Thinking of hiking Cerro Hoya National Park? This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make sure you have a pleasant hike to Cerro Hoya National Park in Panama.
Cerro Hoya National Park is an outstanding mountain to hike. Being one of the last areas of primary jungle on the Azuero peninsula, it is filled with an unique ecosystem of native tropical flora and fauna only found in this area.
Hiking this majestic mountain is not advisable without a guide. Please do not intend doing this alone unless you are Nirmal Purja.
From experience, I recommend using Azuero Adventures as your tour guide for this expedition.
On March 2022, I went on a a 3-day hike tour to Cerro Hoya’s 1,300 meter summit organized by Azuero Adventures.
Azuero Adventures did an exceptional job organizing the whole tour. From arranging the transport by boat, providing resourceful information about the park, flora, and fauna, and providing all the food and sleeping gear.
About Cerro Hoya National Park
Cerro Hoya has volcanic origin. The oldest rocks of the Isthmus of Panama have been found there. It was established as a protected national park by the decree No. 74 of October 2, 1984.
10 rivers are born in the reserve, including the Tonosí, Guánico, Portobelo, Quebro, El Pavo and La Playita basins.
The first explorations in the region were carried out in 1981, the date on which the existence of approximately 15,000 hectares of cloud forests at heights greater than 800 meters above sea level, 10,000 hectares of very humid tropical forests in the coastal zone, and a barrier of cliffs were reported and coral formations that culminate in the islet of Restingue. Due to the ecological and biological importance of this region and because it plays an important role in the protection of the main hydrographic basins of the Azuero Peninsula, it was considered necessary to conserve it.
Getting To Cerro Hoya National Park
Your tour will start from the pretty beach town of Cambutal in Los Santos province.
Getting to Cambutal from Panama City might be an ordeal. If you are not coming by car, you’ll need to take a bus in Albrook’s Bus Terminal to Las Tablas. From Las Tablas, you’ll need to take another bus to Tonosi – a 1:30 hour ride. From Tonosi, you easily get a cab for $15 – $20 to Cambutal.
Azuero Adventures will arrange your boat ride to the Sierra River – an hour long boat ride to where the hike starts. Moreover, they can also arrange transport from and to Panama City.
Read More: Best Places to Stay in Cambutal.
Crossing The Sierra River
After unloading everything from the boats, you’ll start the 45 minute river crossing. This is a pretty mellow walk that will warm you up for what’s coming next. Be sure to have some aqua shoes or all-terrain flip flops as you won’t want to get your feet wet right before the climb.
The vegetation in this area is lusher than the neighboring forests. You might start hearing exotic birds chirping sounds you’ve probably never heard before and noticing the centuries-old trees from afar.
The climb
The fun starts here. You’ll be going up 1000 meters to the base camp 5km away. Please drink lots of water and get yourself some energy bars.
I made the mistake of only drinking 4 liters of water on an empty stomach. My legs were cramping with every step I took so be sure to be prepared for this.
After 4 to 5 hours you should be making it to the Base Camp.
The Base Camp
Azuero Adventures’ tour guides will provide food and tents. This is a semi-open area protected by young, tall trees barely letting glares of sunlight come through.
As the night sets, the nature’s orchestra begins. Exotic birds, insects, and branches will play their tunes all night.
The meals were quite delicious and will definitely restore your energies. Thai noodles, mushroom curry, and lentil soup were the main dishes on this tour.
A portable shower will also be arranged.
The next day will be much mellow as you’ll only hike for an hour up to the summit.
The Summit – Day 2
This hike will only take 1 hour and you’ll ascend 300 meters.
It’s worth getting up as early as you can and make it up there as fast as possible when the visibility is still clear.
This is a great day to explore around, take pictures, and enjoy being in nature.
If possible, try to find a place alone for yourself and do some meditation. The sounds and serenity you’ll experience will be mind-blowing. Trust me… sit there, listen, and breathe.
Before the day ends, be sure to pack your things and organize everything for the descent.
The Descent – Day 3
Pretty straight forward. It’s advisable to take some big, sturdy yet light sticks for support as there are some slippery sections.
Expect a cooler full of cold beers at the end.
A pick up truck will take everyone to the beach house. Here you’ll wait for the boat while a fantastic traditional Panamanian lunch is being served.
Important Tips to Hike Cerro Hoya National Park
Take more than 2 liters of water for the ascend
You’ll hike 1000 meters up to the base camp. This section is steep and never ending. You’ll sweat a lot so be sure to bring at least 4 liters of water for this section alone. I drank 2 liters before the climb and took 2 more liters with me… it was not enough.
Bring a sleeping bag or a good blanket
It gets quite cold at night. I had to wear all my spare shirts and undies one on top of the other to warm up after waking up by the cold at night. Expect 13ºC ~ 16ºC after the sun sets.
Pack light
I took all my filming gear – drone, tripod, lenses… you name it! What a mistake. This hike is as steep as it can be. However, Azuero Adventures will provide 2 horses to carry all the food and camping gear. You might be able to throw a bag in with them.
Bring at least 4 pairs of socks
Nothing worse than a cold pair of wet socks. You’ll need them to get warm at night, too.
Bring some aqua shoes for the first river crossing
Avoid getting your hiking shoes and socks wet right before the climb. There is a 45-minute hike along the river towards the base of Cerro Hoya. Don’t wear your hiking shoes until you get there as you could get them wet in the beach when jumping in to the transport boat.
Azuero adventures will provide delicious meals but you could also bring your favorite snacks!
The master chef made outstanding meals every day. Bring some energy bars for the climb or cookies for dessert.
Bring wipes
But be sure to not leave them behind!
Bring a clothing line
Trust me on this one! I took one by chance and it was all we used to hang all our gear, clothing, and wet socks.
About Azuero Adventures – Tour Agency Based in Cambutal
Azuero Adventures is a tour agency based in Cambutal, Panama. The owner, Bryan Goldner, a knowledgeable biologist and nature lover, created this agency in 2020 and it’s now one of the most recognized and reputable tour operators in the region.
Bryan has a great vision for how tourism should be. He leads by example by providing sustainable and equitable tourism across the Azuero Peninsula. Thanks to his initiatives, he’s been able to create more awareness about the positive effects of protecting our natural resources by implementing sustainable practices. Thanks to this, Azuero Adventures has been able to provide a source of income for families in remote areas of Panama where they used to depend solely on cattling, and deforestation to make ends meet.
Having said this, I was impressed by their execution on this hike to Cerro Hoya National Park. For example, all tour guides are trained as first responders. Additionally, they have a contingency plan in case of any accident and protocols to follow in such cases. Moreover, Bryan has extensive knowledge about the flora, fauna, and history of Cerro Hoya making this hike quite instructional and informative.
At the end, they are all well prepared and will make sure you have the safest and most exciting adventures in Azuero.
