Chiriqui – Boquete

Glide through the treetops of century-old forests

High above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru volcano. Tarzan, 21st century! Who would have thought that a technology utilized hundreds of years ago by our indigenous people and later perfected by botanists and naturalists to observe and study the behaviors of wild creatures in their natural habitat, would be transformed into one of the most revered extreme sports.

A harness, an ultra-resistant steel cable and gravity are the only elements necessary to suspend and propel the fearless rider in this incredible adrenaline rush.

Los Quetzales trail unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta

and is one of Panama’s most visited and popular hikes, named for a particular species of bird called the Resplendent Quetzal. Quite elusive, these birds are a magnificent and rare treat to observe and are a favorite among many birding enthusiasts. In addition to the Quetzal, there are more than 220 other bird species native to the area.

From Cerro Punta to Boquete, the 10 km trail climbs steadily (roughly 800 meters) as you pass from tropical rain forest to tropical cloud forest and takes approximately 4-6 hours of hiking to complete.

The tour starts with a two hours drive from Boquete to Cerro Punta where your hiking adventure on the Quetzal Trail starts. Please note that there are two options of transportation available: A normal a/c motorcoach taking you to the park entrance or a strong 4×4 vehicle that takes you to the ranger station in the park. Chosing the 4×4 vehicle means about 2 hours less hiking, the most challenging part of the trail (uphill at the beginning and downhill at the end) will be done by car.

Duration: 10 hours

Includes: Roundtrip transportation from Boquete, English speaking ornithologist guide, picnic lunch

Bring: Hiking shoes, long pants, rainjacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, water.

Travel the countryside on ancient Indian trails

Saddle up and head out from the Caldera Spring for a casual ride through the lush mountainside. Your horse knows the way, so you can enjoy the sun in your face, the wind in your hair, and maybe a Toucan overhead. The Caldera Hot Springs are natural hot springs produced by the emergence of geo-thermally-heated groundwater from the earth’s crust. There are 3 hot baths, of varying temperatures, at the Caldera Hot Springs.

Ample time is provided to lounge in the hot spring, lavish your body with volcanic mud, bake in the sun, and rinse off in the cool waters of the Caldera River. Iguanas, Jesus Christ Lizards (named as they can run across water), Toucans, and an occasional boa can sometimes be spotted.

Duration: 5 hours

Includes: Transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fee, snacks

Bring: Hiking shoes or sneakers, long pants, bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, water.

For the Baru Volcano Hike you will be picked up at 6 a.m. at your hotel.

You will enjoy a lovely drive uphill to the Volcan Baru National Park Ranger Station. From there you will start the challenging hike to the highest point of Panama. Depending on your level of fitness you will reach the top between 4 and 6 hours. If the wheather conditions are good, you will be able to see both oceans from the top of the volcano. On the summit you will enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will hike back down, this takes between 3 and 5 hours. After the tour you will be dropped of at your hotel.

While hiking up the volcano you will encounter 6 different climate zones: humid mountain forest, low humid mountain forest, low humid mountain rainforest, mountain rainforest, very humid mountain rainforest and pre-mountain rainforest. The average annual temperatures vary between 20°C at the Park Ranger Station to under 10°C on the top of the volcano.

The Palon Section (literally "big stick") of Rio Chiriqui Viejo river is a class III and IV with non stop excitement

Pristine tropical forest, and more. Considerably narrower than its counterpart and dropping at a faster speed the Viejo requires quick, tight maneuvering to get through the many rock gardens and enormous boulders and delivers continuous white water that contribute to its class IV ranking. This is a guaranteed ride of a lifetime for rafters seeking a thrill.

During dry season (Dec.-May): During your decent down the river, you will stop for lunch at beautiful location. Here, you will take a short hike to an incredible picturesque 30 foot waterfall. This is a truly remarkable sight.

During rainy season: (June-Nov.): With more water, and more speed, this time of the year is ideal for those searching for the biggest thrill. During this excursion, the river guide will lead a descent through the entire Palon section and most of the Sabo section of this river.

Minimum age: 12 years

Duration: 10 hours

Bring: clothes to swim (shorts, shirt, hat), dry clothes and towel for after the trip, sunscreen, water, shoes that will not come off your feet, copy of your passport.

Bocas del Mar Hotel in Chiriqui is a stunning boutique hotel with modern, luxury features.

 In a privileged coastal location on the mainland at Boca Chica , it is perfectly positioned for a completely relaxing vacation. Hotel accommodations are in large, contemporary-style bungalow guest rooms, including the magnificent Premier Suite. All rooms are set in tropical gardens alongside the glistening blue water; open your drapes each morning and the Pacific Ocean is there to greet you!

Nestling amidst a stunning tropical paradise, Bocas del Mar Hotel in Boca Chica offers the perfect base for discovering the region. This is the gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park with its many luxuriant green islands, palm-tree-fringed white beaches and an incredible variety of wildlife, right on the hotel’s doorstep! We have our own private dock at the hotel, ideal to go beach-hopping or set off on a sports fishing trip. Our trip program is varied and we even run our own comfortable excursion boat with a daily tour schedule in the Gulf of Chiriqui.

The Hotel Panamonte is a pioneer in the market for "eco-travelling" in the province of Boquete.

Constant innovation, the hotel is continually looking for new ways to make their guests have the best experience possible; with a hundred years of hospitality experience, offers luxurious, comfortable and cozy accommodation which evokes that home away from home feeling! With international cuisine, wine festivals, cultural events and personalised unique tours, these are just some of the fabulous things you can experience at Hotel Panamonte.

Over the Past 20 years Panamonte has welcomed a new type of traveller, birdwatchers or ornithologists who come to experience the rainforest, the flora and the extravagant wildlife while keeping an eye out for hundreds of bird species living or migrating through Boquete including the Quetzal.

Located in Boquete

Finca Lerida is a place to go searching for Quetzals and other specialties, is an exclusive private nature reserve.

Is a unique and preferred destination for people interested in exploring its rich flora and fauna, for bird watchers, nature photographers and eco-tourism in general.

Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge is Panama’s only private island reserve and lodge.

The archipelago of 14 islands, located 15 miles off the coast of Panama , is a secluded and fully sustainable destination for world-class adventures. Welcoming no more than 18 guests at a time, Islas Secas offers rare, exclusive access to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world alongside exhilarating recreation, impeccable facilities and warm Panamanian hospitality. The Islas Secas experience invigorates the senses, stimulates the mind and connects one with nature in its purest, most thrilling form.

Each of the four casita sites is its own island within the island, a private sanctuary surrounded by lush vegetation and equipped with a plunge pool, lounge and dining area, shaded thatch-roofed Bohio with hammock and outdoor showers. There are sophisticated options for couples, groups and families with 1-, 2-, and 4-bedroom sites.

This highly-serviced estate sits above sandy Playa Primera

The Villa Estate at Isla Palenque is designed in the style of an expansive seaside villa with outdoor walkways in lieu of hallways, and includes an infinity pool and the private restaurant we call Edén.

The rooms and suites are nestled between old-growth trees, blurring the line between their sophisticated interiors and the natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of the jungle and wildlife. You can choose to close the living room off for air-conditioning, or let the walls slide away to embrace the song of the jungle and allow ocean breezes to flow through your spacious room.