Spectacular views of Panama at top of Baru Volcano

The largest group expedition to the top of Baru Volcano, from where both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be seen, is to take place next month

Towering 3,475 metres above sea level and surrounded by 35,000 acres of unspoilt tropical rainforest forest, hiking to the top of the Baru Volcano is highly recommended for anyone visiting Panama on an overland adventure.

As the highest point in Central America, those who make the four-hour journey all the way to the top are rewarded with spectacular views of Panama, with both the Atlantic and Pacific visible from Baru Volcano at the same time.

And next month, local tourism chiefs are hoping to give hundreds more visitors the opportunity to enjoy the experience of being at the volcano's summit by organising the biggest ever group hike to the top, travelbite.co.uk reports.

So far, some 500 people have already confirmed their participation in the climb, which is being organised the Chamber of Tourism of Boquete - the town next to which the volcano is situated - as part of the Baru Eco Festival 2012.

The walk is scheduled to take place from April 21st to 22nd, with the hikers starting in the surrounding forest, where they will get to see tropical flora and fauna as well as the remains of the last Baru Volcano eruption thousands of years ago.

Once at the top, they will be able to explore some of the trails leading to the different craters of the volcano, and spot some of the rare birds that can be found there.

Hikers can also raft or canoe on the Chiriqui Viejo river, and collect wild orchids in the local area.

Baru Volcano is a dormant though potentially active volcano. Its last major known eruption was in 500 AD, but there is some evidence of a minor eruption around 1550 AD.