Chiriqui Highland Region, Panama

Boquete: Tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Barú Volcano at 1200 meters is the small and charming mountain village of Boquete, approx. 40 km from the town of David. Known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in all of Panama, Boquete is quickly becoming a destination for those visitors seeking a sunny though cool mountain weather. Boquete's healthy climate has prompted many to believe it is the secret to longevity, since many native Boqueteños have lived well on past their one-hundredth birthday. Boquete's surrounding hills and slopes are primarily covered in shade-grown coffee plantations, providing a rich product recognized by international connoisseurs. Coffee is primarily picked by the Guaymi Indians during the months of October through February. Coffee picking season is a festive time and colorfully clad Indian families come from various parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries.

Boquete is also well known for birding. The town is home to an abundance of birds equal to those found in the cloud forests higher on the mountain. One of the most famous is the Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala that is nearly extinct there but has found refuge in this area. The region enjoys a comfortable year-round climate ideal for active retirement living and outdoor adventure seekers. Among the numerous activities are hiking, mountain biking, climbing, canopy, and rafting. For the less adventurous, Boquete offers natural hot springs and miles of well marked hiking trails to explore the wonders of the cloud forest.

Every year in January, the district of Boquete receives about 100,000 visitors who come to this region to stroll though the many pavilions of the famous Flower and Coffee Fair. This fair of international recognition gathers flower and coffee producers from all across the country and from places like Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru. Visitors may enjoy Boquete's fresh climate while they promenade among this showcase of plants and flowers as lilies, roses, carnations, and orchids that make this place so well-known.

Volcán: The town of Volcán is a quaint little mountain community located at the foothills of the Barú Volcano. This alpine village (many of its inhabitants have their roots in Switzerland, Germany and Yugoslavia) is nestled in the Chiriquí highlands which offer a diverse combination of rainforest, lush emerald green meadows, springs, rivers, waterfalls, high mountain lakes, coffee plantations, vegetable and flower farms, dairy farms, racehorse and cattle ranches. Volcán's main attraction is the National Park Volcán Barú.

Established in 1976, the Volcán Baru National Park extends over 14,322.5 hectares towards the Pacific shores. The main attraction of this park is the top of the Baru Volcano, which at 3,474 meters is the highest elevation within the country. From the top of this extinct volcano adventurers can gaze at the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans and a large part of Panama's eastern region. This protected territory is also the birthplace of several rivers vital for a great deal of the country's power production. In addition, about 250 species of birds and five of felines have been spotted from these fertile lands of thick forests. The park is home to the "Los Quetzales" Trail, which is one of the most scenic treks in Panama and one of the most important places to spot the resplendent Quetzal bird between the months of November and April.

The Volcán Hot Springs are an attraction for health, beauty and youth. The springs are famous for the healing qualities of its waters, especially helpful for those suffering rheumatism and fatigue. Volcán is a little town with only a few hotels and mountain lodges. This is the perfect place for those looking for a remote, unspoiled, natural vacation spot!