The Pipeline Trail - Boquete, Panama

by Rebecca Hollman
updated April 10, 2019

The Pipeline Trail - Boquete, Panama

Boquete is one of the most beautiful areas of Panama, known for its lush jungles, waterfalls, coffee farms and hiking trails. Some of the most accessible trails are the Lost Waterfalls trail, the Pipeline trail, and the Quetzales trail. The Pipeline trail is a very easy trail that leads to one waterfall at the end. The waterfall is very tall but not very powerful. You also have a good chance of seeing quetzals and other rare birds on this trail.

Table of Contents

About the Hike

The Pipeline trail is one of the most accessible trails in Boquete, and definitely the easiest trail in the area. It is close to town and easy to reach by car or bus. The trail is very flat, with no elevation change, and well maintained. People of all ages, including children and seniors, could walk this trail pretty easily. There are two bridge crossings on narrow planks that could be problematic for people with limited mobility. At the end of the trail, you have to cross a boulder field and will eventually reach the tall, skinny waterfall at the end. This trail is mostly for enjoying the flora and fauna of the area.

Trail Info

The trail is an out and back, about 1 miles each way. In total you could do the hike in 1-1.5 hours, not calculating in time spent at the waterfalls. It is rated easy but there are a few sections that could be considered harder for people with limited mobility.

Getting to the Trail

From Boquete, head to Los Naranjos. The road will split after Mi Jardín es Su Jardín, take the road to the right towards Bajo Mono. Follow this road until you reach the trailhead for the Pipeline Trail (it is marked with a sign that says PIPELINE down the left post of the sign). Either park here or get dropped off here and walk up this gravel road. You will see a small hut on your left where you will need to pay the $3 USD entrance fee. The trail is through the big gate, directly ahead if you were looking from the Pipeline sign. It winds behind some people’s houses and past some beehives. The trail is clearly marked the whole way. When you reach the boulder field, you know you are almost to the end. Turn around at the waterfall and come back the same way you went out.