Here in this Boquete guide, I’ll recommend the best things to do in Boquete, how to get to Boquete, why to go, and where to stay. It’s one of the lesser-known destinations in Panama, but is worth visiting for its beautiful mountain scenery.
And yes, that’s right, I said mountain scenery in Panama. When most people dream of Central America, the first image that comes to mind is laying on a white-sand beach under the sun with the waves lapping at your ankles. But that’s only a small part of the picture when it comes to this fascinating region.
Case in point: Boquete.
No, there are no blissful beaches here for escaping your winter grind to work on your sun tan. But that doesn’t mean that this small highland town in Panama shouldn’t be high on your Central America bucket list.
Looking for More Panama Info? Read More:
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Why Visit Boquete, Panama?
Barring its lack of a coastline to frolic upon, Boquete is as fantastic a winter getaway as it gets. All year round, the average temperatures here sit at a balmy 24 to 26ºC. Unlike other popular destinations in Panama like Panama City and Bocas del Toro, Boquete never gets too hot. Like Medellin in Colombia, Boquete is a city of eternal spring.
Best of all for all the snowbirds hoping to escape the cold, Boquete’s at its hottest and driest between January and March when the worst of the winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere is at its peak. It’s mountainous, lush, and green and the perfect getaway any time of year.
On top of its weather, Boquete offers plenty to see. From searching for wildlife in a cloud forest to hiking up a volcano that’s the highest point in Panama, your schedule will always be full in Boquete… if that’s what you want, of course!
How to Get to Boquete
Boquete is nearly smack-dab in the center of northern Panama; it’s a natural stopover between Bocas del Toro and David on any Panama backpacking itinerary. You can easily get a bus or transfer to Boquete from David, Bocas del Toro, or even Panama City, Puerto Viejo (Costa Rica) or the amazing Lost & Found Hostel (which you must visit).
Ask at your hotel/hostel about organizing a transfer, or if it makes you feel safer you can book online in advance on Bookaway Panama. Local collective busses also stop in Boquete, which won’t cost more than a couple bucks in any direction.
Things to do in Boquete
Detaching from Panama’s beach-bummin’ reputation, Boquete is the perfect place for adventurous travelers who can’t sit still. The scenery here is simply jaw-dropping, and the best way to experience it is to throw yourself into it head first. Here are a few Boquete guide ideas for your trip:
Visit a Coffee Plantation
Thanks to its highland climate, Boquete sits in Panama’s premier coffee-growing region. There are many coffee plantation tours you can take – like the one below. The country’s most prestigious java, geisha coffee, is grown here.
Although originally from Ethiopia, geisha coffee in Panama has become one of the world’s most elite. The best-of-the-best in geisha can fetch hundreds of dollars per pound!
A good way to skip over the inflated world market prices is to visit a local coffee farm. There are plenty to choose from, but Finca la Milagrosa and Finca Castagna are some of the best.
Some plantations around here still stick to old-school methods of coffee production. The tour guide will take you through the coffee plantation from the coffee plants to all the machinery that takes it from fresh coffee beans to peeled, roasted, ground, and made into delicious coffee.
Best of all, you’ll get to top off the tour with an oh-so-decadent cup of geisha coffee. Be sure to grab a bag of heavily-discounted geisha (whole beans, of course!) to share with your friends back home.
Ziplining Through the Cloud Forest at Boquete Tree Trek – Bird Watching, Hanging Bridges, and more
Ziplining at Boquete Tree Trek is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Boquete. Located in the cloud forest above Boquete, this adventure outfitter delivers some of the most adrenaline-pumping ziplining you’ll experience anywhere!
The 12 zip lines span over 4.5 kilometres. At any given moment on your journey, you’ll be suspended anywhere between 30 and 60 metres (100 to 200 feet) above the forest floor. On the final run, you’ll zoom along a zip line half a kilometre long, hitting speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour!
Despite any anxieties you might have, I assure you that the views of the cloud forest & the surrounding mountains from the zip lines are nothing short of spectacular and well-worth fighting your urge to chicken out.
Even if you can’t hack the heights and the speed, Boquete Tree Trek offers plenty of other activities like a bird-watching tour to spot local birds and a hanging bridges tour to walk over some incredible bridges suspended over its lovely cloud forest surroundings.
Hike up Volcan Baru
For travellers who want to take their Boquete trip to the next level, there’s no better way than to hike up the mighty Volcan Baru for sunrise. This volcano, wedged almost directly in the center of the isthmus, is the highest point in Panama. It’s 13km in each direction – so it’s no walk in the park, but it’s worth it!
Although some travelers attempt the hike alone, the safest way to tackle Volcan Baru is with a group – on an organized tour or with a hostel/hotel group. Most guided tours start the trek at night, finishing the bulk of the trek before sunrise and arriving at the summit right for the first light of day. The sunrise from up here is glorious!
If you happen to catch Volcan Baru on a clear day, you’ll also have the rare privilege of seeing both the Pacific and the Atlantic (Caribbean Sea) at the same time. It’s the only place in the world where this is possible! It’s definitely a special adventure and worth braving if you can.
Whitewater Rafting at the Chiriqui Viejo River
One of the best things to do in Boquete is white water rafting. The most popular place to do this is the Chiriqui Viejo River. It’s a bit outside of Boquete, but the day tour below runs from Boquete to the best part of the river, and back.
The rapids are class 3 – so they can get a little rough at times but are generally fairly mild. One of the best things about this tour is being able to see the incredible Panamanian landscapes of the area!
Go Horseback Riding
When you arrive in Boquete, you’ll see plenty of locals getting around on horseback. The hilly terrain is perfect for horseback riding, and you can even book a horseback riding tour yourself with Explora Ya Eco Tours. The tour will take you to some beautiful views and local spots.
Do The “Lost Waterfalls” Hike in Boquete
One of the most popular things to do in Boquete is to go on a big hike in search of the ‘lost waterfalls.’ This 3 hour hike will take you past 3-4 waterfalls, some of which you can swim in.
The trailhead is just outside of town and the hike will take you through forests, past viewpoints, and around some authentic Panamanian landscapes where you can look out for birds, sloths, and more. It’s quite a climb but definitely a worthwhile adventure.
Check out the Caldera Hot Springs
Especially after some heavy days of hiking, the Caldera Hot springs are a perfect destination to relax and unwind. They are about 45 minutes out of town, so keep in mind that it can be a full-day activity, but if you have time to reserve a day of relaxation in your Boquete trip the springs are gorgeous!
They are organized into natural-looking rock pools surrounded by the jungle where you can spot not only wildlife but also some of the local farm animals perusing around. It’s still an adventure to get to, but more tailored to rejuvanating your sore muscles after all the adventures in this Boquete guide.
Where to Stay in Boquete
If you’re searching for the best accommodations in Boquete, I can’t recommend the Inn at Palo Alto enough. If you love cute boutique hotels, this is the option for you.
Located in the Palo Alto area above the town of Boquete, the garden-like Inn at Palo Alto is simply sublime. Waking up to breakfast & a coffee with views of the forest, river & Volcan Baru might well become one of your favorite simple pleasures in Boquete.
On top of that, the expat owners & management understand hospitality to a tee. They’ll arrange everything you need in Boquete from tours to onward transportation, and ensure that your stay is nothing less than perfect.
If you’re looking for a hostel, Bambuda Castle is one of the most highly rated hostels in the country! It’s a bit farther outside the city but is worth staying at for the unique factor of staying in a hostel in Panama. Plus, they can organize all the tours you need, for you.
I hope you enjoyed this Boquete guide and have found plenty of things to do in Boquete tailored to the adventurous tastes of most visitors here. Enjoy your trip!
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