Lagunas de Volcán
Highland lakes near Volcán town, among the highest wetlands in the country and good for birds.
Updated 14 October 2026
Two lakes sit in a shallow basin at around twelve hundred metres near Volcán, formed where the ground slumped after volcanic activity, and they are among the highest wetlands in Panama. Forest comes down to the water and the setting has Volcán Barú rising behind it. Birdwatchers come for the mix of highland and wetland species, including the rosy thrush-tanager and various waterfowl. The track in is rough and often muddy.
What's there
- The two lakes - highland water in a basin at around twelve hundred metres.
- The Barú backdrop - the volcano rising behind the lakes on clear days.
- The birdlife - highland and wetland species together in one place.
- The lakeside forest - woodland running down to the water's edge.
When to go
December to April is drier and the track is passable. Early morning is best for birds. Rain makes the approach very difficult.
What to expect
The access track is rough and regularly impassable without four-wheel drive. There are no facilities of any kind at the lakes. Views of Barú are frequently closed by cloud.
Nearby
Sitio Barriles is nearby, and Cerro Punta is northeast.
What to pack for Lagunas de Volcán
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
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