Boquete, Panama

The small and charming mountain village of Boquete, Panama is situated on the eastern slopes of the Volcan Baru. Boquete is known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in all of Panama and it has also quickly become a destination for travelers who seek the most delightful weather in the world. Visitors relax in Boquete’s sunny and cool mountain weather and get amazed at the exquisite panorama. Boquete has prompted many to believe it is the secret to longevity since many natives of the place have lived well on past their 100th birthdays. Hmm, sounds interesting.

The surrounding hills and slopes of Boquete, Panama are primarily covered in shade-grown coffee plantations, providing a rich product accepted by international connoisseurs. Known for sustainable farming practices, these farms are recognized the world over by conservationist and are home to an abundance of birds like those found in the cloud forests higher on the mountain.

Coffee in Boquete, Panama is mostly picked by the Guaymi Indians during the months of October through February. In line with coffee picking season is a festive time wherein colorfully dressed Indian families come from different parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries. If you want to see the origins of your morning brew or simply sighting a wide array of bird life, tours through some of the fincas of Boquete can be arranged.

At the same time with the coffee harvest is the flower festival. The gardens of Boquete, Panama are matched 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 an assortment of contexts. Bromeliads cover the shades of trees on the fincas. Deep flower beds adorn the inns. Mi Jardin es Su Jardin is rated as one of the top three private gardens in the world, and is open to visitors who are encouraged to wander the grounds, enjoying the vision and hospitality of the owners.

Let’s now go to the cloud forest of Boquete, Panama, wherein the best way to see its flora and fauna is to get a ride over to Cerro Punta, pick-up the trailhead around the mountain’s backside and hike a 4-hour trail back to Boquete. You will lose track of time just wandering around among some of the largest trees in the hemisphere, where silence is broken only by birdcalls. The trail is fairly improved, yet not too strenuous, dropping elevation along the route. It is a great bird watching experience you wouldn’t want to miss. You can arrange tour with any of the lodges where you’re staying.

After taking that pleasurable hike, you may want to have an afternoon rest in the hot springs or do a little trout fishing with a fly. Both of these activities provide a calm alternative in preparation to a day of whitewater rafting on the Chiriqui Grande or horseback riding to the many mountain trails and roads. If you wish to experience the best things that Boquete, Panama has to offer, a trip to the place is worth the effort.