Chiriqui – Boquete

Chiriqui Province is located in the western region of Panama. It is bordered to the north by Bocas del Toro Province, to the west by Costa Rica, to the east by the Veraguas Province, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean. It encompases mountains, rolling hills, highlands and coastal plains. The average temperature in Chiriquí is 61 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

The capital of Chiriqui province is David, which is the third largest city in Panama. David serves as an agricultural and cultural center for the thriving cattle industry of this area. Chiriqui has often been compared to Switzerland due to the temperature, geography and architecture of the highland farms and homes. Chiriqui is also famous for its coffee plantations, as well as oranges and strawberries.

The highlands of Chiriqui are volcanic in origin, and include the towns of Boquete, Volcan and Cerro Punta. The highest mountain in the area is Baru Volcano, with an altitude of 11,400 feet. Chiriqui is rich in wildlife, and this area is the home of the Quetzal, a colorful species of tropical bird. The best time to spot these magnificent birds is from February to May, during their breeding season.

The Ngobe-Bugle are Panama’s most numerous indigenous peoples and the majority live in small communities or villages in the Chiriqui highlands. They are Panama’s second most famous tribe, following the Kuna of the San Blas Islands. The Ngobe-Bugle are noted for their “chacara”, a type of vibrant, colorful bag woven from plant fiber by the women of the tribe.

A small portion of La Amistad National Park lies within the province of Chiriqui, with the rest within Bocas Del Toro Province and extending into Costa Rica. Museums in this area include the Museum of the History and Art of Jose de Obaldia and the Museum of the History of San Pablo.