Acueducto Trail (490 km)

The mountains of Chiriqui offer to tourists a grand variety of footpath and trails to explore and enjoy the natural environment around the Boquete. In this article I will present you the Aqueduct trail a short walk along the beautiful creek hidden in the pristine forest.

The walk begins at a T cross which is located only few miles behind the waterfall of San Ramon near the place called Castillo. Here we park the car, left the asphalt road and started walking along a narrow footpath, up the stream of a small mountain creek. A few minutes later we will find a house located right on the edge of the creek. Here we cross the stream on a tiny wooden footbridge. The trail continues along the other bank heading towards the mountain. In the beginning the landscape is open, but soon the path enters to the forest. The trail continues up through the woods and on his way across the creek several times.

After about 40 minutes the trail leads in a small clearing, a perfect place to observe the famous bird – the quetzal. It is nothing uncommon to find them here because there are several trees Susco (other common names: yellow, suede, laurel, mule ear / scientific name: Ocotea calophylla). The Susco tree produced quite large fruits (about 2.5 cm long), each of which has a single seed of good size. These fruits are nutritious and are among the favorites of the quetzal.

Well we rested a litle bit ans so we can continue to explore the second part of the trail. From this place we need a half hour to reach a beautiful waterfall, the perfect place to relax and refresh. there is where the path has its end. As soon as you rest enough to renovate your power you can start the walk back along the same path along a stream.

Como Llegar

To get to Boquete from Panama City take the Interamerican Highway until you reach David (450 km), there you have to turn to the right to follow the road to Boquete (The exit is right after the supermarket REY) Once you are on the road David-Boquete, continue just straight until you reach Boquete(480km). In the city continue along the main road to the top. On the way you pass the Central Square and little bit after the church, there is a intersection like Y, where there is a sign for Bajo Lino / Bajo Alto. At the next intersection make another left, following the signs for Los Naranjos. Later, make a right and follow the signs for Bajo Mano. There is no sign here for the waterfall, however, there is a bus station and public phone situated on the far corner. Shortly after, you will cross a bridge placing the river on your left side. Continue to the next intersection, where you will make a left. After a few minutes you can see the waterfall of San Ramon on your right side. Go ahed on the same road and early you rih the T cross-road with the sight to the “Camino de los Quetzales”. This is the point where the trail start. To get to Boquete from Panama City take the Interamerican Highway until you reach David (450 km), there you have to turn to the right to follow the road to Boquete (The exit is right after the supermarket REY) Once you are on the road David-Boquete, continue just straight until you reach Boquete(480km). In the city you can take a taxi which costs about $3.00 (2011).