Boquete: The Valley of Flowers
In the highlands province of Chiriqui, Panama there is a small but charming valley called Boquete. It is known as the “Valley of the Flowers and the Eternal Spring”. This cool-weathered and fertile valley has established itself as one of the most attractive retirement and tourism destinations in the Western hemisphere. Boquete's popularity and celebrated allure comes from the incredible serenity, fertility and beauty that surrounds the Valley of Flowers.
Boquetenian lands cover about 350 square miles and its altitude fluctuates between 800 and 3,475 meters above the sea level. The town is 340 miles or so from Panama City, being easily accessible by land (it will take about 5-7 hours from Panama City) or by air (1 hour from Panama City to David City, which is 40 minutes from Boquete). The weather is incredibly benign, with temperatures around 67-75 F. As in most tropical spots it rains from May to October, and the sun shines brightly from November to April.
Boquete is the home to around 25,000 welcoming people whose cultural roots can be traced from Native Indians, Spaniards, Europeans and North Americans among other ethnicities. Boquete was founded on April 11, 1911. The towns first settlers came from other areas of Panama, and from different countries, but predominantly Swiss, Yugoslavians, Swedish, Germans and North American immigrants gave shape to the cultural melting pot that is Boquete today. Most farms and houses still have that reminiscence of the architectural styles proper of those countries.
The land is highly lush, for it is mostly of volcanic origin. The strength of the Boquetenian economy depends on the nurturing of flowers, a wide variety of vegetables, citric fruits, strawberries and coffee. Boquete's coffee quality ranks on top in the global market, some of its production being offered in exclusive cafes around the world.
On the sheer mountains that surround the valley live the Ngäbe-Buglé , the indigenous ethnic group, also known as Guaymies. The Ngäbe-Buglé usually work on the coffee plantations and farms. They are also highly skilled artisans. Famous are their colorful chaquiras (bead necklace) handicrafts, basket weaving works, the typical "chacara" (woven bags), and the "Original" or "nahua", the traditional dress of the Guaymi women of the region.
Tourism is a blossoming industry in Boquete, especially in its ecotourism form. From Boquete it is possible to organize tours to the many and various tourist attractions in the region. In a typical trip to the Baru Volcano 11,401 feet/3475 meters –the highest point of the country– it is possible to see a panoramic view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many of the tours and hikes around Boquete offer an incredibly diverse example of tropical flora and fauna.
Bird watching is one of the main attractions of Boquete. In this exuberant paradise you can still find the Quetzal, birds of great beauty considered sacred by the ancient Maya. It is rare to observe these majestic birds, but there are guides in Boquete that specialize in finding one for a photo.
People who love to enjoy panoramic views should start their tour at the very entrance of the Valley, at the Virgen de la Gruta mirador. At this place the visitor can enjoy a view of the entire valley and the Caldera River, which crosses the land from North to South.
The mountains and hills around the town will invite your soul and body to a good hiking trip. Within the Boquetenian exuberant flora there are trails for the nature lovers and ecotourists as well as river rafting activities for the adventure seeker.
Boquete's flora is abundant and diverse, characteristics that deservedly gave the town its nickname of Valley of the Flowers. Lilies, hibiscus, hortenses, anthuriums, roses, St. Josephs, carnations, sunflowers, and orchids create a polychrome scene of incomparable beauty. This beauty and charm is the inspiration for the Fair of the Flowers & the Coffee to celebrate Boquete's unique charm and name it the Garden of the Americas.
Visitors are always impressed by the number (80 or so) of restaurants in Boquete. Boquete has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Panama. Panama is a very cosmopolitan country and you generally encounter a more international cuisine in places like Boquete, Bocas del Toro and Panama City where the foreign influence can be felt in its restaurants.
There are several ways to get to Boquete Panama. The fastest and most costly is to fly to Panama City (PTY) Tocuman International Airport, from there, Fly to David Panama, the capitol of the Chiriqui Provence, from there take a 30 min Taxi to Boquete. Public Busses and other private shuttles are available from Panama City and San Jose Costa Rica. If interested in private shuttles services it is best to search the Internet for current services available from San Jose CR to Panama or Panama to Boquete. Companies come and go, but generally “Mammallana” and “Caribe Shuttle” have been very consistent.
Boquete Tours and Activities
If you like going on tours to the beach or heading into the jungle for a hike or bird watching you will that an more in Boquete. Take a look at some of the options:
Restaurants and Fine Dinning
With over 80 restaurants in Boquete, finding a great place to eat is easy as pie.
Trip Adviser, as always offers very up to date reviews and information on the culinary experience. Click here to go directly to Trip Adviser Boquete
A few of our favorites:
Big Daddy’s Grill A local mainstay, consistently good always fun.
Boulder 54 Get dressed up, enjoy fabulous ambience and great international cuisine.
Butcher Chop House Really really good beef! Even the Panamanian cuts are great!
Il Pianista hand made pasta, by far the best in town. The waterfall in the background is a nice bonus.
The Fish House Specializing in fresh fish and seafood plates, and doing an excellent job.
Colibri Very nice ambiance and excellent Fusion/Mediterranean cuisine. Very consistent.
Sugar and Spice Another local mainstay, the best breakfast in town.
Boquete Sandwich Shop Second best breakfast in town! And.. The best Huevos Rancheros.
Punto de Encuentro Third best breakfast in town, unless you need some lovin from Olga, then it’s the best!
Do you want to move to Boquete?
Lots of folk are making the move, for lots of different reasons. If you are giving it some thought, check out some of these sites for help and useful information.
Retirement Costs in Boquete
How about Real Estate? Can you buy in Panama?
Thinking about buying a property in Boquete? Anyone can own in Panama, but do your homework before you pull the trigger.