Boquete Panama and
Chiriqui Province
Chiriqui, the
westernmost province of Panama’s Pacific coast, offers visitors
some of the republic’s most varied fare, ranging from swimming
beaches to mountain climbing. For those interested in any of the
following, Chiriqui is the place to find them: flower growing,
trout fishing, medicinal springs, alpine farms, coffee, beer
tasting, orange growing, cattle ranches, thoroughbred farms,
hunting, birdwatching, and white water rafting.
Visitors coming down the Pan American Highway receive Chiriqui as
their Welcome Cocktail as soon as they cross the border at Paso
Canoa. Alternatively, for car-renters and bus riders, the western
welcome mat is spread over six or seven hours’ drive up the Panama
American Highway, with abundant restaurants and sightseeing along
the way.
David, third city of the republic, is the provincial capital of
Chiriqui. Most sightseeing spectacles are within easy range of
here, but a number of alluring mountain hotels can be found in the
cooler climate of Boquete and Volcan. Boquete is the nation’s
flower garden, prime supplier, for the capital city’s florists.
Chill streams bounding down from el Volcan de Baru (11,450 feet)
through Boquete, Cerro Punta, or Volcan contain a caveat for those
who believe sea bass reigns unchallenged as Panama’s tastiest
fish. Hot springs can also be found in the area of Boquete.
The variety of Chiriqui is what makes it greatest…the high farms
look Swiss in their greenness. Las Lajas, about an hour’s drive
from David, is the best known of Chiriqui’s beaches. The most
vales of Boquete cradle Panama’s coffee growing industry. Chiriqui
is also cattle country and the nation’s prime thoroughbred-raising
area. Finally, the Guaymi Indians call Chiriqui’s central
cordillera their home. For all these reasons, the area of Chiriqui
has become a popular retirement destination for foreigners and
Panamanians alike.
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