Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak at 3,474 meters (11,398 feet), is not just a dormant volcano but also one of the country’s most fascinating natural landmarks. Rising dramatically above the fertile valleys of Chiriquí Province, it is the only place in Panama where, on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from its summit. The climb is popular among hikers who begin in the town of Boquete, trekking overnight to reach the top by sunrise. What most travelers don’t realize is that the mountain itself is still technically active, with the last eruption occurring around 500 years ago—making it geologically young and very much alive beneath the surface.

One little-known fact about Volcán Barú is that its soil is some of the richest in Central America, thanks to layers of volcanic ash and minerals deposited over millennia. This fertile ground is why the surrounding region of Chiriquí is Panama’s breadbasket, producing everything from strawberries to avocados and world-class coffee beans. Specialty coffee growers in Boquete often credit the mineral-rich volcanic soil for the complex flavors and unique profiles of their beans, which regularly win international awards. Few travelers connect the volcano’s past eruptions with the cup of coffee they enjoy each morning.

Volcán Barú is also home to an extraordinary range of ecosystems compressed into a relatively small area. Within a single day of exploring, one might encounter lowland rainforests, highland cloud forests, and alpine shrubland near the summit. The mountain shelters countless species of plants and animals, including the elusive resplendent quetzal, a bird sacred to ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Even more intriguing, some researchers suggest that the volcano acts as a “biological bridge,” allowing species from both North and South America to coexist—a reflection of Panama’s unique role as the meeting point of two continents.

A surprising fact many visitors don’t know is that Volcán Barú is part of a larger volcanic arc connected to Costa Rica’s Talamanca Range. This means that geologically speaking, Barú shares more in common with Costa Rican volcanoes than with the lowland terrain most associate with Panama. In fact, seismic monitoring stations around Barú often pick up tectonic activity, which scientists keep a close watch on. While it’s considered safe for visitors today, its volcanic past is a reminder of the forces that shaped the country’s dramatic landscapes.

When it comes to admiring Volcán Barú without hiking to the summit, the Lost and Found Hostel, located deep in the Fortuna Cloud Forest, offers one of the most breathtaking vantage points. From its balcony and surrounding trails, travelers can watch the volcano emerge majestically above the valley, often shrouded in mist during the day. At sunset, the colors shift across the peak, turning the entire horizon into a fiery display of orange and purple. For many backpackers and adventurers, this view alone is reason enough to trek to the hostel, which has become somewhat of a hidden gem in Panama’s highlands.

Finally, Volcán Barú carries cultural significance that few visitors hear about. Local legends among the Ngäbe-Buglé people describe the mountain as a sacred site, a place tied to ancestral spirits and natural power. Farmers in the region often view the volcano with reverence, seeing it not just as a landmark but as a giver of life through its fertile soils and fresh water streams. Combining natural wonder, geological intrigue, and cultural depth, Volcán Barú is more than a mountain—it’s a living symbol of Panama’s rich history and biodiversity, best experienced up close or admired from the peaceful decks of the Lost and Found Hostel at sunset.