Bajo Boquete - Bajo Boquete

Bajo Boquete
Boquete Hills
StatePanama
Altitude1,200 m a.s.l.
Surface18 km²
Inhabitants4.493 (2010 census)
Time zone UTC-5
Position
Map of Panama
Reddot.svg
Bajo Boquete

Bajo Boquete is a city of Pacific West Panamanian Coast.

To know

Until the early 2000s, Boquete was an almost completely unknown village, and the situation changed with a series of events starting with the creation of Valle Escondido, a large residential complex intended for foreigners. In the same period, the attention of many who considered the idea of ​​expatriating from various countries (USA in primis) shifted to this corner of paradise.

As a result of publicity, natural beauty and temperate climate, Boquete became a destination for North American expatriates who gradually formed a real community that today essentially boasts the largest number of inhabitants in the area.

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How to orient yourself


How to get

By plane

AirPanama has daily flights from Albrook Domestic Airport Panama at David airport. The flight lasts about 40/50 minutes, prices range from 100 USD (retirement discount) to 150 USD one way, or 185 USD return with the Copa company.

By bus

  • From David there are several refurbished school buses that run approximately every 45 minutes until 9.45pm. The travel time is just over 1 hour and the cost is 1.75 USD which you pay when you get off. Look for the old school buses of the United States of America with the larger line and a large "Boquete" sign painted on the top front.
  • From San José in Costa Rica there is a morning bus departing from the Tracopa terminal at 7:30 am (21 USD). It takes approximately 8 hours, including the Costa Rica-Panama border crossing, to arrive at the City of David Bus Terminal. Panama immigration officials can be strict, and tourists often need to provide proof of a round-trip ticket from Panama, at least $ 500 in cash or bank statements, and credit cards.
  • From Panama there are regular buses from the Albrook Bus Terminal to David, where you can then take a bus to Boquete. The bus is air-conditioned, and makes a 30-minute stop at Santiago de Veraguas, halfway between Panama City and David. There is a bus leaving approximately every hour. Daytime buses take 7/8 hours and the fare is 15.30 USD / pax; there are also 3 night express buses which take 6 hours and the fare is 18.20 USD / pax. Daytime buses are always available; night express buses are sometimes sold out. To be on the safe side, it is best to go early in the morning to purchase tickets in advance.
  • From Bocas del Toro there is a 30/35 USD private shuttle (including Almirante water taxi) between Bocas del Toro and Boquete, as well as several daily public buses between David and Bocas del Toro, which are cheaper but take about 5/6 hours .


How to get around

By public transport

Boquete is a very welcoming mountain village, so you won't have any problems exploring the city on foot. The central square, in the heart of the city on Main Street, is where the bus is David-Boquete drops incoming visitors and locals alike. There are scooter rentals for USD 25 for 4 hours as a means of transportation. In the surroundings you can also use the taxi (1 USD takes you quite far) or the local buses / vans which leave from the La Bruna Super Market 200m from the bus stop. Each local van / bus has written on the front window the areas they cover, which are normally large mountain loops in the areas of Bajo Mono, Alto Quiel, Arco Iris, or Volcancito. There are also many tour companies offering guided tours through the mountains to see waterfalls, coffee plantations, cloud forest, white water rafting, and Volcan Baru National Park.

By car

Those who want to rent a car and explore the area around Boquete, an all-wheel drive can be safer, as the mountain roads are swept away. Be aware that there are no places for pedestrians except the highway, so be careful when traveling at night.

What see

Boquete is known as the "Valley of Flowers". It is located in the western plateau of Panama, near the border with the Costa Rica with which it shares some of the same mountain ranges as well as some rainforests and wildlife. However, as it is not as well known and is a bit "out of the way" the prices are lower, and it is not as commercial. It is possible to take half-day, or all-day hikes, and still have a rare chance to see the Quetzal or a howler monkey in the wild.

The Boquete Valley is also rich in agriculture; from this region come strawberries, oranges and coffee. There are two fairs to celebrate its floral culture. There Flower and coffee festival ' takes place for 2 weeks between 12 and 22 January (dates change sometimes by a few days) and the Expos Orchid Fair (Orchid Fair) in March.

Rafting, zip-lining, ATV and jeep tours, rainforest trekking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and deep water diving are the key reason why Boquete is becoming hugely popular with travelers.

Boquete is known as a coffee growing region, with many farms exporting high-end coffee to Europe and in Asia. The famous "geisha" coffee, which was auctioned for 130 US / kg, can be found growing on the rich volcanic slopes.

The volcano Barù it is the highest point in Panama, the place in the world where it is easiest to see both great oceans, on a clear day. It is a difficult climb that can be done by hiking or by off-road tours.

Plaza Los Establos, located on the main street south of the main square, is a nice shopping area with lots of small shops to explore. Boquete Outdoor Adventures, Kotowa Coffee Shop, Habla Ya Spanish School, and the transportation company (per Bocas del Toro), as well as several small family shops with eclectic souvenirs and great offerings are all located in the Plaza.

Due to its temperate climate, moderate prices and relaxed life, it has become a favorite destination for expats and retirees. It's hard to come to Boquete for just a couple of days and see all it has to offer - like many, you might stop here for a longer stay.

Events and parties


What to do

Rafting
Riding in the mountains of Boquete
Volcan Baru National Park entrance
Hot springs in Boquete
Yellow Jeep Tours, you cross the river to get to the thermal springs of the Caldera River
  • Rafting (On the Chiriquí Viejo). Ecb copyright.svg65/100 USD. An incredible experience, on warm waters. There are several companies that offer guided tours depending on the weather conditions. Boquete Outdoor Adventures and Boquete Mountain Safaris organize white water rafting all year round. 
  • Visit coffee plantation. Ecb copyright.svg30 USD / pax. Simple icon time.svgDuration 2 / 4h. Boquete is known for excellent coffee growing conditions that allow for some of the best in the world. Even if you're not a coffee enthusiast, a coffee tour is a great way to understand Boquete's recent culture and history.

Cafe Ruiz or Kotowa offer for more extensive and comprehensive tours. The smallest Finca Dos Jefes it also offers a thorough roasting and tasting. 

  • Cableway through the forest. Ecb copyright.svg65 USD / pax. Boquete Tree Trek offers 12 lines totaling over 5 kilometers. It is located in a coffee shop, with a great view over Boquete. The office is located in the Kotowa Coffee Shop on Plaza Los Establos. 
  • Jeep tour on the Baru Volcano. 
  • 4x4 Boquete. Ecb copyright.svgAdult USD 150, child USD 75. There are a number of companies in the Boquete area that can provide jeep transportation to the top of the local volcano, including A1 Private Tours which provides a 4x4 off road tour to the top of the volcano for sunrise. Levels of service vary from level to level and so do their ideals about environmental impact. You can book a jeep through the tour operators in the city. 
  • Hiking on the Baru Volcano. While there are other options, ANAM (Panama's Environmental Protection Organization) has encouraged local tour guides to recommend the most environmentally friendly method of hiking to the top of Panama's 3,475m highest point. Expert guides can be found stopping at the offices of many tour operators in the city. The hike is about 4-7 hours, tiring, on a steep and dusty dirt road. Then 3/6 hours back down, which is challenging on the knees. The climb is very difficult due to the length and steepness of the path. Consider the drastic climate change at the top and be prepared with warm clothes, food and water. This is the only place in Panama where temperatures occasionally drop below freezing. A guide is not necessary for group hikers as it is difficult to get lost on the way to the top, however Panama has recently introduced guided-only hikes in national parks for safety and prevention of lost tourists. 
  • Quetzal Trail. So named because it is one of the homes of the rare resplendent Quetzal. You can hike from the head of the trail, about 8km from Boquete to Cerro Punta (4 hours of gradual one-way ascent), or in reverse. Most hikers will hike from the Boquete end to the "Miador Las Rocas" and then return to avoid the 3+ hour return by bus from Cerro Punta back down through David, and then back to Boquete. The mirador is about 5km on the way, so allow 6 hours for the return journey. An experienced hiking guide is recommended if you are hoping to find a quetzal or nest. To reach the head of the trail, take a shared taxi or minibus one block north of the plaza on the main street. Both cost around $ 3 (March 2017). Another option is to have an organized pickup at the end of Cerro Punta. 
  • Pianist path. From the head of the trail, 4km north of town, it's a 3-hour round trip to the end of the trail; departure from the village to add two extra hours and make it a nice day trip. The route is not well signposted; an offline map on your smartphone is a good idea. One point in particular, a point where the trail forks into two roads (and forks further into three roads in total) requires attention: crossing the river below (instead of going left and up) is the right way to go . It starts from the Il Pianista restaurant and winds north and climbs into the cloudy forest until it reaches the top after about 4 kilometers. The end of the path is marked by a sign and there is also a small sign in memory of one of the two Dutch girls who died on the path in 2014; do not proceed beyond this point. Give yourself plenty of time to do the trail before dusk and be prepared for the cold and wet (even if the trail doesn't really reach the high altitude where temperatures are extreme). The trail is moderately difficult and doable with an average level of fitness, but it can be partly slippery. 
  • Golf. Take advantage of the spring weather all year round and the two golf courses at any time of the day. Both Lucero Golf, Country Club and Quebrada Grande Golf Course are open to the public. 
  • Hot Springs Caldera. Ecb copyright.svgEntrance fee: USD 3. Hot and sparkling mineral water right next to the Caldera River! Taxis currently charge $ 30 to $ 36 for the round trip. There are also a few irregular buses between Boquete and Caldera - from the Caldera stop it's about an hour's walk from the hot springs. After the bridge over the river, the real hot springs are on the "left". Tourists who book a tour with a tour operator in the city are taken to the hot springs with daily departures for fun evenings where you soak in the hot water and share stories at sunset. Entrance to the Hot Springs is hard to find on your own and is on private property. It is recommended to go in a group. 
  • Horseback riding. Ecb copyright.svgTour: 35 USD, along with Caldera Hot Springs: 55 USD. Most of the horseback riding tours are located in Caldera, a 20-minute drive from Boquete towards David. Ideal for beginners and for more experienced riders, it offers a beautiful horseback ride with a splendid view of the Baru volcano. 


Shopping


How to have fun

Night clubs

  • Zanzibar. On the main street, it also offers live music. 


Where to eat

The food is very good, the products are fresh and the cuisine reflects the tastes of many tourists and the local foreign community as well as presenting local specialties.

Moderate prices

Average prices

  • Bistro Boquete (On the main road). Ecb copyright.svg8/13 USD. Run by Panamanians, the food is good. 
  • Founds de la Merry, ☎ 507-6519-3209. Ecb copyright.svgBreakfast USD 3, lunch USD 4/5. Simple icon time.svg7:00-19:00. Local cuisine, to try. 
  • El Casona Mexicana. Ecb copyright.svgMain courses 5/8 USD. Mexican cuisine, good food and abundant positions. 
  • The Rock, Ave. 11 de Abril Palo Alto, ☎ 507-720-2516. Ecb copyright.svgFrom 9 USD. Simple icon time.svg12:00-21:30. Very fresh products and high quality cuisine. You pay a little more than other places. 
  • Morton's Bakehouse, Plaza San Francisco (Alto Boquete), ☎ 507 730-8499. Ecb copyright.svg0.75 / 6 USD. Simple icon time.svgMon-Fri 9: 00-17: 00, Sat 9: 00-15: 00. Among the best in Boquete. 
  • Big Daddy's Grill, Main Street (One minute walk from the Plaza). Ecb copyright.svg7.95 USD. Simple icon time.svgTue-Sun 12: 00-21: 00. Fish tacos and much more. 


Where stay

Average prices


Safety


How to keep in touch


Around

Useful information

For information there isPanama Tourist Office (ATP) located a few minutes drive on the road to David, next to the Kotowa Coffee Shop, not in the center of Boquete. They have a small museum which includes some old photos of Boquete, as well as a nice view of the Boquete valley.

There are only a few official tour operators licensed by the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) in Boquete, and it is highly recommended that you book with one of them as they are licensed, insured, properly trained and certified by the government, with the safest guides and experts. Companies that have the ATP license include, but are not limited to: Boquete Outdoor Adventures is Boquete Tree Trek.

Other projects

  • Collaborate on WikipediaWikipedia contains an entry concerning Bajo Boquete
  • Collaborate on CommonsCommons contains images or other files on Bajo Boquete
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