Hiking

Hiking up one of Isla Taboga's two hills is an invigorating effort rewarded by amazing views, but be sure to wear a hat, and use sunblock. The easiest hike is to the top of Cerro de La Cruz, the smaller hill south of town that is topped by a 20-foot cross. You reach the trail by following the main street south along the coast and all the way through town until it becomes a dirt road; look for the footpath heading up the hill to the left. If you stay on the dirt road, it will take you to the top of Cerro Vigia, the highest point on the island, at 1,200 feet. There is a lookout point on the summit, which has the remains of a U.S. Army spotlight installation built during World War II. A nicer, though steeper, trail to the top of Cerro Vigia heads through the forest above town. To take that route, go up the street next to Restaurant Acuario, follow the trail into the forest, and when you reach the three crosses follow the road to the summit. Either hike should be done early in the morning or later in the afternoon, since it is simply too hot in the middle of the day for such exertion.