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Chiriqui Province

Golf Panama at Cielo Paraoso Residence and Golf Club, the best place in the world to retire and play golf, Boquete Panama Information

NEW - Take a Virtual Tour of Boquete. Some travel experts compare Chiriqui to Switzerland because of the year-round temperatures of between 16 to 25 degrees Centigrade, while having access to tropical mountains, beaches and rainforests. This is Chiriqui, the westernmost province of Panama on the Pacific coast.

Why Chiriqui? People like to go to Chiriqui because it's like having Spring all year around. People don't sweat and yet they don't have to endure cold winters, hurricanes (as in Florida and the rest of the Caribbean), nor endure industrial pollution. The air is clear, cool and pleasant and the water mountain fresh Boquete, Volcan, and Cerro Punta and dozens of other small at or spend time relaxing a few weeks a year. That's why people go there.

What do you do in Chiriqui? Go river rafting. Go take a hike on Volcan Baru. Fish for trout in the rivers. Fish in the Gulf of Chiriqui, whuch looks like the Caribbean. It's got coral reefs, good deep water fishing, and islands. The Pacific currents bring in things that are normally found in Austro-Malaysia and confined to the Gulf of Chiriqui. It's close to the continental shelf where the bottom drops off to three thousand meters and its waters are a deep blue. Nutrients thrive in cold water and these attract fishes.

Enjoy the beautiful cloud forests and geography: The Mountains, rolling hills, slopes and valleys which provide fresh air, an abundance of flowers, and breathtaking pastoral views.

Quetzals. And where do you find quetzals, one of the most beautiful birds in the western hemisphere, the national bird of Guatemala? Within Amistad National Park and the highlands of Chiriqui. How can you spot one? Climb up to forest, essentially 5000 feet and above. They have been pushed up higher as trees get cut down. It's the males that have the long rump feathers, and they are not tails. They nest in holes in old trees, therefore in old forest. They feed on fruit. And they are not common anywhere but Chiriqui is one of the best places to see them. You hear them more than you see them. The local guides call them "guacos" because of their vocalization. Chiriqui is rich in wildlife.

Culture. Among those hired in the coffee plantations of Chiriqui are the Ngobe-Bugle (Guaymi) Indians during harvest between October and February. Paydays are festive times in the towns. The men wear western clothes and the women wear highly distinctive long dresses and bead necklaces. You can stop at their roadside stalls and buy their highly intricate bead ware along the Pan American Highway.

Produce: Chiriqui is known as the coffee, citrus and vegetable basket of Panama. City dwellers get their strawberries, coffee, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet oranges, onions, you name it, Chiricanos grow it. But Chiricanos also appreciate their natural parks. In 2003 they campaigned rigorously to prevent the former president from building a road across a natural park to provide more "efficient" transportation of perishable goods.

Volcan Baru National Park
Rising 3,475 meters above sea level, Volcan Baru is the highest point in Panama. The Resplendent Quetzal (bird of Life) can be found here.. Hotel accommodations are available in two of the most beautiful towns in the entire country: Boquete and Cerro Punta. A vacation here is heaven on earth. Boquete is also home to an annual Flower Festival that should not be missed.

Boquete Restaurant Guide

Thanks to Boquete Panama Guide

Boquete probably has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Panama. I decided to do an omnibus update for the holiday eating season and for visitors.

There are several restaurants not mentioned, we know some and just have not had time or desire to eat at them. Each is linked to its post if we have one for the restaurant. More current opinions are here.

American

Bistro Boquete: I have many posts involving the Bistro since it is an anchor in Boquete. They are now serving breakfasts as well a lunch and dinners. Always a good place to go and feel welcome.
Subway: What could be more american than fast food? Actually not bad and at this time the best palc ein town for a sandwich.

Amigos: It is difficult to classify Amigos since they serve such a wide variety of food. They are listed under breakfast, Burgers and here also. Lunches are excellent and consistently good. Dinners vary with the chef and availability of ingredients. Check the dinner specials on the blackboard in addition to the menu.

Breakfast

Punto de Encuentro Cafe: Olga is wonderful. The food is ok and the atmosphere is still good but new construction is threatening the view.
Panamonte: Jennifer’s Sunday brunch favorite.
El Cafe: Been a while since we have eaten breakfast at El Cafe - closed
Central Park: My favorite Breakfast spot in Boquete.Watch the town wake up and enjoy something tasty
El Dorado Park: Alto Boquete, same menu as Central Park but lacking the atmosphere
Bistro Boquete: I have many posts involving the Bistro since it is an anchor in Boquete. They are now serving breakfasts as well a lunch and dinners. Always a good place to go and feel welcome.

Amigos - Located near the central Park in Bajo Boquete. A very good American style breakfast. The Eggs Boquete sound good and if you like a vinegar heavy attempt at Hollandese give them a try.

Burgers
Amigos: The best location to enjoy a beer, people watch and eat a real burger. The food has improved a great deal since Mark and Jennifer took over. I recommend the Panamanian lunch, it is written on the blackboard and is always both a good value and good food. They also have some great bar food, the wings, chicken, onion rings and nachos are the best in Boquete.
Fresa Marys: We have not returned but I hope they have running water now.
Java Juice: We keep going back for the best Batidos in town. The burger is also still an excellent value. Our children eat two at a time.
Tammy’s - Behind Roxannes, good burgers, they have Pollo a la Lena (chicken roasted over wood) but it is not consistent in quality. The middle eastern foods, Falafel, hummus and more are far better. Probably the best burger in Boquete. Reasonable prices open 11:30 - 8PM

Chinese

Yings: Very good food a little more expensive than David but better than most in David and a lot more convenient in Alto Boquete.

Continental Country Style
Panamonte: Usually top flight, avoid busy days, they do run out of food. Eat in the bar (just don’t take our spot near the fireplace)
Palo Alto: Despite rumors to the countrary we did a drive by and the Palo Alto is open. We did not see a customer and we doubt we will return unless we see people eating there. A tragic loss.
The Wine Bar: New and beautifully located and appointed at the Valle del Rio Hotel. Nice selection of wine and cheeses as well as a full Italian menu
Oasis: One the best five in Boquete for dinner. Great service, good chef and usually good food. We have returned several times and recommend the Corvina, Trout, filete and Rack of Pork. Skip the lamb.

French
Rendez-vous : I think they are open again, not sure. Our first experience was fantastic later meals were, to say the least disappointing. Closed Jan 2008
La Crepe: One of five new November 2007 openings. Excellent crepes and more
Hibiscus : Resurrected and reopened at Alto Lino the Hibiscus is better than ever. Christophe now has a small eight table restaurant and prepares both his menu daily based upon what is available fresh. 1 June 2008 Hibiscus is closed again.
Ou Lala : Christophe is back with great food and personal attention in Los Naranjos.

Grill
Roxannes Grill : New and a current favorite. They have revised their prices upward a little and are as of last night officially open. A top choice.

The Big Food : A great spot in Bajo Boquete. Good grilled food cooked in front of you. Outdoor seating only but it just feels so right. Low prices, no credit cards. Open 7 days noon to 10 pm. If you like like meat try it.

Italian
Il Pianista: Good food, good wine and a spectacular setting. Re-visited in Feb 2009 still a top choice.
Papa Riccos: Reopened March in his new location on the Boquete - David Highway across from Brisas Boqueteno. Excellent world class pizza from a man with more than 50 years expereince flinging pizza dough.
Quo Vadis: excellent pasta, good Italian Food, no Pizza Closed November 2008
Caffe Pomodoro: Excellent location shared with the Wine Bar at Valle del Rio Hotel. Very good food, slow service but really who cares in such a lovely environment. Update 12/2008 the food has gone far downhill and the service has become even worse. Update March 1 after hearing things were getting better again we returned, the service was excellent, the pizza we ordered was almost as good a burned Red Baron frozen pizza, not recommended.

Mexican
Antojitos: Trini’s food is as always excellent, her prices have gotten a bit too high for us to eat there as frequently as we did in the past.
La Casona: We have not returned. We will next time we want to play roulette with the menu. It is hit miss and I have since returned for some good food.
El Fogata - Good TexMex on the road to David, Inexpensive tasty burritos, quesadillas and tacos. Closed 12/08
El Charro Mexicano - Inexpensive, in Bajo Boquete and good portion size. In my one experience not flavorful but worth a try. eat inside during the day the street noise and diesel fumes ruin a meal.

Middle Eastern
Al Zarana: We have had mixed reviews of meals at Al Zarana. Our conclusion is that the appetizers and shwarma are the best things on the menu. Closed due to a fire (arabic lightening?) Feb 2009

Panamanian
El Sabroson: One of my favorites for fast cheap eats. Try the trout (trucha).
Amigos: Still offering the best location to enjoy a beer, people watch and eat a good lunch local style for under $3.00. The food has improved a great deal and the special of the day for lunch is on the black board inside not on the menu so look or ask..
Lourdes: We have not returned since the review.
Genesis: We have not returned since this note.
Cafe Nelvis: Still my favorite for fried chicken. They have moved across from the elementry school Bajo Boquete.
Central Park: My favorite Boquete Breakfast spot, great view of the park and usually good eats.
Auras: It has been a few months since we have eaten at Auras. Unlike most Panamanian restaurants they are not a cafeteria; they cook to order. Still recommended highly.
La Casa del Risco, Los Molinos: We have not been back recently, but rumor has it they have a new chef.
Milquiburger : I still have not tried a burger because the fried chicken so damn good.
A Mi Modo Open late is the best I can say about the pizza but the menu is far more varied and I am sure I will be back again to try the trucha or other dishes.
Guari Guari : Guari Guari a road house in central Palmira It is known more for it’s music than it’s cuisine but if you want a very inexpensive meal and fun entertainment Thursday through Sunday evening I recommend a stop at Guari Guari.

Peruvian
Delicias del Peru: We have not returned for some time so nothing new to say.
Machu Picchu: We have not returned for some time so nothing new to say.
Valle del Urubamba: Boquete’s third Peruvian restaurant is in Alto Boquete on the David highway. The food as of opening in April 2009 is the best in it’s class. Prices are reasonable, the location is small and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Open seven days a week from noon - 9pm.

Carbon Encendido- Alto Boquete adjacent to Tradewinds Furniture. Both a Peruvian and a grill. Food is decent, but there is no inside dining. You either eat in the entry way or under a ramada in the rear. Not a fun place to eat especially in unfavorable weather.

Sandwiches
Pacifico Deli - A California Sandwich Shop on the road to David. Good sandwiches, Gringo prices.Closed 12/08
Subway: What could be more american than fast food? Actually not bad and at this time the best place in town for a sandwich.

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Boquete Restaurant Guide

Boquete - Panama's Highlands of Eternal Spring

NEW - Take a Virtual Tour of Boquete. Boquete is a charming mountain town in the highlands of West Panama. It is also a world-class tourist destination with hiking along flower-filled valleys and a community that has coffee farms on its hills with spectacular mountain views and spring-like climate year around. Boquete was one of Panama 's best secrets until it was selected as the 4^th best place in the world for Americans to have a 2^nd home by Modern Maturity magazine.

Boquete neighbors to the north with the communities of Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui Grande, located in the Bocas del Toro province. Its neighbor to the east is the district of Gualaca, to the south are Dolega and David, and to the west is Bugaba. This fresh and fertile valley is made up of the communities of Bajo Boquete, Caldera and Palmira. The district of Boquete has a surface area of 514 kilometers (319 miles), with a population of approximately 15,500 inhabitants and an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level. Its altitude ranges between 800 and 3,000 meters (2,625 feet to 9,843 feet) in the northern region, and between 300 (984 feet) and 800 meters (2,625 feet) in the southern region. The area has an average year-round temperature of 20¬?C (68¬?F).

Getting There

Boquete's distance from the capital city of Panama is 480 kilometers, and from the city of David it is around 40 kilometers (25 miles), which in the case of the latter, signifies a car ride of approximately 30 minutes. By plane, the trip about 50 minutes long, leaving from Albrook Airport in Panama City, with 3 daily flights leaving in the morning, at midday and in the afternoon. For transportation from Boquete by bus to David there are two options: the express bus, which takes 5 1/2 hours, or the regular bus, which takes 6 1/2 hours.