Boquete, Panama
DESCRIPTION > ACCOMMODATION > ECO ADVENTURES > BODY WORK > FOOD > TRAVEL TO & FROM
The valley of Boquete is located in the western highlands of Panama at 1,200 meters above sea level. Nestled amongst the country's most mountainous region, this peaceful town is situated between the Caldera River and Baru Volcano. The location of Boquete enjoys a sunny cool mountain climate, comfortable all year round with temperatures ranging between 16 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Surrounded by untouched tropical cloud forests, Boquete is just an hour and a half from unspoiled white sand beaches in the Pacific and four hours from Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean, offering plenty of opportunities to hit the beach during the weekend to enjoy the warmth of the sun and get to do some of the most amazing scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing.
The "Valley of the Flowers and the Eternal Spring", is home to 20,000 people whose cultural roots can be traced to Native Indians, Spaniards, Europeans, and North Americans among other ethnicities.
On the sheer mountains that surround the valley live the Ngöbe Bugles, an indigenous ethnic group who are highly skilled artisans, famous for their colorful chaquiras (beaded necklaces) and "nahuas", traditional dresses.
Accommodations & Onsite Yoga Studio
SAN MIGUEL BOUTIQUE CABAÑAS
This charming hotel is surrounded by beautiful lush gardens. Each cabaña has three bedrooms, kitchen, a breakfast bar, living room, hot water, and Wi-Fi. The accommodation allows you to bring friends and family if you desire. There are hammocks for relaxing and social areas to enjoy the perfect weather of Boquete. The onsite yoga studio is available outside of group session hours. Hail a taxi within minutes to restaurants, shops, and adventures.
Eco Adventures
Boquete is ecotourism and adventure travel capital of Panama, you name it, Boquete has it. For extreme adrenaline junkies you can go white water river rafting down the Chiriqui Viejo River, go rock climbing in Bajo Mono, fly through the jungle on the zip lines of Palo Alto or go waterfall repelling or cliff jumping at Canjilones Canyon.
For beach enthusiasts, consider a trip to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro to indulge in the relaxing chill Caribbean vibe, hop over to San Blas islands to experience the rich history & culture of the Kuna Indians, or go island hopping from Boca Chica where you can see and experience an abundance of sea life on Isla Coiba.
For coffee lovers, Boquete is home to the most expensive and best coffee in the world and a tour is a must. If you are up for a hike, Boquete has unbelievable trails for hikers of all levels. For a challenging trek and a chance to view the both oceans from Panama's highest point, hike and camp to the top of the Baru Volcano, or step into La Amistad National Park and walk the footpath of the Quetzals Trail. The abundance of lush rainforest, animals, and waterfalls will take your breath away.
For a relaxing afternoon, you can soak the day away in the natural hot springs of Caldera or go for a leisurely horseback ride through the rolling mountains with breathtaking views or go on a bird watching tour.
Body Work
YiA will connect you with your body work desires. Transformative self-care is right around the corner in Boquete. The Haven has a modern contemporary spa with Relaxation Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Facials and more.
Boquete offers natural-wonder-outdoor-spas from waterfalls to the Caldera Hot Springs, for less than $5.
We also can help you find specialty plant medicines experts.
Food in Boquete
The rich soil of Boquete produces a beautiful array of delicious locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, which are sold at the local farmers markets and grocery stores.
There are more restaurants per capita in Boquete than anywhere else in Panama! Whatever you crave, they have it!
Whether you desire an evening of fine dining or an inexpensive quick meal you can find fine dining featuring local and international cuisine including: Mexican, Italian, Jewish, Peruvian, American, Chinese, Argentinian, Japanese, and of course delicious Panamanian. It also hosts several adorable coffee and chocolate shops and an abundance of delicious bakeries.
Food is not included, but private catering is available upon request. Each of the on-site villas have a full service kitchen and within walking distance of the villas there are several grocery stores and restaurants. Many times the students cook and eat together both inside the resort and outside in the beautiful town.
Colibri, Farm to Table, Gourmet with Vegan Options.
The Rock, Outdoor Fire Pit to Roast Marshmallows!! On a gorgeous country road.
Sugar & Spice, Salads, Soups, & Sandwiches, Baked Goods, WiFi.
Panamonte Romantic Dinner by Fireplace, WiFi.
Oh-Toro Sushi & Ramen Seating by river, convenient and fast.
Unido Amazing Coffee, Waffles & Breakfast all day with WiFi.
The Perfect Pair Coffee & Chocolate Cozy and delicious with comfy upstairs seating & WiFi.
Kotowa Beautiful View of Boquete town.
Valle Escondido This restuarant is fine dining with local and organic foods.
Traveling To & From Boquete
Before you travel
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has two blank pages in it for stamps
Make sure you have checked with the Panamanian Embassy on the appropriate visa procedures for your home country and any visas you may need along the way in your travels to Panama.
Tell your bank about your international travel plans to avoid account freezes
Send us your emergency contact information
Arriving by Plane
The closest airport to Boquete is Enrique Malek airport in David (DAV), which is an hour flight from Panama City, Panama. Transfer to and from the airport are available upon request for the cost of $45. It is a 45 minute ride to the retreat location.
There are two airlines that fly from Panama City to David, Copa & Air Panama. If you arrive to Panama City at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and are flying to David with Air Panama, you will need to take a taxi to Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC), which is around 25- 45 minutes away depending on the time of day and may take additional time if traffic is backed up. If you are flying Copa, you will fly out of the same airport. You should allow at least 3 hours between landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and getting to Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC) or bus station because of customs, immigration, and the journey within Panama City.
Eight major US cities offer direct, cheap, daily flights to Panama City: Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Orlando. You can also fly directly from Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, and other locations around Europe.
Panama City, Panama and San Jose, Costa Rica are the same distance from Boquete, so we suggest to check prices for both locations, but be aware that flights to David from San Jose are less frequent and usually route through Panama City. If you plan to take the bus, San Jose could be the cheaper option.
A taxi from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to a hotel in Panama City center should cost around 25 to 35 USD.
Arriving by Bus
From Panama City or San Jose to Boquete it is approximately six to eight hours by bus or car.
From David to Boquete it is approximately 45 to 60 minutes by bus, taxi, or a shuttle.
If you want to take a bus to David from Panama City, you first have to take a taxi from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or from your hotel in Panama City to Albrook bus terminal.
Busses depart Panama City to David almost every hour, so you do not have to pre-book your journey. The only dates when you will not be able to easily catch a bus is when it is a Panamanian National Holiday. The first bus departs everyday at 6:00 a.m. and the last one departs at 3:00 a.m.
Arriving by Car or Private Shuttle
You may also rent a car in Panama City and drive to Boquete. This is a good option for those who feel comfortable driving in other countries, but may be overwhelming to drivers who are not familiar in driving in foreign countries.
YiA can arrange private shuttles from your arrival airport in Panama City directly to Boquete for 450 USD. You will walk off the flight and have your very own bi-lingual tour guide waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. No taxis, no airport transfers, no hassles. And, you can make stops along the way whenever you would like! To book a transfer, contact us today.
BIRD & WILDLIFE TOURS
Jason Lara Tours is the top rated tour guide in Boquete! Check out his website to see a variety of tours.