Boquete

A cool mountain town on the Caldera River famed for its coffee farms, flower gardens and spring-like climate. It is the region's tourism hub, offering hiking, birdwatching, hot springs and adventure sports amid lush highland scenery.

Things to do

• Coffee Farm Tour — Visit an estate like Finca Lerida or Kotowa to see how prized Geisha coffee is grown, processed and cupped in the volcanic highlands.
• Hike the Lost Waterfalls Trail — A scenic loop through cloud forest leading to three cascading waterfalls above Boquete.
• Quetzal Trail (Sendero Los Quetzales) — A famous highland trek connecting Boquete to Cerro Punta with chances to spot the resplendent quetzal.
• Caldera Hot Springs — Soak in natural riverside thermal pools a short drive southeast of town near the Caldera River.
• Volcán Barú Summit Climb — Ascend Panama's highest peak overnight to catch a rare view of both the Pacific and Caribbean at sunrise.
• Birdwatching in the highlands — Boquete is a top spot for spotting quetzals, hummingbirds and hundreds of other species amid lush forest.
• Boquete Tree Trek Canopy Zipline — Fly through the rainforest canopy on a series of ziplines over ravines and streams.
• Mi Jardín es Tu Jardín — Wander a free, whimsically decorated flower garden with sweeping valley views on the edge of town.

Food to try

• Geisha coffee — Boquete's world-renowned specialty coffee, floral and delicate, is best sampled fresh at a local roastery or café.
• Sancocho — A hearty Panamanian chicken soup with yuca, ñame and culantro, perfect for the cool mountain climate.
• Trout (trucha) — Fresh highland trout is farmed nearby and served grilled or fried at local restaurants.
• Hojaldras and Panamanian breakfast — Fried dough served with eggs, sausage and coffee is a classic morning meal in town.
• Strawberries and fresas con crema — The cool highlands grow sweet strawberries, sold fresh and served with cream at roadside stands.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain slices served as a crispy savory side with most local meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring layers for the climate — Boquete's spring-like weather turns cool and misty, especially in the evenings and during the bajareque drizzle.
• Visit during the Flower and Coffee Fair — Held each January, this lively festival fills the fairgrounds with flower displays, coffee and crafts.
• Respect the growing expat community — Boquete has many North American and European retirees, and English is widely spoken alongside Spanish.
• Use the dollar — Panama uses the US dollar (called balboa locally), so no currency exchange is needed.

Nearby

• The Lost Waterfalls — 3 km
• Volcán Barú National Park — 12 km
• Caldera Hot Springs — 15 km
• Cerro Punta — 18 km