Cerro Cara Iguana

Cerro Cara Iguana is the most accessible hike from the Anton Valley village centre, a moderate trail that reaches the crater rim and delivers a panoramic view across the entire caldera. The walk takes around an hour from the town, partly along a gravel road before the trail climbs more steeply through secondary forest. A guide is not necessary but can be hired locally.

From the summit, you can see the full extent of the flat valley floor — once the lake bed of the volcanic crater — and the ring of peaks surrounding it. On a clear morning the Pacific coast is visible in the distance. The hike is suitable for most walkers and is a good warm-up for anyone contemplating the more demanding Cerro Gaital climb. Wear solid shoes; the trail becomes muddy after rain, which can happen at any time of year in this cloud forest zone.

things to do sight hiking
A story
The name means "Iguana Face Hill" — from below, the forested ridge has a profile that resembles an iguana in repose. The Ngäbe people who live in the valley have been reading animal shapes into this skyline for generations.

Other places in Things to Do