Five paragliding pilots launched from the summit of Volcán Barú on Friday, September 25, completing a descent to Los Llanos in Paso Ancho as part of the Baru Challenge paragliding initiative. The flight began at 3,475 meters above sea level, marking the first coordinated expedition of its kind from Panama’s highest point.
The descent, organized under the slogan “One flight, two oceans,” took place in the Tierras Altas district of Chiriquí province. Organizers confirmed all five pilots had prior paragliding experience and completed the route after safety planning that accounted for altitude, wind patterns, terrain shifts, and rapid weather changes.
Baru Challenge Paragliding Event Schedule and Public Access
The Baru Challenge 2026 runs through Sunday, September 27, with flights subject to weather conditions. Event organizers previously established a launch window between 6:40 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., a timeframe chosen specifically because atmospheric stability is highest during those hours.
Spectators can watch the flights and landings free of charge from the Los Llanos sector. The event aims to position Chiriquí as an adventure tourism destination while showcasing the region’s landscape from an aerial perspective. The “One flight, two oceans” concept references Volcán Barú’s unique geography, on clear days, both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are visible from its summit.
Environmental Protections at Volcán Barú National Park
The flights occur within a protected area established by Executive Decree No. 40 on June 24, 1976. Volcán Barú National Park spans approximately 14,322 hectares of cloud forest and mountain ecosystems. Panama’s Environment Ministry has emphasized that recreational and tourism activities must remain compatible with conservation goals.
Visitors attending the event are advised to use reusable water containers, pack out all waste, and refrain from removing plants, animals, or other natural materials from the park. These guidelines apply throughout the three-day event window.
Regional Tourism Ambitions and International Visibility
Organizers behind the Baru Challenge paragliding project intend to place Panama within the international adventure tourism circuit. The initiative uses the volcano’s elevation and dual-ocean views as a distinguishing feature for paragliding enthusiasts worldwide.
The event continues through the weekend with additional flights planned, contingent on meteorological conditions. Local officials and organizers view the project as a long-term platform to combine sport, nature, and tourism promotion in western Panama.