Boquete

Located in the Chiquiri Province on the west coast of Panama, Boquete is a small town surrounded by coffee plantations and volcanic scenery. Its location on the Caldera River is strikingly picturesque, amid mountains and national parks. The region borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, as well as Costa Rica and Panama’s interior, making it a great stopping point en route to the coast or heading towards Panama City. Boquete itself is renowned for unspoilt natural beauty and a cool, fresh cloud forest climate. The rich soil of the province is packed with nutrients that support flowers, coffee production, vegetables and citrus fruits, so the the local cuisine is varied and differing to other parts of the country. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. There are options for hiking, rafting and zip-lining as well as touring some of the local coffee plantations and strawberry farms of the Chiriqui Highlands. For birders, the Quetzales Trail can be one of the most productive and easily accessed areas, offering sightings of the colourful and elusive resplendent quetzal as the star attraction.