Tierras Altas Explorers
"We're not Lost, we're Exploring"
Tierras Altas Explorers (formerly known as Wednesday Explorers) was started in January 2021. The idea was to spend time with friends by hiking and exploring the Tierras Altas (Highlands) area of Panama. So far this is primarily in the Volcan, Paso Ancho & Cerro Punta areas. But we have been known to go as far as Boquete and Cuesta de Piedra.
Typically we do 2 walks per week:
- Wandering Wednesdays on Wednesday Mornings and
- Strolling Saturdays on Saturday Mornings
The number of intrepid explorers varies, but on average we have about 4 to 40 people (and some furry explorers too).
Some of our Hikes
This is a listing of some of the hikes we have undertaken. Click on a Title to show a story of the adventure.
Paso Ancho Adventures
1
Did not quite go as Planned
This was our first hike that did not go quite as planned. We had an interesting "bridge" crossing.
2
Maps are really not Accurate
For our second hike, we planned on doing the loop that the maps showed. We discovered the map is not the reality.
3
Up Rainbow Mountain
For our third hike, we went up the mountain. This is the Best one so Far
4
Finding Tisingal & Completing the Paso Ancho Loop
This was a 3rd and 1st successful attempt at finding Tisingal. We also found the elusive Paso Ancho Loop that the maps seem to suggest there is.
5
Finding Tisingal Again
This was an enhanced repeat of the Finding Tisingal hike that we did back in March. We added a Waterfall and a shortcut back to the Paso Ancho Loop.
6
Up the Mountain-Meeting the Locals
This was the second attempt of this mountain trail. We ended up getting to the top and meeting the local farmer who had been farming there for over 50 years. He even gave us a farm tour.
Cerro Punta
1
Quetzal Cabanas
The Quetzal Cabanas is a favorite and regular hike in the Rainforest just above Finca Dracula in Cerro Punta.
2
Finding the 3 Waterfalls
The 3 Waterfalls are located in the Quetzal Cabins Rainforest just above Finca Dracula in Cerro Punta.
3
Up to the Quetzal Trailhead
The Quetzal Trail runs between Cerro Punta and Boquete. This hike goes from the bottom of the mountain (Bajo Grande) to the Quetzal Trailhead.
Baru National Park
1
Exploring Baru National Park
Baru National Park is a non-active Volcano that looms over Volcan, Paso Ancho, Cerro Punta and Boquete. It is also the highest point in Panama. From the Volcan side, it takes 5+ hrs to get to the top. We only ventured into the valley.
2
Exploring Baru Valley
This was the largest turnout of explorers so far (35). John also showed us a new path up to the ridge overlooking the Ranger Station.
Tisingal
1
Exploring Tisingal Dam
This dam is just above a friend of Cher's house. The road and bridge to get to the house got washed out last November.
2
Exploring Tisingal Valley
There are 2 inactive Volcano in Tierras Altas. Baru and Tisingal. This was the first hike into Tisingal from the Volcan side (as opposed to Paso Ancho).
3
Exploring the Tisingal Trail
After the last successful hike along this route, we had to do it again. Several explorers have declared this to be one of their favorites.
Questa de Piedra
1
Exploring Questa de Piedra &
Cañon Macho de Monte
This was our 1st real exploration into the Questa de Piedra area. We stopped off at Cañon Macho de Monte to see what all the fuss is there and then went onto to our main hike in the Rio Breque Valley.
2
Exploring More of Questa de Piedra
This is the 3rd hike into this area. We keep on coming back and exploring further.