Top 3 hikes in Boquete, Panama
Drive 480km west of Panama City, Panama and the urban metropolis quickly yields way to a seemingly endless supply of rolling mountains and verdant jungle, eventually leading to an oasis named Boquete.
This mountainous town is nestled within a small valley of the Chiriqui Province and is widely known for being the home of the world’s best coffee. Despite this claim to fame, nature lovers from around the world flock here explore the seemingly endless supply of trails and untouched nature.
Although slightly overrun with ex-pats in recent years, Boquete still offers visitors a calming escape, whether sipping a cup of coffee in the foothills or roaming the numerous dirt paths that wind through the jungle.
My time in Boquete was spent hiking by day and enjoying the rolling thunderstorms as the made way for starry skies at night. To be honest, it was my favorite part of my 8-day trip to Panama and I can’t wait to get back!
Here are the top 3 hikes, plus a few others, for your trip to Boquete, Panama!
PIPELINE TRAIL
The Pipeline Trail in Boquete is aptly named because, well, it follows a pipeline along the river before culminating at a cascading waterfall. It’s one of the more popular trails in the area so the earlier you can go, the better.
Pipeline Trail | Boquete, Panama
What to Expect
The hike itself is relatively flat the entire way, making it easy to be on the lookout for wildlife. AllTrails has it listed as moderate, although I’d say it was certainly a family-friendly jaunt through the jungle.
There were a few spots that may be more difficult for those with limited mobility.
Local villagers regulate the Pipeline Trail. Don’t be surprised when someone appears and asks you to sign in and for 5 USD per person. It’s completely legitimate. Just don’t forget to mark yourself as “returned” on your way back to town!
After paying, we followed the trail as it quickly entered the dense Panamanian jungle. We were on high alert for snakes, howler monkeys, and more, although we had no such luck.
The Pipeline Trail is also widely known as a prime viewing spot for the elusive Quetzal, Panama’s most popular bird.
The Pipeline Trail as it enters the dense jungle in Boquete, Panama
Along the trail, we stumbled upon a 1,000-year-old tree. It stood majestically along the left side of the trail, subtly marked and easy to miss if we hadn't been in search of a convenient spot for a water break.
As we continued on and the dense jungle gave way to a towering canyon, the end was near. In the distance, we could begin to see the waterfall as it cascaded down from high above.
The slow-moving water provided a mist and a refreshing hangout spot to cool off from the humidity we had endured throughout the hike.
An hour and several pictures later, it was time to head back the exact same we had arrived, sign-out, and drive back to town.
When I first arrived in Boquete, I was a bit nervous. I have plenty of experience hiking in the desert and mountains, but very little within the jungle. I found the Pipeline Trail to be a great introductory hike to the region and it gave me the spark of confidence I needed to explore elsewhere!
The 1,000+ year old tree located along the Pipeline Trail in Boquete, Panama
The Facts
Elevation Gain: 1,528 feet
Distance: 3.8 miles out and back
Time: Estimated 2-3 hours depending on pace
Cost: 5 USD per person
Wildlife Viewing: Quetzal birds, snakes, howler monkeys
Getting There
From Boquete, head towards Los Naranjos and follow signs to Bajo Mono. Eventually the road will lead to a sign post that says PIPELINE. Park there and walk up the gravel road. You’ll know that you are in the correct place when you spot a hut to the left. That’s where the trail fee will need to be paid.
CHOCLON WATERFALL
Choclon Waterfall is a lesser-known trail located 40 minutes south of Boquete where twin waterfalls fill a secluded swimming hole at the end of a small gorge.
The path through the jungle is not regularly maintained nor is it distinctly marked, but if you know where you’re going it’s a simple hike.
Swimming at Choclon Waterfall in Boquete, Panama
What to Expect
I originally stumbled upon a picture of Choclon Waterfall while planning my trip down to Panama and immediately decided that it should be added to the itinerary. There was only one problem: Nothing I read told me where to find the trailhead.
Long story short, I was eventually able to track down GPS coordinates to the starting point, marked only by a closed gate and a small path through the barbed wire fencing.
We started the hike by sauntering across an open field before quickly descending to the jungle trail that led to a junction. After much deliberation, Heather and I realized that we had to go up and over a small gate rather than continue following the open trail.
View from the start of the hike before descending into the jungle
After the gate, the path is relatively short and easy to navigate. There were a couple of sections that rain had washed out, so be sure to watch your footing as you hug the wall of the gorge and use the ropes for provided support when available. They’re there for a reason!
A short through the overgrown brush and we had reached the river. Although we waded across the water, take a left instead and head upstream.
We were soon greeted by a magical amphitheater of hanging vines, beautiful waterfalls, and our very own private swimming hole.
We shed our clothes and jumped in as the soft sunlight shone through the canopy above and illuminated the refreshing blue water. It was the perfect ending to a full day of adventure!
To read more about the adventure, visit this post: Chasing Choclon Waterfall
Swimming at Choclon Waterfall in Boquete, Panama
The Facts
Due to the lack of information surrounding Choclon Waterfall, here’s what I can offer:
Elevation Gain: Unknown, but remember that it is a gorge trail, so the ascent will occur on the way back to the trailhead
Distance: Unknown
Time: 30min from trailhead
Cost: Free
Wildlife Viewing: Poison dart frogs, various birds and snakes
Getting There
The easiest way to find the trailhead is by tracking mileage.
From Boquete, travel south via Highway 41. As you pass by Faro Panama (the giant lighthouse), start paying attention to the odometer. Approximately 7.2km later, there will be a sharp right turn. If you reach the town of Nuevo Dolega, then you’ve gone too far by 4km.
Follow the road straight. Eventually you’ll reach a junction where the road swings left. On the lefthand side will be a closed gate with a small opening in the barbed wire fencing. This is the trailhead!
LA PEIDEA DE LINO
A short but steep hike, La Piedra de Lino is the equivalent of an endless stair-stepper machine. If you can grin through the pain, the reward at the top is worth it as the trail offers the best views over the Boquete valley below.
Climbing the steep terrain of the La Piedra de Lino hike in Boquete, Panama
What to Expect
La Piedra de Lino directly translates as “the rock of Lino,” a small community 4km from Boquete. The trailhead is clearly marked, making it one of the easier hikes in the area to find.
The steep path started right away as we made our way up the driveways and we were instantly grateful that we had chosen to give ourselves an afternoon full of rest and relaxation around town before tackling this hike.
Once we entered the jungle we passed by an abandoned house before continuing up, regularly turning around to “enjoy the view” because neither of us wanted to admit how out of shape the terrain made us feel.
Our trip to Panama coincided with the start of the rainy season, which meant that the trail was slippery and washed out in some areas. We hiked in running shoes, but in hindsight would have been much better off bringing a shoe with better tread and a pair of walking poles.
The hike continued to be one recurring theme: up, up, up.
Once at the top we traversed the ridge through a small shaded area, stopping only to graciously allow a snake to cross the path in front of us.
Clouds moving through the jungle at sunset as seen from the top of La Peidra de Lino
All of the pain and suffering immediately subsided when at the clearing we were greeted to the most spectacular view I witnessed during my time in Panama. To the right were soft clouds moving quickly through the mountains while to the left was a picture-perfect view of Boquete.
Needless to say, it was worth the effort and timing it with the sunset was a bonus (just remember to pack a headlamp for the way down)!
Looking over Boquete, Panama from the top of the La Piedra de Lino trail
The Facts
Elevation Gain: 322m
Distance: 2.7km
Time: 40min, but varies greatly based upon fitness level
Cost: Free
Wildlife Viewing: Birds and snakes
How to Get There
Have a GPS available? Simply search for Hostal Casa Pedro and this will lead you straight to the trailhead. If you don’t see a sign that reads “Sendero La Piedra de Lino” then you’re in the wrong place!
If this luxury isn’t available to you, simply head north on Via Boquete and turn right at Avenue Buenos Aires. This road takes you straight to the trail and all you’ll need to do is be on the lookout for the white sign.
If you reach IL Pianista, then you’ve gone too far.
BONUS HIKES
El Pianista
A 3-4 hour out and back trail with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, El Pianista leads you through a moody cloud forest that’s dripping with life before arriving that the summit.
The trail made headlines around the world when two dutch girls in their early 20’s went missing back in 2014. Although officially ruled a hiking accident, many locals believe that Lisanne and Kris were met by foul play in the jungle.
The Lost Waterfalls
One of the more popular hikes in Boquete, The Lost Waterfalls trail winds through the dense jungle, over a suspension bridge, and culminates at 3 stunningly beautiful waterfalls.
Sendero Los Quetzales
Sendero Los Quetzales is a 15.6 mile trail that connects Boquete to Cerro Punta through the jungle. It’s common to hike sections of the path in search of the elusive Quetzal bird.
Volcan Baru
It’s often suggested to begin this 15 mile trail at midnight in order to reach the summit of the tallest mountain in Panama by sunrise. On a clear day, it’s possible to see both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean from the top.
Whether you prefer sauntering along in search of diverse wildlife or grinding out elevation gains to the top of a peak, Boquete is truly a mecca for nature lovers and was hands down my favorite stop during our Panamanian adventure. Next time, I plan on spending far longer than 2 days hiking around the town!
Have you ever been to Boquete before? Have a favorite hike abroad? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading and as always, stay safe & happy travels.
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