Boquete: A must-visit place in Panama

By Raffaelle Capamolla, intern

Have you already been to Boquete? If you are in Panama, this is a place you must visit! Boquete is the town, where Panama’s greatest coffee comes from. The many Coffee farmers produce and export one of the world’s best coffee. Of course, the small town is not a producer of big Volume, but definitely of great quality, such as the Geisha coffee.

river rafting in boquete

gone hiking

horseback riding in the highlands

Surrounded by the central mountain range and the Barú Volcano, it is also the place in Panama, where you’ll find cooler temperatures, compared to the rest of the country.  It is in fact an ideal place for people escaping the hot and humid weather in the lowlands.

You will even find fresh strawberries and savor many different types of honey! Boquete is just different to the rest of Panama. Nationals and Travelers from all around the world also come every year to assist to its main attraction, the Festival of Flowers and Coffee.

Not only the great fresh climate, the flowers, finest coffee, fruits and beautiful surrounding make this town unique, but especially the friendliness of the people living in this charming place. The people will let you feel at home and are very helpful!

If you plan to hike the Quetzal Trail and admire the resplendent Quetzal bird, or to hike to the top of Volcan Barú, Panama’s highest point, where you’ll have an amazing view over the pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, Boquete is a great hub to overnight. You can stay in Hotels, hostels, ecolodges, or even in a coffee farm. Imagine waking up to a cup of locally grown, roasted and ground coffee!

Boquete is a great spot for Adventurers from all ages: You practice do Zip Line, Biking, White Water Rafting, horse back riding, rock climbing, trekking, camping and much more! Of course Boquete is great for taking it easy too, and just let your traveling companions do the adventuring.

EcoCircuitos is your local expert when it comes to real experiences in Boquete. We’ve been exploring the area for many years, so whether coffee tours, guided hikings, birdwatching or tailor-made tours, we would love to organize an unforgettable trip for you!

Contact annie@ecocircuitos.com and visit our website http://www.ecocircuitos.com

 

 

 

Volunteer vacation in Mount Totumas Private Reserve

Sample Itinerary (subject to change according to group preferences)

 Day 1: Panama City – Arrive in Panama City. A representative of EcoCircuitos will meet you at the airport and transfer to a hotel in Panama City. Check in and overnight at Marriott Finisterre or similar.

Day 2: Mount Totumas 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, (B, L, D)

 Day 3 – 6: Volunteer and Experiential Learning- During these days you will learn more about the reserve and assist in the daily activities; this may consist of trail maintenance, working in the greenhouse or with other agricultural activities. Any special skills that can contribute to the reserve are welcome. This amazing experience faraway from civilization is a once in a life time experience, enjoy the peace and beauty of the Chiriqui Highlands.

Day 7: Return to Panama City – Today prepare your backpack to return to Panama City. You will have the afternoon to relax and explore Panama City’s downtown. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at Marriott Finisterre or similar (B,L,D)

 Day 8: Departure –  After breakfast, transfer to international airport for your flight out.

For details of prices contact us directly.  annie@ecocircuitos.com

 

 

 

 

 

Tourism and Conservation at Mount Totumas