Volcán Barú, also called Volcán de Chiriquí, is an active volcano made of layers. It is the tallest mountain in Panama, standing 3,475 meters (11,401 feet) tall. It is located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the border of Costa Rica. It is also the twelfth highest mountain in Central America.

Because of its height and the narrow land bridge of Panama, it is sometimes possible to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the top of Volcán Barú on a clear day. However, this is not very common.

Geography

The small town of Volcán, located at the base of Volcán Barú, is built on the leftover parts of a large lahar that seems to have broken through the caldera. A nearby river has worn away the lahar, revealing an ancient forest beneath that is about 1,000 years old.

Volcán Barú is surrounded by a fertile region of cool highlands that are watered by the Chiriquí Viejo and Caldera Rivers. The towns of Volcán and Cerro Punta are located on the western side of the volcano, while Boquete is found on the eastern side.

Hail or ice pellets sometimes fall on the summit of Volcán Barú, where temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F). Frost often forms on the peak during the dry season. A large group of broadcast towers is located on the summit.

Description

De Boer and others were the first to prove that El Barú volcano is active and part of the Central American Volcanic Arc in Panama. Later, Defant and others studied the chemical makeup of lava from El Barú and other Panamanian volcanoes. Their research showed that the lava was formed by subduction, a process where one tectonic plate moves under another. Radiometric dating revealed that volcanic activity in the region occurred in two time periods, from 20 million years ago to the present. The most recent volcanic activity is made up of adakites, which are lava formed from melted parts of the subducted plate, while older activity produced normal calc-alkaline lava.

In 2006, a series of small earthquakes, called an earthquake swarm, was recorded near Volcán Barú. This was not the first such event; scientists have found records of at least three similar seismic events in 1930, 1965, and 1985.

In 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), working with Panama’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat (SENACYT) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), published a study about Volcán Barú. The 33-page report described areas at risk from volcanic activity, the types of rocks found, and regions affected by past eruptions. Evidence suggests that the last eruption, which happened in the 16th century, produced debris that covered 20 to 30 square kilometers and reached the Pacific Ocean. This was the largest recorded debris flow in Central America and nearly 10 times larger than the debris flow from Mount St. Helens in 1980.

Data from four eruptions over the last 1,600 years suggest that a future eruption could last several years and threaten people and infrastructure near the volcano. During such events, pyroclastic flows—very hot gas clouds moving rapidly down the volcano’s eastern side—could reach areas like Boquete, Alto Boquete, and the Caldera River. Ash and other particles, called tephra, could fall as dust or large rocks, causing fires, roof collapses, water contamination, crop damage, and health issues for children and the elderly. Another hazard is lahars, or mud and debris flows, which can block rivers and cause long-term damage. The severity of these events depends on how lava interacts with underground water.

The study includes detailed maps showing areas most likely to be affected near Boquete, Volcán, Bambito, and other nearby towns. It recommends that local leaders inform the public about risks and prepare emergency plans for future eruptions.

National park

Volcán Barú National Park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 14,325 ha (35,400 acres). It is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Animals found here include the black guan, black-and-white hawk-eagle, Underwood's water mouse, volcano junco, wrenthrush, and yellow-thighed brushfinch. More than 250 bird species have been identified in the park, and all five types of big cats also live here. The park protects several habitats, including humid montane forests, low humid montane forests, and montane rainforests.

The most popular hiking trail in the park is the Sendero Los Quetzales (Los Quetzales Trail), which connects Boquete with Cerro Punta and goes around the volcano's side. The trail takes about 6 hours to complete. Another trail leads to the volcano's summit, but it is long, steep, and difficult. Jeep tours are also available for those who prefer not to hike. On a clear day, visitors can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the summit.

Gallery

• Volcán Barú on a clear morning. The heart-shaped area on the upper right slope is a cattle farm area.
• The summit of Volcán Barú.
• The Caribbean Sea, seen from the top of Volcán Barú. This photo was taken early in the morning, as clouds often block the view.
• A view from the top of Volcán Barú. This image shows an antenna and buildings that support it. In the background, the lights of the city of David, Chiriquí, can be seen.
• This photo was taken in front of the Cerro Brujo Cafe. The cross on the top of Volcán Barú is barely visible.
• This photo was taken a few miles away from the Pacific Coast of Panama. It shows Volcán Barú with some clouds in the sky.
• Volcán Barú at sunset, as viewed from Boquete, Chiriquí.