After spending almost 2 months in Panama City I decided it was time to go explore other parts of Panama. I came up with a road-trip starting in Panama City with its first stop in Boquete, which is around a 7 hour drive. Yes, that is quite long; you also have the choice to fly to David in under an hour. I decided to take the scenic route and discover my own country.
Panorama of BoqueteBoquete is located in the west of the Chiriqui Province in a valley near the border with Costa Rica. One of its most attractive features is its refreshing climate due to it being at an elevation of 1,080m. I could not quite believe that it could ever be cold in Panama! (We only have two seasons, wet and dry, but always warm!) Boquete is small and attracts both Panamanian and foreign visitors to enjoy its peaceful town. It is also a go-to location for environmentalists as it is located next to Panama’s highest point, VolcanBaru.
VolcanBaru covered by clouds
With more than a volcano to offer, there are many trails (including the Il Pianista trail) around Boquete that you can take to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the river, streams, waterfalls, biking, mountain climbing and so much more!
Personally, I enjoyed the view over breakfast
Very soon after I arrived I couldn’t help but notice all the coffee plantations!
I am not a coffee drinker so I do not know very much about it other than what I learnt about coffee in Bali but it was really impressive to see coffee everywhere! There are tours for coffee lovers which allow for tasting and buying of some of the best coffees in the world. My travelling companions did not hesitate to buy some.
Kotowa Coffee
Coffee plantations in Boquete
As you may imagine, Boquete is known for its Coffee Fair as well as its Flower Fair held in January, Blues and Jazz festival in February and Orchid Fair in March. Unfortunately for me, I missed them!
After exploring the town of Boquete I also went to its surroundings and reached the towns of Volcan and Cerro Punta. I never knew that these three towns made up the main agricultural area in Panama. Driving around I could see vegetables and fruits everywhere and they were being sold on the side of the road throughout the journey!
Vegetables on sale near the town of Volcan
It is a known fact that if you visit Boquete and especially Cerro Punta, it does not count unless you eat strawberries and cream.
Strawberries and cream… Tasted incredible!!
As the strawberries are grown in the open fields, they are fresh and the homemade cream was delicious!
Strawberry Chair
If you want to see another side to Panama, do not hesitate to visit Boquete!
Tip: Take something waterproof as there are light rains throughout the day because of its proximity to the clouds.
