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Chiriqui
If you could visit only one province of Panama, Chiriqui would be a fine choice—Chiriqui’s landscape rolls from cloud-forested mountains to sunny Pacific beaches.
High in the misty Talamanca Mountains of the eastern Chiriqui Province, Volcan Baru is an inactive volcano, crowned by seven craters.
Its summit reaches 11,401 feet above sea level.
The slopes around the mountain are habitat for more than 250 species of birds, including Resplendent quetzals.
Baru Volcano National Park
Those who make the two-day cloud-forest trek are rewarded with the unique opportunity to see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts simultaneously.
Just outside Volcan Baru National Park, one of Latin America’s finest orchid sanctuaries cultivates in excess of 2,000 exotic varieties.
La Amistad
La Amistad International Park, located on the border of Panama and Costa Rica, is accessed from Las Nubes, five miles west of the town of Cerro Punta.
This park protects 850 square miles of cloud forest, rainforest, and lowland habitat.
La Amistad is home to over 1,000 bird species, tapirs, monkeys, and brilliantly-colored frogs.
Privately guided day hikes can be arranged to the La Cascada waterfall and panoramic lookout points.
The Mysterious Barriles Culture
On a picturesque family farm near the town of Volcan, visitors can learn about the enigmatic Barriles Culture, which disappeared sometime around 600 AD.
Artifacts uncovered at this farm include massive barrel-shaped stones, magnetized slabs, and fine pottery.
In 1947, 18 large stone statues were discovered here. Some of the carved figures suggest African and Asian facial features.
These stones are now on display at the Reina Torrez de Arauz Anthropological Museum in Panama City.
Boquete
Boquete, located east of Volcan Baru, is known for its pine forests, rivers, and near perfect climate.
Here you can enjoy whitewater rafting trips, zip-line canopy tours, horseback riding, and visits to organic coffee farms.
Another fine option is the Sendero de los Quetzales—a six-mile trail from Boquete to Cerro Punta.
Birding in Boquete
Over 225 species of birds have been identified on this route, including the shy Resplendent quetzal.
The Boquete Fair of Flowers and Coffee
Boquete’s most famous event is the 10-day Fair of Flowers and Coffee, held each January.
The province’s Pacific Coast offers warm waters, diving, and sport fishing.
The Chiriqui National Marine Park protects 25 islands and over a dozen separate reefs. Here you can observe:
- Monkeys
- Sea Turtles
- Humpback Whales (July to October)
- Hammerhead Sharks
- Manta Rays
For those with more time, multi-day cruises to Coiba Island National Park are available from the town of Boca Chica.
What to do in Boquete, Baru & La Amistad
- Hiking volcanic trails
- Birdwatching in cloud forests
- Exploring orchid gardens
- Visiting archaeological sites
- Touring coffee farms
- Whitewater rafting
- Canopy zip-lining
- Horseback riding
- Attending flower and coffee fairs
- Wildlife watching in marine reserves
- Diving and snorkeling
- Sportfishing along the Pacific
- Multi-day cruising to protected islands
What is the Weather Like?
the climate shifts with elevation. In the highlands, daytime temperatures average 75–80°F, dropping to the mid-60s at night, with cooler conditions on the slopes of Barú Volcano. The dry season, December through April, offers clear skies and steady conditions, making it the favored time for hiking and coffee tours. May to November brings afternoon showers that keep the forests vibrant and rivers flowing, appealing to those drawn to lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
Getting There
The capital of the Chiriqui Province is David, a modest city ringed with green pasturelands.
By air, David is approximately 45 minutes from both Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica.
Start your journey today
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How to combine Boquete, Baru & La Amistad
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
