Volcan Baru, Active stratovolcano in Chiriqui Province, Panama.

Volcán Barú is a stratovolcano in Chiriquí Province, Panama, reaching 3,475 metres. Its broad summit ridge holds a large installation of broadcast towers, and the upper slopes are often wrapped in cloud. The mountain rises above the fertile highlands drained by the Chiriquí Viejo and Caldera rivers, with the town of Volcán on its western side and Boquete on the eastern flank.

The volcano formed during the creation of the land bridge between North and South America and remained active over millennia. Earthquake swarms in 1930, 1965, 1985, and 2006 remind observers that the mountain continues to be geologically alive.

The volcanic earth around the mountain allows farmers to grow geisha coffee, a variety known for its smooth taste and fruity notes. Estates at middle elevations use the cool climate and mineral-rich soil to produce beans that fetch high prices at tastings.

Hikers reach the summit using two main routes: an eight-hour climb from the town of Volcán or a longer but gentler path from Boquete. Most visitors start at night to catch sunrise at the top and avoid afternoon weather.

From the peak, visitors can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time, a viewing point shared by very few places worldwide. On clear days, both bodies of water become visible at once, separated by the narrow strip of Panamanian land.