3 of Panama's Best Hot Springs
Take a break from Panama’s beautiful sand beaches and enjoy the cool rainforests, volcanoes, and the hot springs they create. The rainforests are known for their high biodiversity and are a haven for wildlife.
Panamá has more bird species than Europe and North America combined, and more plant diversity than the United States and Canada combined. That’s because Panamá is uniquely located at the point where North America and South America connect, allowing plant and animal life from both continents to merge and flourish over time.
It’s a top world destination for birding, white water rafting, and snorkeling—and that’s just a handful of the outdoor activities you’ll find in Panamá. But I am going to help you find its hot springs.
Caldera Hot Springs
Caldera means “boiling pot” in english, so it’s nearly obvious a hot springs will be nearby. There are three natural hot springs to soak in at Caldera Hot Springs. Each pool is a naturally formed pool made from rocks. The pool temperatures are 38°C (100°F), 40°C (104°F), and 45°C (113°F). The waters are rich in minerals and sulfur (thankfully there was no odor from the sulfur).
Only 45 minutes by car from Boquete, but requires high clearance or 4x4 vehicle. There are colectivos or public buses that go from Boquete to Caldera. But the buses operate infrequently and the drop-off area isn’t close to the springs. You can stay nearby at the Cabanas Rio Encantado along the same river as the hot springs in a cute cottage with a kitchen.
If driving look for a blue sign on the side of the road that says “pozas calientes”, meaning hot pools in Spanish. And yes you are going to have to drive over that suspension bridge. Once you get to a parking lot you will then need to walk 15 more minutes. You’ll have to pay $7 to enter or free for children.
The temperature in this region is temperate, with cooler days and evenings. However, Caldera’s lower elevation means it will be notably warmer than the nearby town of Boquete. Rain in this area is common during the rainy season (June to November). Definitely take time to cool off in the Caldera River between dips. The water is chilly and the perfect counterbalance to the hot waters of the springs.
Volcan (aka Los Pozos Termales) Hot Springs
Volcan, hot springs are situated about 30 minutes north from the Chiriqui mountain town of Volcan Panama or about an hour west of town of boquete. Stay in one of the many cabanas in nearby Las Perlas.
The very name ‘Volcán’ traces back to the resident Ngobe Bugle Tribe who revered the volcano, and the hot springs were considered holy.
The waters in Volcán Hot Springs are uniquely high in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. Embrace the sounds of tropical bird songs, catch glimpses of fluttering quetzals, and lose yourself in the beauty of wild orchids that line the paths.
The hot spring facility also offers inviting amenities such as cabanas, towel rentals, and even a quaint cafeteria offering local delicacies.
When finished, the Volcán Barú hike in Panama is a challenging yet rewarding adventure, leading you to the country’s highest point.
For a beautiful sight explore Panama’s largest and most popular orchid garden, Finca Dracula, which offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the diverse world of orchids. With over 2,000 species, the garden is a botanical haven nestled in the Tierras Altas de Chiriqui, showcasing everything from the intriguing Dracula orchids to internationally acclaimed varieties.
Anton Valley Hot Springs
Nestled in the crater of the world's second-largest extinct volcano, El Valle de Antón is a delightful and relaxing destination popular with urbanites escaping the heat and fast pace of Panama City.
Stay nearby at the Casa en El Cráter del Volcán with a kitchen, washing machine, a sun terrace, lush garden, and free WiFi.
Bathe in hot thermal water pools at the village’s thermal springs and indulge in a therapeutic volcanic mud bath. The setup is simple: a winding trail leads through a handful of mineral pools, each with slightly different temperatures and depths. The mud here is the main draw. Slather it onto your face and neck, then let it dry while dipping your toes into a shallow pool nearby. It’s said to cleanse, exfoliate, and gently reboot your skin.
El Macho waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in a stunning natural setting. In the center of El Valle de Antón, there is a small and charming butterfly garden where you can enjoy admiring up to 16 different species of colorful butterflies. There is also a small serpentarium is a nice place to learn about snakes as there are 14 different snakes on exhibition. The Butterfly Haven in El Valle de Anton is great for nature lovers, families, and anyone with an interest in ecology.
Are you traveling in other parts of Latin America? Take a look at more hot springs in Colombia, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Carribean, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
