What to see in Panama

Boquete

Located in the Chiriqui province, only 40 miles from the Costa Rican border, Boquete, hidden in a valley behind a mountain, is a small town which boasts a world of leisure opportunities for intrepid travellers. From hiking in the rainforest to rafting on the Caldera River or listening to jazz at the local music festival, Boquete is a little town with a lot of heart. The cooler climate, owing to its location 1,200 metres above sea-level, gives it the nickname of ‘Land of Eternal Springtime’, and in recent years the ordinarily quiet town has expanded its amenities and appeal as many foreign expats, especially from North America, have chosen to call this natural paradise their home.

A trip to Boquete is a great way to get in touch with the nature of Panama’s interior. The lush jungles surrounding the tiny town are home to perfect untouched natural beauty and a rich bird and plant life, especially colourful due to the hospitable year-round climate. The rich soils of this area help to cultivate Boquete’s most famous export; coffee; thought to be some of the finest in the world. Visitors to Boquete should not miss out on a tour of the local plantations, along with tastings of the freshly brewed beans. Since the influx of expats, Boquete’s food and drink scene has expanded and today you can find a wide array of restaurants, bars and cafes in the the area. Despite the added amenities, the beauty of Boquete lies in the fact it has not compromised on the natural environment to provide these modern facilities to visitors and locals. Instead, the town blends beautifully into the impressive backdrop of the verdant forest.

The main attraction in this mountain town is the wide array of outdoor activities. From zip-lining to bird-watching, hiking, cycling, canopy walks and bathing in the numerous hot springs, Boquete is an adventurer's paradise! The Baru Volcano National Park, home to the Baru Volcano, the tallest mountain in Panama at 3475 metres high, is the most popular hiking destination. A relatively simple trek takes you to the summit, where, on a clear day, the view can stretch as far as the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, in opposite directions to each other. Another unmissable natural paradise is the Los Quetzales Trail, where a walk through the rainforest could bring you face-to-face with the elusive Quetzal bird, famous for its strikingly colourful feathers. Boquete also offers golf-courses, perfect for the delightful climate and a colourful Tuesday Market, where you can sample the local cuisine, coffee and buy authentic craft items.

A holiday to Boquete is the perfect way to experience the wild rainforests of Panama and immerse yourself in the colourful local culture, as the area is home to the indigenous Ngobe-Bugle community, a remnant of true Panamanian heritage. The hospitality of the people of Boquete is warm and welcoming and the mix of a lively music and arts scene and a beautiful environment makes it a truly unmissable stop on a tour of Panama.