest round the northern flanks of the volcano. accessing the summit
of Volcán Barú itself (see p.191) from this western side is a much more daunting though
potentially satisfying prospect, clambering across overgrown lava flows and navigating round
precipitous tors, where you should look out for the spectacular black and white hawk eagle
soaring above. less energetic targets include the Pozos Termales de Tisingal, a collection of
thermal pools, or the breathtaking 80m cascade of the Salto de Tigre, both in a lovely setting
off the río sereno road.
TOUR OPERATORS AND GUIDES
Highland Adventures Cerro Punto road T771 two), for which you’ll need to bring and carry your own
4413 or T6685 1682, Eecoaizpurua@hotmail food and equipment, or a day-long slog up the
.com. Well-established company run by Gonzalo mountain ($160), which only the super-fit should
Aizpurúa (who speaks some English) from an attempt. Guides can also be provided for the Sendero de
unmissable garden shed-office. Excursions – rates los Quetzales or to explore other trails in the national
include guiding service and transport – include park or in Amistad, as well as to the Pozos Termales de
overnight treks to the summit of Volcán Barú ($180 for Tisignal and the Salto de Tigre.

arriVaL and geTTing arOund VOLCÁn
By bus Buses between David and Cerro Punto and the Costa Rica border at Río Sereno (6.20am–6.20pm;
Guadalupe pass through Volcán (5am–8pm; every 15min; every 45min–1hr; 1hr 10min).
1hr 20min; last return bus from Guadalupe 8pm). Buses By taxi Taxis hover near the main junction, charging $1/
from David also pass through Volcán en route to and from person for a short hop round town.
aCCOMMOdaTiOn
Hostal Llano Lindo Av 2A, 1km up the Cerro Punto groups or families with their own vehicle, comprising four
road off to the left T6514 0094, Whostalllanolindo fully equipped (laundry, cable TV, wi-fi and phone) two- or
.com. Basic seven-room hostel with a friendly family three-bedroom modern self-catering bungalows set in
atmosphere and a shared kitchen-dining-TV room. manicured wooded grounds, bordered by the Chiriquí Viejo.
Multiday package deals are available and local tours at Three-night minimum stay; good long-term rates ($274/
$75/person. Breakfast included. Dorms $12 week). $66
Hotel Don Tavo Av Central, on the right T771 5144, ★ Volcán Lodge 100m up the road opposite the
Whoteldontavo.com. Reliable, slightly overpriced central bakery T771 4709 or T6998 6565, Wvolcanlodge
hotel with sixteen clean en-suite rooms (sleeping two to .webs.com. Lovingly restored 1940s lodge where wooden
five) – with variable mattresses – set around a courtyard beams, panelling and flooring create homely rooms and a
garden. Service standards can vary. $43 warm atmosphere. The friendly Panamanian owners are
Las Plumas Paso Ancho, 2km north of Volcán bilingual after living for many years in the US. Cooked
T771 5541, Wlas-plumas.com. Excellent value for breakfast $5. $60
eaTing
Burrico’s Av Central, next to Hotel Don Tavo T6203 a garden, the delightful, Mediterranean-style stone-and-
7363, Wburricos.wixsite.com/burricos. Bright tables tile interior is laden with artwork. An eclectic changing
and cheery Mexican decorations make this an inviting spot, menu lists locally sourced, organic gourmet dishes (mains
even before you see the food: a mix of Panamanian – a from $17), such as dorado fillet in sesame seeds and
superior menú del día with a choice of beef, chicken and mushrooms, and doesn’t disappoint; leave room for
pork for under $6 – and Tex-Mex favourites for less than $9. dessert. Regular musical, artistic and gourmet evenings.
Tues–Fri 11am–9pm, Sat & Sun 11am–5pm. Reservations preferred. Tues–Sun noon–4pm &
Cerro Brujo Gourmet Restaurant Brisas del Norte, 6–10pm.
500m up a dirt road signed off east of Av Central La Maná Volcán Lodge, 100m up the road opposite the
T6669 9196, Wfacebook.com/cerrobrujo. Overlooking bakery T771 4709, Wvolcanlodge.webs.com. A warm

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