Climbing in Boquete

Boquete has some awesome rock formations. And although climbing is a relatively new concept in Panama (most of the locals will think your nuts), it's a growing sport there-- thanks to the vision of a couple of local Panamanians who are paving the way and building their own climbing community.


Our two guides were also the pioneers of making outdoor climbing more accessible in a place where the sport hasn't begun to take off quite yet. They've secured permission from the government to put up bolts and routes in exchange for maintaining the area. The two guys are very passionate about climbing and very diligent about beautifying the area in the process. They're also incredibly skilled climbers who learned to climb from friends in Southern California, in J-Tree and Bishop. They purchased a lot of gear from Cali and used it to set up their opperation.

They have set multiple routes in three different areas: El Guenco, Mana, and El Paradiso. The different areas are set up for lead, top roping, trad, crack climbing, and sport. The level of difficulty starts at routes ranging from 5.7 to 5.10b in the first area, 5.11 to 5.12c in the second and third areas.

I found the routes to be doable and others a bit challenging.  I mostly stuck to the Guenco wall.  After about an hour and a half, I was pumped, and we decided to call it quits.  The light drizzle was making the rocks a bit slippery anyhow, and I stupidly forgot to douse myself in insect repellent that morning (you have to bathe with that stuff while in Panama) and therefore, was getting feasted on by mosquitoes.  Still glad we got to check out the climbing scene here.  


I think if I come back in a few years, I'll be amazed by the climbing scene here in Panama because it already looks like it could be the start of something special.