Introduction
The Western highlands of Panama
From David it is a 40 min drive to the picturesque mountain village of Boquete. Boquete’s allure lies in its breathtaking natural surroundings. The town is situated in the Chiriquí Highlands, offering a welcome respite from the tropical heat of the lowlands. Boquete has around 23.000 inhabitants.
Archaeological studies suggest that in the Boquete Lagoon area humans and nature have been interacting since 7,000 BC. There are several petroglyphs in Caldera that show ancient villages in the region. During the Spanish colonization of America, the Boquete district, along with the rest of the Highlands, was almost isolated because of its topography.
It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the Boquete area started being settled. They started growing coffee, beans, and raising cattle. In 1950, the community started holding the Coffee Festival every now and then to highlight the district’s main agricultural product. In 1973, the Coffee Festival became the Las Flores and Coffee Fair.
English is widely spoken, making it easy for visitors to navigate and connect with the local community. The expat community has significantly contributed to Boquete’s unique character.
Activities
Boquete is for all travelers
Situated close to the Baru volcano, there are many highlights to be found in this lovely village. Many of the coffee fincas are open to the public. Here you can go rafting, zipline through the trees, take in the stunning scenery on horseback and explore jungle trails in search of the fabled Quetzal bird.
Boquete and its surroundings are one of the greenest areas of Panama. As a result, there are many places that naturally contain a large number of freshwater springs and stunning waterfalls. You can quickly reach the many enchanted places in the highlands where you can take a cool dip in a spring and enjoy the magnificent nature with its variety of animals and unique plant species.
- Vulcán Baru: The volcano was declared Volcán Barú National Park in 1976. The park’s most popular hiking trail is the Sendero Los Quetzales (Los Quetzales Trail), which connects Boquete with Cerro Punta and wraps around the side of the volcano. The trail takes around 6 hours to hike.
- Waterfalls: Hiking trails wind through lush rainforests, leading to cascading waterfalls like the majestic Sendero Los Quetzales and the enchanting Cascada de las Gemelas. Avid birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian life, with opportunities to spot the elusive quetzal, a vibrant bird revered by the indigenous people.
- White-water rafting: The Chiriquí Viejo River offers an adrenaline rush, while rock climbing enthusiasts can test their skills on the impressive volcanic formations.
- Coffee plantations: Coffee is a big deal in Boquete which offers visitors a glimpse into the production of Panama’s renowned Geisha coffee, considered one of the world’s finest. Our favorite is the Finca Lerida.
Restaurants
Boquete is known for best dining
No matter what you’re craving, Boquete has something special just for you. Whether you’re looking for a casual snack or a fancy dining experience, this charming town has you covered. Restaurants serving international cuisine sit alongside traditional Panamanian eateries, offering a delightful culinary diversity.
- Big Daddy’s Grill: If you’re looking for a taste of local flavors, you’ll want to head to Big Daddy’s Grill. This popular spot serves up authentic Panamanian dishes, from hearty stews to fresh seafood. Don’t miss their signature “corvina a lo macho,” a flavorful fish dish.
- RetroGusto Restaurant & Bar: If you’re craving Italian, RetroGusto Restaurant & Bar is the place for you. This charming eatery offers a delightful selection of pastas, pizzas, and other Italian classics, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- The Rock: If you’re looking for something truly unique this restaurant is perched on a cliff overlooking the valley, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. The menu is all about fusion, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.
- Kotowa Coffee and Chocolate: The sweet treat! Kotowa is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. This charming shop offers a variety of delicious chocolates, from decadent bars to refreshing cocoa drinks, all made with locally sourced cacao.
Camping and Accomodation
Coffee and camping in Boquete
Take your campervan up the hills to the Finca Lerida. You will arrive at a place that will delight all your senses, high in the mountains, above the rooftops of the vibrant town. A charming café and chic restaurant invite you to enjoy coffee and delicious food. There are excellent hiking trails above the finca, which is home to thousands species of animals and plants. There is an amazing variety of hummingbirds on the property and in the cloud forest. Toucans, quetzals, coatis and the famous howler monkeys are all common sightings and provide a wonderful experience.
The best part is that you are able to camp here to. Ask at the reception where to park your car and you probably pay a $20 fee per night but you can use there public restroom and all facilities such as their great restaurant and coffee house.
Beside Finca Lerida there are many spots where you can park your campervan. Many areas are quiet and you will have a great sleep especially with the fresh air up here. Around Boquete Alto are a few hostals which also offer campsites, if you want to hook up a tent or if you want to bring the van onto such playgrounds.
