The Visitante recently posted an article on an upcoming event where the Boquete Baru EcoFest 2012 has already signed up 500 people to ascend Panama’s tallest mountain at once. Participants will enjoy a two-day hiking excursion and camp overnight at the top of Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama, on Saturday, April 21 to Sunday, April 22.
Barú is an 11,400 foot high majestic mountain situated between the highland towns of Boquete and Volcán in the Chiriquí province.
Organizer Travis Taliaferro, (pictured above far left) the president of the Boquete Tourism Chamber, says “the goal is to form the largest group in Panama’s history to go up the Barú to bring attention to this important geographical point in our country. It offers a unique experience in Latin America: you can see both oceans at the same time and it is also the highest point in the country.”
The event has attracted some 20 reporters from around the world who will attend to cover the event. Panama, and the Chiriquí province specifically, can expect a lot of international attention as a result – as Earth Day is celebrated internationally on this day.
Dates have also been selected for a perfect overnight experience. The night sky will be perfect for watching shooting stars, as there will be little light in the sky given that April 21 is a new moon. In the morning, participants will enjoy a very special Earth Day sunrise and one of the most spectacular vistas in all of Panama.
Morning is the best time to catch a glimpse of both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the same time, when there are less clouds in the sky. The top of Volcán Barú is famous for affording this view.
Travis reports that the event is supported by a number of authorities, associations and groups who are helping his focus on developing Volcán Barú and the national park where it rests as a tourism attraction.
Those interested in participation in the hike event should call 6615-5948.
The event organizer, Travis Taliaferro, is the son of the late Sam Taliaferro III. He was a visionary and a pioneer in the true sense of the word.
He founded the Valle Escondido Resort in Boquete and promoted the mountain town so successfully that it became one of the world’s top tourism and retirement destinations.