Things to do during your vacation in Boquete

Boquete is a small town nestled in the green mountainous highlands located in the westen-most Chiriquí Province that boards with Costa Rica.  The Caldera River makes its way through this picturesque town.

Due to its elevation 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) above sea level, its climate is cooler than that of the lowlands. Its beautiful mountain landscape, temperature, and natural environment make it popular destination for the adventure traveler.

horseback riding in the highlands

bridges

gone hiking

amazing nature

birding tours

hiking the cloudforest

Quetzales trail

river rafting in boquete

Our staff suggests the following activities while during your stay in Boquete:

1.  White water river rafting –  Experience adrenaline-filled, world-class white water rafting in amazing scenic rivers.  We suggest the following outfitters:  BOA and Chiriqui River Rafting.
2. Horse back riding tours – Boquete and Caldera offer amazing horseback riding adventures through the stunning Chiriqui landscapes. This local tour supports community farms in Boquete and use local farmers as guides. We suggest Franklin’s horseback riding.
3. Hiking the Baru National Park – you don´t have to go to the top of the mountain to experience a great adventure.  There are several trails in the national park for all levels.   For safety always go with a local expert guide from  EcoCircuitos Panama.
4. Los Quetzales Trail – this is one of Panama’s most spectaculars hiking trails of the western highlands. The 8km route takes between 5 and 7 hours. It runs between Boquete and Cerro Punta, crossing Caldera river.  For those in very good shape.
5. Hot Springs and Caldera Petroglyphs – enjoy nature at its finest and discover Caldera’s famous hot springs. You will visit a typical town and walk to the petroglyphs where you will be able to observe part of the history of Panama’s indigenous past.
6. Coffee Tours – Boquete offers some of the best coffees in the world and you can´t miss the unique opportunity to visit a coffee plantation, discover the processing mills and learn about how coffee makes it journey from the coffee bush to your cup.   Don´t miss to taste a cup of Geisha coffe from Ruiz coffee shop.
7. Rock Climbing – Boquete is becoming a world-class rock climbing destination. You can learn from the masters and climb one of the most incredible natural columnar basalt rock formations with different levels from easy to very difficult.
8. Birding tours in private reserves, national parks and pipeline trail – don´t miss the opportunity to admire a great variety of the species from the highlands of Panama.  The Resplendant Quetzal, Bell Bird and Volcano Hummingbird are some of the stars. Make sure to reserve a birding guide with our team!
9. Canopy Adventure / Zip lining -glide on zip lines through the canopy of old cloud forest, high above rivers and waterfalls, an unforgetable adventure with 3 kilometers in total length and 12 different platforms.
10. Try the local gastronomy of the area – we suggest El Pianista, Finca Lerida restaurant, La Roca, Panamonte and if you have time to drive towards volcan, why not Cerro Brujo Restaurant.

Highlands Adventure in Mount Totumas Private Reserve

Located in Los Pozos Volcan at 6 miles up a scenic 4WD road. Enjoy a hiking adventure and superb birdwatching. Mount Totumas Cloud Forest is a 400 acre reserve bordering the La Amistad National Park. Guests can enjoy 8 marked trails through the reserve with access into the adjacent national park, which is Central America’s largest protected mountain wilderness area. Hot springs are also located nearby. In the Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve there are keystone species present such as Resplendent Quetzals, Three Wattled Bellbirds, Baird’s Tapir, Mantled Howler Monkey, Black and Crested Guan, White-Faced Capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, mountain lions, ocelots and even Jaguars have been spotted in neighboring national park.

Hiking in the Cloudforest with EcoCircuitos team

Spider Monkey

Working with local indigenous guides

Birdwatching in the cloudforest

Itineary

Day 1- Transfer In – 

Today at the appropriate time an EcoCircuitos representative will meet you at the Tocumen Airport to assist and transfer you to your hotel in Panama City. At this time you will also receive an EcoCircuitos information kit. Hilton Double Tree/Tryp Albrook or similar, double room

Day 2- Chiriqui Highlands – Mount Totumas Private Cloud Forest Reserve

At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the Domestic Airport in Albrook for your flight to David (approximately 1 hour flight time), located in the Chiriquí Province west of Panama City. You will be met by an EcoCircuitos representative that will transfer you to the town of Volcan located to the west of Volcano Baru. Before beginning the next part of your adventure you have lunch at a local gourmet restaurant, Cerro Brujo. After lunch you will be met by your local host to begin your journey to Mount Totumas, it will take you at least 2 hours to reach your destination nestled in the middle of a 400 acre private reserve First you will proceed on paved road to a windy dirt road crossing small streams until the final kilometers where you will go up a 4WD road to reach your destination. Admire the views from road and keep your eyes out for wildlife. Once you arrive you will learn about the lodge and go for a short afternoon hike to get oriented with the reserve. Overnight at Mount Totumas, Bell Bird Lodge Room (B, L, D)

Day 3 – 4 Mount Totumas Private Cloud Forest Reserve

Enjoy the area at your leisure. You will have the opportunity to go on guided hikes in search of wildlife and to enjoy the untouched fauna or sit back and relax on the deck overlooking the valley as humming birds buzz by. Mount Totumas, Bell Bird Lodge Room (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Chiriqui Highlands – Boquete

Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transferred back to the town of Volcan where you will be met by an EcoCircuitos representative who will transfer you to the charming mountainous town of Boquete, known for its pleasant climate, coffee, adventure tourism and much more! Boquete Garden Inn/Riverside Inn/Finca Lerida or similar, double room. Optional tours available: rafting, canopy zip line, hot springs, spa treatments, hiking, birding, amongst other options. (B)

Day 6 – Coffee Tour

In Boquete you have the unique opportunity to visit a coffee plantation and learn about the process of coffee. Our guide will explain the whole process from the picking by the Ngobe Bugle Indians to the cup while you walk the coffee fields and learn about the coffee plants and how the coffee beans are harvested and processed. We will tour one of the local farms in Boquete where you will be able to admire a clean and modern environmental processing plant. The tour ends in the romantic coffee cupping room in the old mill, where we will taste and cup the product of all the work and Craftsman ship. Boquete Garden Inn/Riverside Inn/Finca Lerida or similar, double room. (B)

Day 7 – Morning Hike – Return to Panama City

In the morning after breakfast you will be met by your guide for your morning hike. You will hike through the unspoiled forest where you will experience the cloud forest and you will have the opportunity to the amazing flora and fauna of the area. You will see ancient trees covered with moss, epiphytic plants and orchids. As well, you will enjoy spotting birds such as: Orange-bellied Trogon, Three-wattled Bellbird, Black Guan, Hairy Woodpecker, Buff-fronted Quail Dove and the Resplendent Quetzal.

After you hike you will be transferred to the David Airport for your flight to Panama City. Upon your arrival you will be met by an EcoCircuitos representative that will transfer you to your hotel in the City. Hilton Double Tree/Tryp Albrook or similar, double room (B)

Day 8 – Transfer Out

At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the Tocumen International Airport for your outbound flight. You will arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before your departure time. Note: customers will be picked up 3 hours before their flight time.