Sendero Los Quetzales (The Quetzales Trail), Chiriqui Province, Panama

5carla w 5:00 PM May 15, 2014

Need a good guide?
If you need a great guide to take you around the Boquete area, you should call Joshue Almengor! He knows so much about the areas and helps you get around. Not only at the Quetzales trail.

5Christian L 5:00 PM Jan 4, 2020

Fantastic & Challenging hike in Boquete
So this is definitely not a 'family' hike (ie - small children, older folks, or anyone not in good shape). That said, it is spectacular... the first portion of the hike is along a dirt road, down from the parking/pay area at the end of the road (Yellow building). It starts off with a downhill section, part of which is steep (white sandbags filling in ruts). Once you get towards end of this road, the trail truly begins off to the left. First part of the trail is pretty nice. Yes, it's rocky! If you have hiking shoes/boots with ankle support, those would be gerat. that said, I saw two people with flip-flops on yesterday?!? Minor creek crossing. basically a gradual climb. We saw two absolutely stunning colorful Quetzales and a three-warble Bell bird (also stunning, and loud!) A good turn around spot for those who dont want a big challenge is when you get to the "stairs". If you are feeling strong, and adventurous... do the stair climb and head up to the Rock look out. These are basically steep, stair-master climbs... there are two, with a little side-trek between them. There is a break area. The views once you get up to the Rock "Molino?" look out is fantastic. This is where we chilled out, had a picnic, and then turned around. This took us about 6 hours, going at a moderate pace. You could certainly do it faster. I would recommend this lovely jungle hike, in dry season (or not after any rain) for the sure-footed, and able-bodied. It's challenging but rewarding! Hope that review helps....