Chiriqui
Chiriqui has always been a tourist destination for international travelers and Panamanians alike who agree that its magical diversity is its main attraction. Visitors can explore miles of deserted pristine beaches on the Pacific Coast, scenic mountain regions and Panamá’s only volcano, Volcan Baru. From the lowland fields of sugarcane and rice to the highland areas of thick lush jungles, Chiriqui represents the best of Panamá.
Boquete
Nestled in a small valley and shadowed by Volcan Baru, Boquete is a charming, small, picture-postcard mountain town that caters to tourists throughout the year. The town is alive with the bright colors of the local flowers, trees, and shrubs. The hillsides are covered with coffee plantations and greenhouses. The Caldera River runs through the center of town, making it an attraction of its own.
Boquete offers some of the best dining experiences in Panamá. Small hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts are situated a few blocks off the main street making a quiet night’s sleep enjoyable. Festivals and events throughout the year keep visitors coming back for more.
Volcan and Bambito
The town of Volcán and the Bambito area are on the opposite side of the volcano from Boquete and enjoy a completely different atmosphere. Volcán is a farming community, quiet and unassuming. For a laidback experience, small hotels, inns, and hostels are host to outdoor adventurers who come to enjoy hiking, bird watching, and touring the attractions around the area. Many visitors make Volcán their home base while planning excursions to hike the famous Los Quetzales Trail.
Things to Do in Chiriqui
The province of Chiriqui provides experiences for any visitor’s interest. If you are seeking active adventures, water rafting, hiking, ziplining, snorkeling, sport fishing, or rock climbing might be of interest.
The Gulf of Chiriquí is the province’s marine treasure. The protected waters of the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park in the gulf are home to 25 islands and 19 coral reefs. Easy access through the small, fishing town of Boca Chica will allow you to explore tropical islands full of wildlife, view turtles, dolphins, and whales during the season. Whether on foot hiking on the islands, kayaking along the shores, or snorkeling among the reefs you will find the experience a memorable one.
Looking for a more laid-back experience? You can enjoy birding, coffee tours and orchid farms, dips in local watering holes, hot springs, stroll on deserted beaches, day spa pampering, and golf for a relaxing vacation experience.
The Los Quetzales Trail is considered the most scenic hike in Panamá. It is accessible from both Boquete or Cerro Punta and wanders up and across the side of Volcan Baru. You will hike through cloud forests, stands of bamboo and experience first-hand flora and fauna you won’t see elsewhere. The jungle is alive with singing birds including the mythical Resplendent Quetzal of which the trail is named after.
Getting There
Chiriqui is the most southwestern province of the Panamanian territory. Visitors can arrive by plane at the Enrique Malek International Airport in David, the capital of the Chiriqui province, in a domestic flight from Panama City or a 7-hour drive west from the capital.