Tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Volcan Barú is the small and charming mountain village of Boquete. Known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in all of Panama, Boquete is quickly becoming a destination for those visitors seeking the most enchanting weather in the world. Visitors bask in Boquete's sunny and cool mountain weather and marvel at the exquisite vistas. Boquete's healthy climate has prompted many to believe it is the secret to longevity since many native Boqueteños have lived well on past their one-hundredth birthdays.
Boquete's surrounding hills and slopes are primarily covered in shade-grown coffee plantations, providing a rich product recognized by international connoisseurs. Known for their sustainable farming practices, these farms are recognized the world over by conservationist and are home to an abundance of birds equal to those found in the cloud forests higher on the mountain. Coffee is primarily picked by the Guaymi Indians during the months of October through February. Coffee picking season is a festive time and colorfully clad Indian families come from various parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries. Tours through some of the coffee fincas of Boquete can be arranged for those interested in seeing the origins of their morning brew or sighting a wide variety of bird life.
Coincident with the coffee harvest is the Flower Festival. The gardens of Boquete are rivaled only by the great Mediterranean garden centers of California, Italy, and South Africa. This verdant production is best witnessed at the Festival, but can be seen throughout the year in a variety of contexts. Bromeliads cover the shade trees on the fincas. Deep flowerbeds adorn the inns. And, rated as one of the top three private gardens in the world, Mi Jardin es Su Jardin is open to visitors who are encouraged to wander the grounds, enjoying the vision and hospitality of the owners.
The best way to see the cloud forest flora and fauna is to catch a ride over to Cerro Punta, pickup the trailhead around the mountain's backside and hike a 4 hour trail back to Boquete. Walking among some of the largest trees in the hemisphere, time stands still. The silence broken only by birdcalls that give away the positions of those that you seek among the draping moss and brightly colored bromeliads. The trail is moderately improved, but not too strenuous, dropping elevation along the route. It is a lifetime bird watching experience you will not want to miss. Any of the lodges can make arrangements for you.

After your hike, you may want to have a restful afternoon in the hot springs or do a little trout fishing with a fly. Both of these provide a calm alternative in preparation to a day of whitewater rafting on the Chiriqui Grande [class II-IV ] or horseback riding the many mountain trails and roads the crisscross the highland fincas.

Things to do
Special Events
Lodging
Reviews

Chiriqui River Rafting
Class II-IV whitewater rafting
Hector Sanchez
www.panama-rafting.com
phone 236-5218, fax236-5217

Koyner-McIntyre Coffee Plantation
Historic Coffee Mill, working plantation, and birding site
Ricardo Koyner
Arrangement through La Montana y el Valle

Finca Lerida
Wonderful coffee, beautiful mountain shade environment, great birding
Arrangements for access are provided at
The Panamonte Hotel, owned by the Collin's family

Mi Jardin es Su Jardin
One of the top three private gardens in the world
Open to the public year round

The Hot Springs & Hike in Caldera
Hotel Panamonte will provide a map
Requires a 45 minute hike or 4WD

Special Events

Boquete Fair of Flowers & Coffee
January 1-10
Internationally famous competitive coffee tasting and flower exposition

Amateur Rodeos
Small town rodeos on a rotating schedule

Lodging in Boquete

La Montaña y El Valle
www.ncal.verio.com/-ptpub/montana
e-mail: montana@chiriqui.com
telephone: (507) 720-2211

Panamonte Hotel
e-mail: panamont@chiriqui.com
telephone: (507) 720-1324

Pension Topas
telephone: (507) 720-1005
Pension Marilos
telephone: (507) 720-1380

Tours & GuidesLenny Lamastus
Email: lamastus@chiriqui.com
Ph/fax 720-1931

Chiriqui Highland Reviews

Boquete is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the mountain weather was a unique treat after a week of turtle tracking, diving, and beach combing in Bocas! The accommodations at El Montana where romantic, relaxing, and the best value we have ever had traveling. Great beds, lovely view, well-appointed cabin and Jane's dinners are not to be missed. The best food on the trip and the mountain air makes you ready for it!

Kyle Blatnick (e-mail not provided)

After two trips to Costa Rica, we finally saw our Quetzal in Panama! What a bird. And what a hike. The Volcan to Boquete hike through the cloud forest was great – reminded us of our first trip to the California Redwoods. And a day in the hot springs and walking Koyner's Plantation the next day was a perfect recovery. What a gentleman Ricardo is – good looking, a gracious host, and he makes a great cup of coffee. To bad he's married. And we learned so much about coffee. Now I know why I like it as much as chocolate and wine!

Karen Graham (e-mail not provided)