Sitting in a tree about halfway up.

When we were moving into our new house, we were told there was a hiking trail nearby. We couldn’t wait to explore it, so as soon as we were settled in, we packed up some water and headed to the trailhead about a half a kilometer up our road. I didn’t bother to Google any information about. The Hubs and I are very familiar with the area. Boy, were we surprised when it turned out to be one of the most difficult and beautiful hikes we ever went on!

The beginning of the trail is not marked and it took us awhile to find it at the end of a residential road. Then we had to cross behind a cluster of indigenous shacks before accessing the main footpath. I say footpath, because for most of the hike there is only room for one foot in front of the other. Then we made a steep ascent through abandoned coffee fields. The weather was dry and it was hard to get a safe foothold in the slippery sand. There is no tree cover–presumably they were cleared out for the coffee–so the sun was brutal and there wasn’t any sturdy vegetation to hold on to. I was kind of depressed seeing the land so barren. It should have been full of trees and birds. I hope one day it grows back.

The heat and altitude got to my head and I wondered for a moment what we had gotten into. I took a short break in this shady tree before we made the final climb to the summit. We soon reached a copse of trees where the trail continued along the crest of the hill. The views below were spectacular. Little did we know that at the very end was a rock suspended over a cliff, the very Piedra de Lino, overlooking all of Boquete. What an amazing surprise!

Brilliant colors.

I believe this is the Bajo Mono area

The view of the mountain crest behind us.

The large white structures are greenhouses.

All of Boquete is visible and so is the ocean in the distance.

On a lesser rock further back.

This place inspires spontaneous yoga poses.

The mountain to our left is Jaramillo.

The way down was much quicker, but only because it was so sandy I had to pretty much ski down on my sneakers (or my butt) the rest of the way. I was sore for a week after that, but it was worth it. Then my landlord, an adorable elderly woman whom I affectionately refer to as a hobbit, told me the last time she hiked it she was seventy years old. I guess I have some more training to do before I climb Volcan Baru. The writing life does not make for the fittest bod.

Within an hour or so, we were literally on top of our world. Perching on that ancient rock and seeing how the earth slides, wrinkles, and pools together was a soulful experience. I can’t wait to go back. How lucky are we to have this practically in our own backyard!

Afterward, while we were eating lunch at a Peruvian restaurant, we went through the photos we took. I couldn’t believe what I found in The Hub’s phone! This butterfly totally photobombed his picture. It’s fiery colors are so vibrant that it doesn’t look real.

Butterfly photobombs The Hub’s landscape photo.

The best part about it was not knowing where we’d end up. Sometimes it’s better not to Google, not to plan, and go on an adventure. Get lost, a little scared, and see what surprises await you!

When was the last time you had an adventure?

Please leave your experience below!

Next hike: 3 Waterfalls Trail!