Pipeline Trail
Pipeline Trail
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- Bradley_T9LTucson, Arizona37 contributionsPipeline Trail was good but the wildlife along the way made it incredible.We arrived in the morning at the trailhead. It was a little confusing to figure out the way, but the local hostess was friendly and helpful. Once we got onto the trail, it was certainly a jungle / cloud forest experience. We saw and heard several bands of howler monkeys, and encountered the 1300 year old tree. But our hopes were fulfilled when we saw the famed Quetzals--a remarkable bird. We were fortunate enough to see 4 (and hear two others). It was a lifetime experience for me to see them flying in the sunlight and reflecting brilliantly. The waterfall at the end of the trail is also quite remarkable.Visited February 2020Written March 10, 2020
- Ainara Fp7 contributionsGreat hike for beginnersWe have had a lovely time, and were very lucky with the weather. It is an easy trekking, but you should wear appropriate shoes (we saw people coming in with flipflops!). We are glad we hired a guide (we were doubting) he was great and made the experience a lot more interesting. We were able to see several quetzals. His name is Luis Rovira (Falo), in case someone is interested and his number is +507 6894 0874. He made it in english as my boyfriend doesn’t speak spanish and it was perfectly understandable. He grew up in boquete and knows everything about the plants and animals in the area. We could feel his passion for his job and that made out trip more special. This is definitely a must do if you come to boquete and you are not experienced in trekking. If you are you should go for the waterfalls trail. You can also hire the same guide for that one. He said it is beautiful. We will leave it for next time...Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2020
- razzloePortland, Oregon77 contributions1,000 old tree was worth it!This trail was beautiful. We went in the late afternoon and didn't get to see any cool critters, but seeing the tree thats over 1,000 years old was worth it for us! Make sure you bring a rain coat! We walked in dry and came out soaked. Also be prepared to pay $5 a person to the locals who run the trail.Visited November 2021Written November 29, 2021
- dreamweaver02Calgary, Canada193 contributionsGood hikeWe did this hike today and it would have been nice if it had had better/more signage. It was quite rough in places and we were glad that we had our hiking poles, though we didn’t need them the whole way. We saw lots of birds, orchids, dragon flies, butterflies and a monkey. We heard the quetzals but didn’t see one. They had some unique bridges. It took us about 2 and a half hours to go there and back and that was with several stops to pause and listen and try to locate. There was a $5 admission fee and we had to sign in and out of the trail. It was a good hike in general ...Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten January 10, 2020
- bobe2Abilene, Texas655 contributionsNice hike but don’t go for the waterfallShortly after leaving the trailhead you’re met by someone to collect the trail fee ($5.00). Pretty much uphill all the way to the waterfall at the end (turn around point) but not super steep. The waterfall was a big disappointment. Lots of water flowing over the falls but because it’s a shear cliff the water just runs down the face. Just a very small pool of water at the bottom but the water there wasn’t even rippling from the falls. The 1,000 year-old tree was very interesting to see. Unfortunately, we saw very few birds, and none of the elusive quetzals.Visited February 2020Written February 24, 2020
- Matt S1 contributionDisappointing walk. Trail partially closed and unable to see the waterfall.Most people who hike this route will be trying to see the ‘lost waterfall’. As of July 2022 the trail is closed 2/3 of the way along and it is not possible to see the waterfall. The woman at the gate was still happy to charge us $5 each and gave no warning about this. The trail itself is a fairly easy hike and is a clear route to follow. You are in dense forrest and should expect a lot of midges and small flies. There were a few birds and butterflys on the walk and a very impressive tree that according to the sign is approximately 1,000 years old. Otherwise there isn’t much to see on this route. I would recommend the 3 waterfalls hike that is nearby. Although it is more expensive to enter (and a slightly more difficult hike) you actually get to see the waterfalls and is a more interesting hike.Visited July 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten July 29, 2022
- Macpen2014Chicago, Illinois152 contributionsDo not mistake this for the 3 lost waterfalls trailWhich is what we did and others on the trail as well. The signage is a bit misleading . After paying $5pp fee, we set off for the 3km up and back. The flora and fauna were beautiful. The trail was not very difficult but gave your heart an adequate workout with some areas where you climb up stepping stones. It passed over small creeks with makeshift bridges and the sound of the waterfall followed you all the way up. Interesting spots for photo opportunities as well. The end of the trail leads you to a very modest waterfall in a walled canyon. BUT, not the 3 waterfalls! We were told afterwards that it was worth going with a guide so that you can spot quetzal birds and sloths. We unfortunately did not.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 7, 2020
- ElliottLos Angeles, California114 contributionsA nice 2hr hike near BoqueteThis is a nice and easy trail near Boquete. You can park at the trailhead (if you get there early enough) or take a bus or taxi. The trail follows a river into the forest, so not a good choice if you want epic landscape view. You pay $5 to the lady in the house at the trailhead, sign in (and out once done), then hike along the river with a few rickety crossings into the forest. It can get muddy, but we hiked it in the rainy season in road running shoes and we’re fine. We read reviews of folk seeing wildlife, but we didn’t see anything beyond some birds and butterflies - but that’s how wildlife works, eh? There was a bird watcher looking for a quetzal and had seen monkeys and rare birds on this trail before.Visited June 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2022
- Jeannie GabrielaBoulder, Colorado186 contributionsTrail is beautiful but lady collecting the $5 was rudeI wish there were more public trails in Boquete, but in general, you have to pay $5-$8 to hike on trails here. The Pipeline trail in general is pretty, but it gets it's name from the PVC pipes that carry water along the length of the trail which detracts a bit from the beauty of the trail. Also, the lady insisted that we stay no more than 3 hours and check out when we leave. This is totally weird and we felt stressed out trying to get back before the 3 hours were up.Visited January 2022Written January 17, 2022
- Rochelle FRandolph, New Jersey933 contributionsGreat hike and place to see the QuetzalWe hiked this trail in search of quetzals, the resplendent and and elusive birds. (we found them last year in 2 places in Costa Rica and knew they lived in this part of Panama). We enjoyed the scenery and hike and after about 2 hours thought that we would not see them when our guide spotted 3 of them. We spent about an hour watching them! Well worth it. We also saw a family of monkeys - howlers with 2 babies, nice small waterfalls and lovely flowers.Visited January 2023Written March 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
294 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
97
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34
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Bradley_T9L
Tucson, AZ37 contributions
Feb 2020
We arrived in the morning at the trailhead. It was a little confusing to figure out the way, but the local hostess was friendly and helpful. Once we got onto the trail, it was certainly a jungle / cloud forest experience. We saw and heard several bands of howler monkeys, and encountered the 1300 year old tree. But our hopes were fulfilled when we saw the famed Quetzals--a remarkable bird. We were fortunate enough to see 4 (and hear two others). It was a lifetime experience for me to see them flying in the sunlight and reflecting brilliantly. The waterfall at the end of the trail is also quite remarkable.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ainara Fp
Madrid7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We have had a lovely time, and were very lucky with the weather. It is an easy trekking, but you should wear appropriate shoes (we saw people coming in with flipflops!). We are glad we hired a guide (we were doubting) he was great and made the experience a lot more interesting. We were able to see several quetzals. His name is Luis Rovira (Falo), in case someone is interested and his number is +507 6894 0874. He made it in english as my boyfriend doesn’t speak spanish and it was perfectly understandable. He grew up in boquete and knows everything about the plants and animals in the area. We could feel his passion for his job and that made out trip more special. This is definitely a must do if you come to boquete and you are not experienced in trekking. If you are you should go for the waterfalls trail. You can also hire the same guide for that one. He said it is beautiful. We will leave it for next time...
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
razzloe
Portland, OR77 contributions
Nov 2021
This trail was beautiful. We went in the late afternoon and didn't get to see any cool critters, but seeing the tree thats over 1,000 years old was worth it for us!
Make sure you bring a rain coat! We walked in dry and came out soaked.
Also be prepared to pay $5 a person to the locals who run the trail.
Make sure you bring a rain coat! We walked in dry and came out soaked.
Also be prepared to pay $5 a person to the locals who run the trail.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dreamweaver02
Calgary, Canada193 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We did this hike today and it would have been nice if it had had better/more signage. It was quite rough in places and we were glad that we had our hiking poles, though we didn’t need them the whole way. We saw lots of birds, orchids, dragon flies, butterflies and a monkey. We heard the quetzals but didn’t see one. They had some unique bridges. It took us about 2 and a half hours to go there and back and that was with several stops to pause and listen and try to locate. There was a $5 admission fee and we had to sign in and out of the trail. It was a good hike in general ...
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobe2
Abilene, TX655 contributions
Feb 2020
Shortly after leaving the trailhead you’re met by someone to collect the trail fee ($5.00). Pretty much uphill all the way to the waterfall at the end (turn around point) but not super steep. The waterfall was a big disappointment. Lots of water flowing over the falls but because it’s a shear cliff the water just runs down the face. Just a very small pool of water at the bottom but the water there wasn’t even rippling from the falls. The 1,000 year-old tree was very interesting to see. Unfortunately, we saw very few birds, and none of the elusive quetzals.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt S
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
Most people who hike this route will be trying to see the ‘lost waterfall’. As of July 2022 the trail is closed 2/3 of the way along and it is not possible to see the waterfall. The woman at the gate was still happy to charge us $5 each and gave no warning about this.
The trail itself is a fairly easy hike and is a clear route to follow. You are in dense forrest and should expect a lot of midges and small flies.
There were a few birds and butterflys on the walk and a very impressive tree that according to the sign is approximately 1,000 years old. Otherwise there isn’t much to see on this route.
I would recommend the 3 waterfalls hike that is nearby. Although it is more expensive to enter (and a slightly more difficult hike) you actually get to see the waterfalls and is a more interesting hike.
The trail itself is a fairly easy hike and is a clear route to follow. You are in dense forrest and should expect a lot of midges and small flies.
There were a few birds and butterflys on the walk and a very impressive tree that according to the sign is approximately 1,000 years old. Otherwise there isn’t much to see on this route.
I would recommend the 3 waterfalls hike that is nearby. Although it is more expensive to enter (and a slightly more difficult hike) you actually get to see the waterfalls and is a more interesting hike.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Macpen2014
Chicago, IL152 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Which is what we did and others on the trail as well. The signage is a bit misleading . After paying $5pp fee, we set off for the 3km up and back. The flora and fauna were beautiful. The trail was not very difficult but gave your heart an adequate workout with some areas where you climb up stepping stones. It passed over small creeks with makeshift bridges and the sound of the waterfall followed you all the way up. Interesting spots for photo opportunities as well. The end of the trail leads you to a very modest waterfall in a walled canyon. BUT, not the 3 waterfalls!
We were told afterwards that it was worth going with a guide so that you can spot quetzal birds and sloths. We unfortunately did not.
We were told afterwards that it was worth going with a guide so that you can spot quetzal birds and sloths. We unfortunately did not.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elliott
Los Angeles, CA114 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This is a nice and easy trail near Boquete. You can park at the trailhead (if you get there early enough) or take a bus or taxi. The trail follows a river into the forest, so not a good choice if you want epic landscape view.
You pay $5 to the lady in the house at the trailhead, sign in (and out once done), then hike along the river with a few rickety crossings into the forest. It can get muddy, but we hiked it in the rainy season in road running shoes and we’re fine.
We read reviews of folk seeing wildlife, but we didn’t see anything beyond some birds and butterflies - but that’s how wildlife works, eh? There was a bird watcher looking for a quetzal and had seen monkeys and rare birds on this trail before.
You pay $5 to the lady in the house at the trailhead, sign in (and out once done), then hike along the river with a few rickety crossings into the forest. It can get muddy, but we hiked it in the rainy season in road running shoes and we’re fine.
We read reviews of folk seeing wildlife, but we didn’t see anything beyond some birds and butterflies - but that’s how wildlife works, eh? There was a bird watcher looking for a quetzal and had seen monkeys and rare birds on this trail before.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeannie Gabriela
Boulder, CO186 contributions
Jan 2022
I wish there were more public trails in Boquete, but in general, you have to pay $5-$8 to hike on trails here. The Pipeline trail in general is pretty, but it gets it's name from the PVC pipes that carry water along the length of the trail which detracts a bit from the beauty of the trail. Also, the lady insisted that we stay no more than 3 hours and check out when we leave. This is totally weird and we felt stressed out trying to get back before the 3 hours were up.
Written January 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ933 contributions
Jan 2023
We hiked this trail in search of quetzals, the resplendent and and elusive birds. (we found them last year in 2 places in Costa Rica and knew they lived in this part of Panama).
We enjoyed the scenery and hike and after about 2 hours thought that we would not see them when our guide spotted 3 of them. We spent about an hour watching them! Well worth it. We also saw a family of monkeys - howlers with 2 babies, nice small waterfalls and lovely flowers.
We enjoyed the scenery and hike and after about 2 hours thought that we would not see them when our guide spotted 3 of them. We spent about an hour watching them! Well worth it. We also saw a family of monkeys - howlers with 2 babies, nice small waterfalls and lovely flowers.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the bus comes back to the trail head periodically?
Reginald S
California, United States1,272 contributions
There is a bus stop but we went up there with a guide in a car.
Can we drive and park there?
william s
Marietta, GA10,030 contributions
The trail is on native private land so we took a guided tour and were picked up at the hotel. The guide paid his native contact there to park and use the trail. He was extremely knowledgeable and gave lessons on botany and ornithology during the hike, including calling the birds. He used a laser to help us locate things, including the birds without putting the beam on them. Great hike, but we got soaked. We suggest you use a guide. See our review. ENJOY !
andrew M
Panama City, Panama
Is this safe to walk ourselves or do we need a tour guide?
Richard C
Cave Creek, AZ17 contributions
It appeared perfectly safe to us. The trailhead is not clear. At the trailhead there is a kiosk (no one mans it) and there is a small fee to enter.
However, we started at 9:30 AM and no one was at the kiosk. Regardless, we, and others went up what we thought was the trail (and it was the trail). A few hundred meters up the trail there is another house on the right and a small farmers field.
After that house it becomes pure jungle but the trail is wide. We encounter two snakes. One was, I think, a small coral snake escaping into the bush. The other was a 3-foot snake - species uncertain.
However, we met another group of hikers with a trail guide and spoke with them. The guide said the snake would have been a "Mexican jumping pit viper".
Just keep your eyes open while hiking. And someone will collect your entrance fee when you exit the trail.
Are there any guided night hikes?
Chris M
Caldera, Panama24 contributions
The Pipeline trail is closed at night. Also not sure why you would want to hike it at night nothing to see unless you were hiking on a full moon but it would be much prettier in the sun. Richard C is talking about the Volcan Baru hike which has nothing to do with the pipeline trail. His fellow travelers got very bad advice. If you are going to do Baru you need to leave at midnight to arrive by sunrise. I suspect the fellow travelers just heard the time incorrectly.
hola, cual seria el numero telefonico para hacer el contacto?
Rafael V
Palma de Mallorca, Spain2,200 contributions
Hola!
Me imagino que la oficina de información turística de Boquete de puede facilitar más información sobre el lugar.
En el punto de acceso solo hay una garita donde te cobran el acceso, pero no creo que tengan número de teléfono.
Espero ayudarte en algo, un saludo
streeterville
Asheville, NC37 contributions
How do we get there on public transportation
Reto V
28 contributions
Just go to the local bus station one square after the park and take the bus to bajo mono or alto quiel or ask a bus driver
wilsonclan
London, Canada49 contributions
How difficult is this hike? I'm 51 traveling with my 20 year old son; he's a nature lover and budding wildlife photographer and this trail is on his list. I want to make sure I can handle it.
Michael S
Black Diamond, WA10 contributions
I'm an overweight 62 year old smoker. It was a pleasant walk.
Helloo. How much is this trail?
jocko
Mukwonago, WI467 contributions
In March 2016, I believe I was charged $3.00
Colleen U
Saint Louis, MO41 contributions
How do you find this trail? We are in boquete and have a car.
suhzee
Oregon60 contributions
Drive out of Boquete going past Ruiz Coffee. Further up you will see a sign to Bajo Mono--go that way. Follow that road. You'll cross several bridges and go past homes. There's a fork; bear left. At one point you'll cross a bridge and looking to your right will see an unfinished, abandoned property that looks like a castle. Finally the road will come to a T. There will be a bus stop. A sign will point to the right for the Waterfall Hike. Straight ahead is Pipeline. There is a fee. If there's nobody there to collect the fee, go anyway. They will collect on your return.
sammy123usa
Boston, MA11 contributions
how do I get a guide for this trail
topat16
Maine76 contributions
We worked through Gamboa Tours and were very satisfied with the guide and their services
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Claim your listingPipeline Trail (Boquete) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pipeline Trail
- Hotels near Pipeline Trail:
- (2.64 mi) The Guest Suites at Manana Madera Coffee Estate
- (1.41 mi) Finca Lerida
- (5.93 mi) Coffee Estate Inn
- (5.17 mi) Boquete Garden Inn
- (6.16 mi) Los Establos Boutique Inn
- Restaurants near Pipeline Trail:
- (5.69 mi) Buckle Tip Coffee Studio
- (5.57 mi) RetroGusto Restaurant & Bar
- (5.53 mi) Donde Giselle
- (5.62 mi) Gelateria La Ghiotta Boquete
- (7.52 mi) Morton's Bakehouse
Pipeline Trail Information
| Excellent Reviews | 155 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 97 |
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