Overview

Nestled in the green highlands of Panama, Boquete is a small mountain town near the Costa Rican border. It is a popular destination for hiking, coffee plantation tours, and just relaxing in the mountains. It’s an incredibly beautiful area of Panama, and the small-town atmosphere attracts visitors from backpackers to wealthy retirees, and everything in between. There is a large expat community (about 15% foreign residents); however, despite its popularity, it maintains a charming small-town vibe. Boquete also has some of the best international restaurants in the country.

Boquete is lush, green, and fresh, offering hiking trails right from town, excellent coffee, and even better chocolate. It blends all the best of perfect amounts of adventure and nature, and a welcoming small-town charm.

Things to See & Do

Hike the Lost Waterfalls Trail. This is one of the best and most popular things to do in Boquete. The trek is of moderate difficulty and takes around 2 to 3 hours. You can book a tour that includes round-trip transportation and a guide. For the more adventurous, we suggest taking the trek! There are three waterfalls you’ll encounter on your trip, two of which are possible to take a dip in, however, the water is extremely cold. The waterfalls are fantastic (especially number two) and will be a real highlight of your trip.

Take a Tour of a Coffee Plantation. Panama is widely known for its geisha coffee beans from which their expensive Arabica coffee is brewed. The mountain highland region is perfect for the arabica plant, and most of the coffee in Panama is grown here. Visit plantations like Finca Lerida, Finca Dos Jefes, Finca Casanga, or Don Pepe Estate for a tasting and tour. Most tours last about 2 to 3 hours

Climb Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak. There are two ways to summit Volcan Baru. The first is to hike the eight hours to the top, and the second is to take a bumpy 4x4 jeep tour, a less strenuous option. They are both fantastic experiences, and both very different ways. Hike overnight to catch the sunrise of both the Pacific and Caribbean.

Go Ziplining Through the Cloud Forest. Soar above treetops on canopy zipline tours with views of the highlands. It’s an exhilarating and amazing way to enjoy the lush, green scenery. There are a few companies that offer ziplining adventures in Boquete. For a fun afternoon in the treetops, visit Boquete Tree Trek Eco-Adventure Park. They have 12 different zip lines spanning over 3 miles. Alternatively, explore the treetops by walking the hanging bridges. This park offers six suspension bridges covering over 2.7 miles through tropical treetops.

Go Birdwatching with a Hike on the Los Quetzales Trail. This 6 mile adventure in a stunning mountain rainforest offers excellent birdwatching, especially sightings of the resplendent quetzal, which the trail is named after. It is considered one of the Top 10 birds to see in your lifetime.

Go Rafting on the Viejo River. If you’re looking to enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure, check out the Chiriqui Viejo River, a top rafting destination in Central America. It has class 3 rapids, and the rapids are accessible all year round. There are organized tours offered from Boquete.

Visit the Caldera Hot Springs. These natural pools offer three thermal springs at different temperatures, providing a perfect way to relax sore muscles at the end of your day. The hot springs can be reached by bus and a short hike, or by guided tours.

Cuisine

Boquete offers some of the best food in Panama. You’ll find a diverse dining experience that offers traditional Panamanian cuisine and international flavors, thanks in part to its large expat community. Local dishes are hearty, comforting meals such as sancocho (chicken and root vegetable soup), arroz con pollo, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and freshly grilled trout caught in nearby rivers. The region’s fertile mountains provide an array of fresh produce that is commonly used in meals and sold at markets alongside homemade cheeses, jams, and artisan breads.

Boquete is especially renowned for its world-class coffee, including the highly prized Geisha variety. Several cafés and coffee farms offer tastings, barista-led brewing demonstrations, and scenic plantation tours. In addition to coffee, fresh tropical fruit juices and smoothies are widely available, and many restaurants serve local beers, craft brews, wine, and rum-based cocktails.

Dining options in Boquete range from casual fondas (local eateries) and cozy cafés to elegant riverside restaurants and fine dining establishments offering gourmet spins on regional dishes. You’ll find international cuisine, including Italian, Argentinian, and Thai, reflecting the expat community. The Tuesday Market is a great way to try local produce and homemade treats.