Trail: In and out
Distance: 2.6 km (1.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 45 minutes to an hour up 1 hour back down. 2 hours total.
Elevation Gain: 120 m (393 ft.)
Elevation: 945 m (3,100 ft.)
It was completely black when Sara and I started hiking Sendero La Cruz, it was also cold, damp, slippery and steep. We wanted to arrive at the top 20 to 30 minutes before the sunrise and before the sky started changing color. As fate would have it though when we first appeared under the giant cross towering over the valley below clouds enshrouded us and we started to worry we would not be able to see anything.
Luck was on our side though, the pinks and purples we wanted did not appear but the clouds parted just in time for the sun hitting the horizon and it lit up the valley below creating a scene straight out of Jurassic Park or The Land Before Time. Scenes that completely blew our minds and that we never expected to see in Panama.
Sunrise hike to Sendero La Cruz
We had camped fairly close to the start of the hike in our van. So if you’re driving around there are a few spots that might be an option for you. We found our spot on iOverlander and it was only about 15 minutes worth of driving to get there.
By 5 we were on the trail we had our head torches ready and our camera gear packed into dry bags just in case of rain.
Where ever you stay though you want to make sure you are on the trail by 5 at the latest if you want to get up there for sunrise. We left just before 5 and it only took us 45 minutes to get to the top. If you are not in great shape though you might want to allow for an hour to an hour and a half meaning you want to leave earlier than 5.
The trail was steep and muddy and wet and once you are in the clouds in the canopy you are going to be wet no matter what the weather is doing. A solid combination of both sweat and moisture will be well-formed all over your body. It was not an easy hike but the views made it incredibly worth it.
Once at the viewpoint we only had to wait for about 15 to 20 minutes for light to start hitting us, unfortunately, it was cloudy. So we ran around looking for the best viewpoints to take photos from if the sun did come out.
The hike back down was incredible, the nature is so beautiful, especially in the canopy. When the clouds roll through everything is shrouded in mist creating a beautiful atmosphere.
Getting to Sendero La Cruz.
Sendero La Cruz is located in Altos De Campana National Park. The whole Altos de Campana National Park is incredibly beautiful and should be high on your list of things to do in Panama. Getting there is fairly easy but you will most likely need your own transport or a guide that has arranged transport for you. Sendero La Cruz is only about 70kms from Panama city making it a very easy day hike trip if that is something you are into as well.
There is free parking at the start of the trail. Just make sure you take any valuables out of the car, just to prevent temptation.
Transportation can be found easily through any hotel, hostel or from any local guiding agency from any town you happen to be staying in.
Here is an actual map of the hike that you will be able to follow all the way to the top also.
Disclosure
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Gear we use
- Rain Jacket: Arcteryx Alpha
- Hiking Boots: Salomon Men’s Quest 4D 3 GTX
- Reusable bottle: Sawyer filtered water bottle
- Dry Bag: Earth Pack 20L
- Headlamp: Black Diamond Revolt Rechargeable
- Headphones: Jaybird Vista waterproof and sweatproof Bluetooth. So normally I am one that is all about being in nature and the sounds of the mountain but sometimes you are just dying and need an extra push to escape from the physical realm and that’s where the Jaybird vistas came into play. They are waterproof so the rain was not an issue and being Bluetooth meant I could keep my phone in a dry bag also and not have to worry about anything getting wet which was a constant concern in Panama. This is my first pair of Bluetooth headphones and I was worried about sound quality but they sound amazing and I am super stoked to have a pair of earbuds that can keep up with my activities. No cable also makes removing backpacks and jackets so much easier!
What Camera Gear We Use.
- Digital Camera: Sony A7riii
- Drone: Mavic Pro 2
- Landscape Lens: Sony 16-35mm F2.8
- GoPro: GoPro Hero 7 Black Would upgrade to Hero 8 Black though
- Favorite Lens: Sony 24-70mm F4
- Circular Polarizer: Hoya Digital PRO1
- Power Bank: Anker PowerCore 20100 (A little heavy but amazing especially for multiday adventures)
- Tripod: Vanguard VEO 2 265AB
Where To Stay at Altos De Campana
We slept in our van super close by but there were also a few different spots on booking that looked nice. Here is a couple you might want to consider checking out.
- Brisas De Chica – The views from here look mind-blowing! It is also a super short drive to Altos De Campana National Park.
- Vida Lotus Retreat and Spa – As the name suggests this is actually a spa so if you’re also looking for somewhere to relax after hiking this might be the place.
Disclosure
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
