n the highlands of the province of Chiriquí in Panama there is a small but charming valley called Boquete, known as the “Valley of the Flowers and the Eternal Spring”. This cool-weathered and fertile valley has established itself as one of the most important retirement and tourism destinations in the Western hemisphere. Boquete's celebrated allure lies not on attracting crowds though. Its je ne se qua comes from the serenity, beauty and harmony that surround everything.
Boquetenian lands cover about 350 square miles and its altitude fluctuates between 800 and 3,000 meters above the sea level. The town is 340 miles or so from Panama City, being easily accessible by land (it will take about 5-7 hours from Panama City) or by air (1 hour from Panama City to David City, which is 30 minutes from Boquete). The weather is mostly gentle, with temperatures around 67-75 F. As in most tropical spots it rains from May to October, and the sun shines brightly from November to April. Typical of the area is the bajareque a light and cool drizzle brought by the North winds of the mountains.
Boquete is the home of about 15,000 welcoming people whose cultural roots can be traced from Native Indians, Spaniards, Europeans and North Americans among other ethnicities. Boquete was founded on April 11, 1911. Its first settlers came from other areas of Panama, and from different countries, but predominantly Swiss, Yugoslavians, Swedish, Germans and North American immigrants gave shape to the cultural melting pot that is Boquete today. Most farms and houses still have that reminiscence of the architectural styles proper of those countries.
The land is highly lush, for it is mostly of volcanic origin. The strength of the Boquetenian economy depends on the nurturing of flowers, a wide variety of vegetables, citric fruits, strawberries and coffee. Boquete's coffee quality ranks on top in the global market: some of its production being offered in exclusive Cafés in Europe.
On the sheer mountains that surround the valley live the Gnobe Bugles , the indigenous ethnic group, also known as Guaymies. The Gnobe Bugles usually work on the coffee plantations and farms. They are also highly skilled artisans. Famous are their colorful chaquiras (bead necklace) handicrafts, basket weaving works, the typical "chacara" (woven bags), and the "Original" or "nahua" , the traditional dress of the Guaymi women of the region.
Tourism is a blossoming industry in Boquete, especially in its ecotourism form mainly. From Boquete it is possible to organize tours to the many and various tourist attractions in the region. In a typical trip to the Baru Volcano –the highest point of the country– it is promising to enjoy the mesmerizing Mountain Rainforest, the Cloudforest, and a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
Bird watching is one of the main attractions of Boquete. In this exuberant paradise you can still find the Quetzal , birds of great beauty considered as sacred by the Mayas. It is rare such a good spot to observe these majestic animals, since the birds are in danger of extinction, the extermination of their habitat by human hands being the main cause of such vanishing. More than 43 species of quetzals have been reported in the mountains of Boquete.
People who love to enjoy panoramic views should start their tour at the very entrance of the Valley, at the Virgen de la Gruta mirador. At this place the visitor can enjoy a view of the entire valley and the Caldera River, which crosses the land from North to South.
The mountains and hills around the town will invite your soul and body to a good hiking trip. Within the Boquetenian exuberant flora there are trails for the nature lovers and ecotourists as well as river rafting activities for the adventure seeker.
Boquete's flora is abundant and diverse, characteristics that deservedly gave the town its nickname of Valley of the Flowers. Lilies, hibiscus, hortenses, anthuriums, roses, St. Josephs, carnations, sunflowers, and orchids create a polychrome scene of incomparable beauty. This beauty and charm is the inspiration for the Fair of the Flowers & the Coffee to celebrate Boquete's unique charm and name it the Garden of the Americas.
