Paso Ancho: Agriculture and Volcán Barú

Paso Ancho combines agricultural themes with outdoor activities and views of Volcán Barú. Nueva Suiza and Granja Bambito are associated with different crops and experiences; at the Mirador de la Entrada del Volcán Barú, the volcano, the surrounding mountains and the plains of Paso Ancho come into view. This gives you specific priorities to consider when planning your trip: crop cultivation, animals, water, hiking and scenic views.

Crops and rural diversity

An ATP profile updated in April 2024 associates Nueva Suiza with coffee, mulberries, blackberries and potatoes. Granja Bambito is associated with coffee, naranjilla, eucalyptus, strawberries, blueberries, passion fruit and oranges. Coffee is common to both profiles; at Nueva Suiza, berries and potatoes complement the crops, while Granja Bambito includes a wider selection of fruit as well as eucalyptus. Their shared coffee offers a point of reference; the other crops provide different highlights. If you are interested in crop cultivation, these specific crops give your trip planning a tangible agricultural focus.

Animals and activities

The ATP profile updated in April 2024 also associates Granja Bambito with chickens, calves, geese, goats, pigs and horses. It also has a swimming pool and a lake; activities associated with it include harvesting agricultural products, hiking and interacting with animals. The same profile associates Nueva Suiza with birdwatching, boat rides and hiking. Hiking is therefore a shared activity, while harvesting and interacting with animals are associated with Granja Bambito, and birdwatching and boat rides with Nueva Suiza. This comparison helps you distinguish the different activities according to your interests.

Views of Volcán Barú

From the Mirador de la Entrada del Volcán Barú in Paso Ancho, visitors can see Volcán Barú, the surrounding mountains and the plains of Paso Ancho. Three clearly identified landscape features meet at the viewpoint: the volcano itself, the surrounding mountains and the plains. Visitors can walk as far as the start of the wooded area; they should not go farther without an experienced guide.

The trail and camping at the volcano

According to a MiAMBIENTE notice dated June 17, 2024, a certified guide is required for the route from Los Llanos (Paso Ancho) to the summit of Volcán Barú. Check the current park regulations before your trip. The same notice allows camping in the crater of Volcán Barú; you should also check the current camping rules before setting out. This means there are two specific planning considerations for a possible summit hike and camping in the crater: the guide requirement applies to the named route, while the permission specifically applies to the crater.

When looking for a vacation rental in Paso Ancho, you can use these differences as a starting point: Which themes would you like to make central to your stay? If reaching the summit of Volcán Barú matters to you, take the guide requirement into account and check the current park regulations before your trip. The Mirador and its trail to the start of the forest are separate from this; the two volcano experiences involve different plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: San Andres, Limones, Los Anastacios, Dolega District, Chiriqui, Los Naranjos, Los Angeles, Puerto Armuelles

For the main travel overview: Chiriquí.