7 Things We Did, or at least tried to do, in Boquete Panama

Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Panama, Boquete (pronounced boh-KEH-theh) beckons travelers with its refreshing climate*, breathtaking scenery, and a smorgasbord of outdoor activities. We, Jeff and Sandra, self-proclaimed travel enthusiasts with a healthy dose of “been-there-done-that” experience, aren’t your typical travel bloggers. We tell it like it is, sharing the good, the bad, and the hilarious along the way – all to help you craft an unforgettable Boquete adventure.

This post, “7 Things to Do in Boquete, Panama,” is more than just a list. It’s a culmination of our own experiences, infused with insights gleaned from countless travel miles and (sometimes) questionable detours. We’ll guide you through the must-try activities – from chasing elusive Quetzals on scenic hikes to savoring the region’s renowned coffee at a local finca (farm).

But here’s the thing, we like to keep it real. While some guides might portray Boquete’s downtown as a leisurely stroll, we’ll warn you about the sidewalk hazards and the “Danger Will Robinson!” moments. Transparency is key, after all!

Sound like your kind of travel advice? Then buckle up, because we’re about to unveil the true essence of Boquete, warts and all, while showing you how to create an incredible adventure tailored to your style.

_{(*as compared to the hot and muggy climate of the lowlands)}

Here are seven must-try activities that will make your visit to Boquete unforgettable.

Hike the Quetzal Trail

Boquete is renowned for its biodiversity, and the 9.6-kilometer Quetzal Trail hike is a nature lover’s paradise. Named after the elusive resplendent quetzal, a vibrantly colored bird considered sacred by the ancient Mayans, the trail provides a unique opportunity to witness this rare species in its natural habitat. Embark on a scenic hike through lush cloud forests, keeping an eye out for the elusive resplendent quetzal, a vibrant bird considered sacred by the ancient Mayans.

Explore the Waterfalls

The Lost Waterfalls, San Ramón Waterfall, San Ramón Waterfall, Pipeline Trail (Waterfall), Cascada El Tatica showcase the region’s natural splendor. San Ramón Waterfall, a majestic centerpiece, gracefully complements the serene Pipeline Trail waterfall. Cascada El Tatica adds to the allure, creating a captivating tapestry of Boquete’s unspoiled beauty. Each cascade invites exploration, with the soothing sounds of rushing water enhancing the enchanting experience for nature lovers in Panama.

Note: A lot of the trail guides you see on the internet say that these hikes are moderate, keep in mind that most of these guides are written by and for “hikers”. We aren’t hikers. And we weren’t prepared for a hike because it was a last minute “hey let’s go for walk” suggested by a friend of a friend. Not until we got to the trailhead did we realize that their walk was a hike. We weren’t prepared for a hike (no water and no bug spray) and it’s a slow steady uphill walk, in hot and muggy conditions, so we played it safe and only went as for as the first bridge.

Book a Coffee Tour at a Finca

Boquete is celebrated for its high-quality coffee beans. The region’s volcanic soil and ideal climate create optimal conditions for cultivating coffee beans, resulting in rich and flavorful coffee.

Coffee enthusiasts often visit local coffee farms (fincas) for tours and tastings where you can learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, and savor the rich flavors of Boquete’s finest brews. We chose Finca Casanga not only due to its proximity to our accommodation in Bajo Boquete but also because it stands out as one of the rare Boquete coffee farms that oversees the entire coffee bean process in small batches – from their farm directly to your cup and they provide a hands-on tour of the entire process plus you get to drink coffee after the tour! You can learn more about our tour on our youtube channel here and our blog post about Finca Casanga.

White-Water Rafting on the Chiriquí River

If you are a thrill-seeker we hear that the white-water rafting on the Chiriquí River is a must. The Chiriquí River, with its challenging rapids and scenic surroundings, offers a perfect setting for this exciting water activity. Adventurers can navigate through the river’s twists and turns, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. Various companies in Boquete organize white-water rafting excursions, providing guides and equipment to ensure a thrilling experience. Depending on the season and water levels, the difficulty of the rapids may vary, offering options for both beginners and experienced rafters. This activity not only provides an adrenaline-pumping adventure but also allows participants to connect with the natural beauty of Panama’s highlands in an unforgettable way.

Relax in Caldera Hot Springs

After a day of adventure, unwind in the natural Caldera Hot Springs. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, these thermal springs offer a soothing retreat. Let the warm waters relax your muscles as you soak in the tranquil ambiance. Be aware that the road to Caldera Hot Springs is extremely rough.

Visit Boquete’s Flower and Coffee Fair

Boquete hosts an annual Flower and Coffee Fair, typically in January. This vibrant festival showcases the region’s diverse array of flowers and highlights the importance of both coffee and flowers in Boquete’s cultural identity. The event features parades, dances, and colorful displays. If your visit coincides with January, don’t miss the annual Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair.

Stroll Through Boquete’s Downtown

Lots of guides say you should “take a leisurely stroll through Boquete’s quaint downtown area” and yes there are local markets, artisan shops, and cafes but leisurely stroll isn’t necessarily the first words that comes to mind. “Danger Will Robinson” are more fitting. Like most of the Panamanian sidewalks we encountered, the sidewalks in Boquete, if they even exist, are full of hazards like uneven steps, missing handrails, holes you can drop into, broken concrete, rebar poking out in various places, AND people park their cars wherever they feel like it so sometimes you have to go around, out into the narrow street, to get around. So yes you can visit downtown Boquete but I wouldn’t reserve a full day for this activity (it’s small and we managed to easily cover the downtown area in an afternoon) and Watch Your Step!

Where to Stay in Boquete Panama

Boquete has plenty of hotel, hostel and guesthouse options. We stayed in #2 La Vista Bajo Boquete and it was perfect for the three days we were there. It’s an eco friendly shipping container micro-unit with QUEEN bed and one of a kind graffiti art by Panamá’s most sought-after street artist, INSANO. We had a large en-suite bathroom, private patio and access to a large gated outdoor space. If you’re looking for a budget conscious way to stay closer into Bajo Boquete this, or one of Alyssa’s other accommodations, might be your perfect getaway. (If you do end of staying in one of Alyssa’s rentals be sure to let her know we sent you. It doesn’t cost you anything and doesn’t earn us anything other than brownie points!)

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort just outside town look into the Los Establos Boutique Resort. It looked amazing, but outside our budget.

If these suggestions aren’t to your taste, don’t worry as there’s also other accommodation to suit all budgets and styles, including some lovely Vrbos.

Getting there

Car, planes and buses! The closest airport is in David. Depending on where you are coming from you’re most likely would fly into Panama City, you would need to take a taxi to the Albrook Airport (PAC) – and fly to David (DAV) – one hour flight – on either Air Panama (http://www.flyairpanama.com), Copa Airlines (https://www.copaair.com/) or Aeroperlas (http://www.aeroperlas.com) and then a beautiful 40 minute drive up into the mountains via a bus, taxi or rental car.

Buses for Boquete leave from the David bus terminal every 25 minutes and take approximately 1 hour.

If you choose to drive in from Panama City it’s a seven+ hour drive depending on road construction, durability of your vehicle and whether or not you want to stop along the way to check out some of the other sites. There is also an 8-hour daily bus ride from Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City. If you’re coming from Bocas del Toro or from Panama City, you’ll need to transfer in David.

Getting Around Boquete

If you’re a do-it-yourself traveler who likes to explore at your own pace, you’ll want to rent a vehicle to get around — but you’ll have to do it from the David airport; alternatively, some hotels can arrange for a rental car to be delivered to you in Boquete for an additional fee.

Taxis are another options, though there is no central dispatch for taxis so while getting to your accommodations from the town is fairly straight forward, simply flagged down a passing taxi. Check with your host and see if they can help get a taxi for you to get into town or if they have a shuttle. The place we stayed was within walking distance so we only used a taxi to get to our coffee tour.

In sharing the experiences of our nomadic lifestyle, our goal is not only to offer insights into our planning processes but also to foster meaningful conversations with fellow travelers. The nomadic lifestyle represents an ever-evolving adventure, and we are thrilled to persistently share our ongoing journey with you.

Safe travels! 🌍✈️