Boquete Panama: A Mountain Oasis
By Silvanna Pacheco, August 22, 2024
Nestled high in the Chiriqui Province, Boquete offers a refreshing escape from Panama’s lowland heat and humidity. Its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and natural wonders have captivated both locals and international visitors, making it a popular destination for tourists and retirees.
Adventure seekers visit Boquete for its hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Parque Nacional Volcan Baru, home to Panama’s tallest peak, rewards climbers with breathtaking sunrises and, on clear days, panoramic views of both oceans. This area is surrounded by lush cloud forests, home to a variety of plants like orchids, ferns, and bromelias, as well as a diverse array of bird species.
The region’s natural splendor also fuels a thriving arts and music scene. Right from the start in 2007, the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival has been the biggest music event in Chiriqui, showcasing world-class talent and becoming a cornerstone of Panama’s cultural calendar.
Panama has also gained a global reputation for producing some of the world’s finest coffee beans, particularly the Geisha variety, considered a premium coffee. The mountainous regions of Panama, especially the Chiriqui highlands, offer a perfect climate for coffee cultivation, with cool nights and warm days. The volcanic soil in these areas is rich in nutrients, contributing to the coffee’s exceptional flavor.
You can plan a visit to one of the many local coffee plantations, like Lerida Coffee Estate, where you can learn about the bean-to-cup process and savor the incredible flavors. Many Panamanian coffee producers are committed to sustainable farming methods, ensuring the long-term health of the environment and the quality of the coffee.
Boquete boasts a vibrant coffee shop culture, offering a variety of brews and atmospheres. The annual Coffee and Flower Fair, held in March, is a delightful celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty. This region’s culinary scene is also a delightful surprise, with a diverse range of flavors influenced by both local and international cuisines. Experience the local culture by savoring farm-to-table cuisine and supporting local producers.
This is a town for outdoor enthusiasts that offers endless opportunities to explore nature, savor delicious food, and experience the warm hospitality of the Panamanian people. The fastest way to get there is to take a flight from Panama City to David, followed by a short drive. Alternatively, a scenic drive from Panama City takes about seven hours.