To end our Latin and Central America journey, we spent a week in Boquete.
Boquete is the main mountainous destination in Panamá, and is considered one of the best vacation or retirement destinations. Located near the border with Costa Rica, its central attraction is the inactive Barú Volcano, which is 11,400 feet high and offers spectacular views, blessing the area with a rich volcanic soil that produces exceptional flora and fauna.
The small town of Boquete is located in a picturesque valley with a large river running at its center. Here you will find a variety of lodgings, hostels and resorts, tour operators, restaurants, a 9-hole golf course, craft shops, a spring weather, and a friendly population.
Its attractions include amazing views, rafting and kayaking on the rivers, golf, touring coffee farms for tasting, watching birds and quetzals in season, hiking in the mountains, horse riding, an exciting zip line tour on the top of the trees, and a visit to the Barú volcano, from where you could see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time.
Boquete was a well-preserved secret, but all that changed when the Association of Retired Americans chose Boquete as one of the five best places in the world to retire, a title based on its security, beauty, climate and cost of living. Fortune magazine retirement guide also named Boquete as one of the five best places in the world to retire.
It is possible to travel to Boquete by air and land. Copa Airlines offers daily flights from Panama City to David, Boquete’s nearest city. In David, you can rent a car or take a taxi that will take you to Boquete in 45 minutes. The journey from Panama City to Boquete lasts about seven hours by car. You can also take a bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal to David, and take a taxi to Boquete. At the same time, there is a “midnight” bus service,
Discover Nature in Boquete
Climb natural walls on a climbing tour in “Los Ladrillos,” navigate rapids of all levels on the Chiriquí Viejo River, bathe in the hot springs of La Caldera and walk through fertile lands, where sprout thousands of trees, fruits and Geisha coffee, one of the most sought after in the world. In Boquete you can enjoy all this and more, at a temperature of 53 ºF to 86 ºF (12 ºC to 30 ºC), one of the coolest places in Panamá.
Places to Visit in Boquete
In the center of the district lies Bajo Boquete, its capital. The town, which is very charming, friendly and comfortable to walk around is surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Caldera River. Riding around you’ll see that there are a variety of hotels, cabins and hostels, tour operators, restaurants and local breweries that will make your visit even more fun.
Further north lies Los Naranjos, an area popular for its many coffee farms and great biodiversity. Experience it by visiting its protected areas such as La Amistad International Park (PILA) and Barú Volcano National Park, home to more than 300 species of birds.
To the right of the village is Jaramillo, another special area where you can have memorable experiences. Here you can support local production and cuisine by eating delicious food made with seasonal products ‘from farm to table.’
Things to do
Boquete has the perfect conditions for coffee sowing of high quality: altitudes between 1,000 and 2,100 meters above the sea level (3,280 to 6,900 feet), fertile soils of volcanic origins enriched by nutrients from tropical rainforest, and a special microclimate with stable temperature.
Although there are different types of coffee, the most famous variety in this region is the Geisha. This type of coffee requires special characteristics of the soil, but also very specific care, since its leaves and roots are thinner than the average, and that makes it extremely hard to cultivate in great volumes.
The Chiriqui Viejo River is well known as one of the best in the continent to practice white water rafting. In the upper sections, the more experienced can practice in their class 4 and 5 rapids. In the lower sections, there are level 3 runs, where you can try the sport for the first time. Chiriqui River is also a multi-level option. It also offers class 3, 4 and 5 rapids, with more and less challenging sections, but all incredibly fun
Boquete has 4 incredible spots to practice climbing: Gunko, Mana Wall, Legacy, and Paradiso. The most famous is Gunko, Panamá’s first climbing site. It’s a natural wall made up of volcanic rocks in the area of Bajo Mono. Its curves, overhangs, and positive holds make the perfect support for the feet.
What is the local currency?
Panama is home to the Balboa, otherwise known as the Panamanian Dollar. However, everything at Los Establos, and most surrounding businesses, can be paid for with United States Dollars. I’m ready to work with you to create a unique travel experience based on your travel destination, style, and interests. Please touch base so I may answer any questions you have and provide you with expert travel advice.
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before travelling.
