Things to See and Do In and Around Boquete, Panama

Looking for things to do in Panama? When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find there is an exciting world of Boquete attractions waiting for you. These suggestions will get you started.

Baru Volcano: This dormant volcano is surrounded by a fertile area of cool highlands drained by the Chiriquí and Caldera rivers. The towns of Volcan and Cerro Punta can be found on its western side, while Boquete is on the eastern flank.

Caldera Hot Springs: On the path to Boquete lies a place known for its famous hot springs. Caldera, meaning "boiling pot", is surrounded by the Chiriquí River, which serves as a refreshing cool-off point after bathing in the hot springs.

Amistad National Park: The park is considered as the first Bi-National Biosphere Reserve of the world because it is located between Panama and Costa Rica. The Panamanian side of the park is part of the mountain range called 'Cordillera de Talamanca'. It covers 207,000 hectares (511,000 acres) of cloud forests.

Los Quetzales Trail: The trail unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta, and is one of Panama's most visited and popular hikes. Cerro Punta resides on the western slope of Baru Volcano, and Boquete is situated on the volcano's eastern side. The trail cuts through some of the province's most pristine, protected forest offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley.

San Jose de David Fair: The fair starts on the third Thursday of March and lasts for ten days. The David Fair –as it’s commonly known- is the largest exhibition of the province’s manufacturing sectors. Its foodstuff industry, for instance, supplies to the whole country. As many as 300,000 people come for a firsthand glimpse of the territory’s finest industrial, trade and tourism achievements.

Annual Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair:  Taking place every January is one of the biggest celebrations of flowers in the world. The fair attracts thousands of people who come to see the exquisite flower displays and lush landscape designs. There are also organized coffee tastings, live music, food stands and amusement rides.

Las Tablas: This lively annual carnival splits the town in two, and pits the two sides against each other. "Calle Arriba" (Uptown) and "Calle Abajo" (Downtown) will have a carnival queen, a parade, fireworks, music, presentations, contests - all with the goal being to outdo the other.

Bocas del Toro: An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is made up of seven islands (including Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos) with Bocas Town being the regional capital and the “place to shop, dine and explore nightlife.”

Coiba National Park: One of the most extensive marine parks in the world, Coiba National Park is located south of the province of Veraguas. With a surface of 270,125 hectares (650,000 acres), it protects three kinds of ecosystems: the island, the reef, and marine life.

Cerro Punta: A very small village in Panama, Cerro Punta is close to the Baru Volcano, International Park PILA and many other places.

San Blas Islands: This group of islands is located just off the Caribbean coast of Panama. The indigenous Kuna Yala tribe have self-governing authority over the islands and a part of the mainland. The Islands are 20 minutes from Panama City by plane or 45 minutes from David by plane.