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Boquete

A mountain town in Chiriquí province, in western Panama, known for coffee plantations, cool weather and views of Volcán Barú. Often called the land of eternal spring, it is one of the most popular places in Panama for visitors, retirees and expats.

Aerial view of the town of Boquete in a green valley
Aerial view of Boquete. Photo: FranHogan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Clouds over forested mountains near Boquete
Cloud forest near Boquete. Photo: Paul Ottaviano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Quick facts

  • Climate

    Temperatures stay mild all year, roughly the 70s °F (low 20s °C) in town, with cooler nights. A drier season runs December to April and a wetter one May to November.

  • Setting

    Below Volcán Barú, Panama's highest peak at about 3,500 m (11,500 ft), among coffee farms, rivers and cloud forest.

  • Getting there

    Fly from Panama City to David (about 45 minutes), then a taxi or bus of just over an hour. The bus from the capital takes around 8 hours.

  • The nearby city

    David, about 40 minutes away, has the larger hospitals, shops and services.

Things to do

  • Coffee tours

    Visit a working farm and taste the local specialty, Geisha coffee. Tours usually run 2 to 4 hours.

  • Volcán Barú

    Climb on foot or take a sunrise jeep tour. A local guide is recommended.

  • Quetzal Trail

    A long hike through cloud forest, a classic spot for seeing the resplendent quetzal. Go with a guide.

  • Hot springs

    The Caldera mineral pools are about 20 minutes from town.

  • Adventure sports

    Whitewater rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, rock climbing and golf.

  • Festivals

    The Festival of Flowers and Coffee in mid-January, the Jazz and Blues Festival in February and the Orchid Fair in March.

Living in Boquete

  • Community

    Boquete has a large, established expat community, with clubs, classes and cultural events, and many people get by in English. Learning Spanish still helps.

  • Cost of living

    International Living put a couple's monthly budget at roughly $1,400 to $2,600 in 2022. Rents and home prices have risen since, so treat these as dated.

  • Considerations

    Some areas near the river can flood in the rainy season. Specialist care and big shopping are in David.

Boquete or El Valle?

Two highland towns, different trade-offs.

El Valle de AntónBoquete
From Panama CityAbout 2 hours by carFly to David (about 45 min) plus a drive, or about 8 hours by road
SettingInside an extinct volcano crater, around 600 mBelow Volcán Barú, coffee country
Best known forSunday market, waterfalls, short trips from the capitalCoffee, cloud forest, a large expat community
Good forWeekend homes and getawaysLonger stays and full-time living

Explore El Valle

Sources: Wikivoyage and International Living (promotional, 2022). Details change; confirm before you travel.