CHIRIQUI

The province of Chiriqui consists of two main areas, the highlands and the lowlands.
The highland area is the heart of Chiriqui and it extends from the mountains of La Amistad Park to the misty cloudforests of Boquete and Volcan. Boquete and Volcan with its cool climate is perfectly suited for the cultivation of coffee, citrus fruits, and flowers. It is also one of the country’s top destination for nature lovers
Several hundred bird species have been indentified in this area including the resplendent Quetzal which is one of the most exotic birds in Central America. Both Boquete and Volcan offer a wide range of hotel accommodation options that include everything from moderate mountain lodges to luxury hotels with all the amenities and services.
The lowlands of Chiriqui are home to Panama’s second largest city as well as hundreds of miles of beautiful unspoiled Pacific beaches and islands. The Gulf of Chiriqui which is home to the National Marine Park of the Gulf of Chiriqui, protects 25 islands, 19 coral reefs and abundant wildlife. Among the protected islands is Boca Brava, a lovely small island perfect for those looking for some adventure and relaxation.
Boquete
Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Barú Volcano at 1200 meters is the small and charming mountain village of Boquete. 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 the sunniest 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.
Boquete 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.
Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation options in Boquete, from secluded mountain lodges to luxury hotels and resorts with all the services and amenities of a first class hotel.
Volcan
The town of Volcán is a quaint little mountain community located at the foothills of the Barú Volcano. This alpine village is nestled in the Chiriquí highlands – the land of eternal spring – with 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.
Its main attraction is the National Park Volcan Baru, which is Panama’s only volcano with its seven inactive craters. This park is also home to the Sendero Los Quetzales, 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.
Volcan 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!
Boca Brava Island
Boca Brava Island is located in the gulf of Chiriqui and it is part of the National Marine Park. This 3000-hectare lovely little island offers the visitor an unspoiled natural paradisiacal atmosphere with lots of hiking trails, white sand tropical beaches, and numerous wildlife. A great spot for birders and wildlife watching fans since it is home to hundreds of monkeys, nesting sea turtles and 280 types of birds.
The best option to stay in Boca Brava Island is Hotel Cala Mia, a romantic boutique hotel located on the tip of the island. This eco/resort consists of only 11 beautiful villas, each with its own thatched roof rancho overlooking the pristine Pacific Ocean.