Boquete, Chiriquí
Boquete, Chiriquí. Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Bateau ivre assumed (based on copyright cla, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Road trip guide

Boquete and Volcán Barú Highlands: the drive, the stops and where to sleep

Distance
About 60 miles (97 km)
Time
2–3 days
Best time
December–April

Cloud-forest coffee country climbing from David to Boquete and the flanks of Volcán Barú. That is what Boquete and Volcán Barú Highlands promises, and it delivers. At about 60 miles (97 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 2–3 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from David to Volcán.

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Setting out from David

Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. David is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.

The first big moment is Coffee farm tours. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.

Along the way

The road strings together Boquete. It is the natural place to stop, eat well and stretch your legs.

Do not miss Lost Waterfalls trail.

Arriving in Volcán

Save energy for the final stretch: Volcán Barú summit is still ahead.

By the end you will have seen Coffee farm tours, Lost Waterfalls trail and Volcán Barú summit, and you will understand why Boquete and Volcán Barú Highlands belongs on any list of great drives.

When to go and how to pace it

The best time to drive it is December–April. Plan on 2–3 days so the drive never feels rushed.

Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.

XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.

The route

  1. David, Panama
  2. Boquete, Panama
  3. Volcán, Panama

Road trip tips

Open this route in XCRSN
XCRSN planner: plan the whole drive before you leave. Live corridor fuel, overnight stops, Apple and Google Maps export.

More planning help