Boquete, is all about eco-tourism!
Boquete is located in the western part of Panamá and close to Costa Rica. Situated in a valley that has an elevation of 1.000 meters that is overlooked by the dormant 3.500 meter highvolcano Volcan Baru, the highest point in the country.
The weather in Boquete is composed of micro-climates shaped by the topography, the sun, winds and rains, offering visitors a pleasant stay full of rainforests, streams, rivers and waterfalls, birds and a wide range of choices for attractions: hiking, birding, rafting, climbing and biking are just a few of the reasons visitors from all over the world visit Boquete.
In addition, several events such as the Feria de Flores Y Cafe (The Flower and Coffee Fair) in mid-January, the 4-day Boquete Blues and Jazz Festival at the end of February, and the Orchid Festival at the end of March/beginning of April draw visitors and Panamanians alike.
Its citizens are famous for being lovely and lots of them speak spanish and english. What makes everything easier for a tourist that wanna spend a few days exploring Boquete’s natural beauty!
What are the most popular attractions among the backpackers (diving/surfing/skiing/climbing/hiking etc.)
Hiking, birding, rafting, biking, rock climbing, ziplining and horseback riding,
What are the “must see” attractions?
- Baru Volcán
- The Lost Waterfalls
- Coffee and agriculture Farms
- The Flower and Coffee Fair
- Extreme sports: rafting, mountain biking, climbing etc.
- Mi jardín es su jardín
- El Explorador Gardens
- Los quetzales and El Pianista path
- Caldera Hotsprings
- Pipeline Trail
- Boquete Tuesday Market
What are the best restaurants for backpackers? What those restaurants has to offer? (Mediterranean/Italian/Caribbean/ any another type of cuisine).
Boquete’s gastronomic options are very very diverse when considering the city’s size and any backpacker will me happy, because a lot of them have affordable prices. Some good options are: El Sabroson (most famous and traditional, it’s one of the local favorites), Restaurante Bar Café Baru (they have everything, from breakfast to dinner and well located), Central Park (local food at the main plaza), Il Pianista (Italian meals made with fresh ingredients), Mike’s Global Grill (International Cuisine at affordable prices), 2 Guys & a cooler (food to go), Sugar & Spice (great bakery that offers a generous breakfast and lunch), Big Daddy’s Grill (Boquete’s Original Fish Taco and good options of veggie food), Juice.me (fresh juices and smoothies).
What are the best nightclubs? What did you specially liked about them?
As Boquete is a relatively small town, its nightlife highly depends on who you are with. The key for having a good time is to know where the party people are going to be. Boquete is certainly not the party capital of Panama (unless you consider the time during the fair in January or the national celebrations in November). The most famous place is Taboo (international atmosphere with a good local flavor, after 1 pm reggaeton puts the place on fire). Other less famous option is La Cabaña Bar.
What are the best bars? What did you specially liked about them?
The Boquete Brewing Company experience in totally recommended (Local craft beers), Big Daddy’s grill (best margarita in town), Bar Coca Cola (authentic Panamanian bar with a huge dance floor), Black and White (good happy hour deals) other option would the the restaurants in town because is very common have dinner and drinks at the same place.
What are the coolest places around the city you’ve visited?
The city surroundings is an attraction itself, so many beautiful landscapes and views that takes the breath away. But the two coolest places are definitely the Baru volcano, where on a clear day you can see both oceans (caribbean and pacific) and the lost waterfalls (hike+waterfalls).
Where backpackers usually continue after the place you’ve been?
Backpackers usually go to Bocas del Toro, Panama City, Valle de Anton or Playa Venao. Hostels and tour agencies offers shuttles to these places!
From where they are usually coming?
Boquete was considered the TOP 4 best place to retired by an american magazine and after that lots of expats moved o the city. That influenced a lot of the profile of visitors which is in general people from: Europe (Germany, Holland, France, Switzerland), North American, Canada, Israel, Colombia and Venezuela.
What did you feel was missing in the city? What could make your visit to a perfect one?
The city offers good options of entertainment during the daytime specially eco tourism, but has a lack of museums and others cultural places.
Also, does not have big stores or a shopping mall. If you need something more specific need to go to David to get it! But in general, it is a very nice, touristic and beautiful city to spend a few days.
If Selina will set a hostel there — how do you imagine it?
I imagine a hostel (or even a Spanish School) close to the mountain, lake or the canyons with a beautiful landscape and swings or hammocks to make the place even more fun and special (for example, Bambuda Castle Hostel). A chill hostel, almost like a SPA, where people can hang out, relax and recover the energy. A room or a area to do massages, yoga, jacuzzi, slack line and things like that! A rooftop terrace with a bar/restaurant would a good thing for Selina to have too, especially with a view of the city.
Eventually, please write in your own words your opinion and describe your personal experience
I didn’t know what to expect from the city but it surprised me with its friendliness and beauty! The waterfalls were amazing and there are so many options of things to do. The city offers a good portion of adrenaline and I really love that. Almost everybody leaves with a big smile on their face and great stories from their adventures, including myself!
Cheers,
Ariadne Nardeli (Brazilian Backpacker Researcher for Selina Hostel)
