Everything You Need To Know About Boquete Panama

If you’ve ever thought about living in or visiting Boquete, this in-depth guide is for you. In it, we go over all that you need to know about Boquete, including the cost of living, the things to do, the weather, how to get there, where to live, and so much more.

Quick Facts

• Boquete is located in the Western part of the country and has a large and established expat population from the USA, Canada, and various other countries.
• It’s a quiet and peaceful place to live with a small-town feel, but it also offers lots to do and several places to live and stay.
• While it’s located quite far from Panama City, there are several ways to get to and from the city. It’s also only a short trip from David, one of the largest cities in the country.
• The cost of living in Boquete Panama is generally cheaper than in Panama City and other larger cities, and it’s much more affordable than most places in the USA and Canada.

What is Boquete?

Boquete is a small town in the Western part of Panama. It’s nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery, and offers residents and visitors alike some truly spectacular views. It also has stunning waterfalls nearby, amazing hiking trails, and even a river that runs right through town.

Because of the natural beauty of the area and outstanding landscapes, Boquete has a major focus on nature and various outdoor activities. The town is known for the nearby volcano, white-water rafting, beautiful trails, outstanding coffee, and the large number of expats that call it home.

What’s the Weather Like in Boquete Panama?

While there are many reasons you may want to visit or live in Boquete, the climate is likely near the top of the list. The weather in Boquete Panama is unique compared to many other parts of the country. Many parts of Panama are incredibly hot and humid, but Boquete has a slightly cooler and more temperate climate, but still warm enough to spend a ton of time outdoors.

The reasoning for this pleasant and more manageable temperature is due to the high elevation and location of the town. Also, due to the landscape changes throughout the area, different microclimates have come to materialize within Boquete itself, as well.

For example, the Northern part of the community is more mountainous and is a little cooler as a result. Meanwhile, the Southern part of Boquete is generally drier and warmer.

Due to this less intense temperature compared to many other parts of Panama, Boquete is generally more bearable for people not used to the heat, or those who prefer more moderate “spring-like” temperatures.

While Boquete Panama weather is generally nice all year, it does rain there periodically, especially during the rainy season between late-April to late-November.

What’s it Like to Live in Boquete Panama?

Living in Boquete Panama is pleasant and peaceful, as it’s a relatively small community. It maintains a rural feel while still providing access to many amenities. For example, despite the small size and slightly remote location, there are many dining options to choose from in and around Boquete.

This includes French cuisine, Peruvian food, seafood, Italian options, and various other kinds of international places to dine. The region around Boquete is also known for coffee, as there are dozens of small farms around the town. As a result, Panama Boquete coffee is truly delicious and something that every coffee lover needs to try.

In addition to food and drink, the area is home to several other things that make living there a dream. This includes many stores and markets, spas, gyms, museums, and more. So whether you live just relaxing with some beautiful views, getting into some adventure, or just doing some window shopping, Boquete has something for you.

Getting around in Boquete is also easy. You can walk, drive, take a taxi or bus, ride a bike or scooter, rent a bike, or even take an ATV.

Is Boquete Panama a Good Place to Retire?

Yes, Boquete is a wonderful place to retire, especially for expats from countries like the USA and Canada. In fact, the town is home to thousands of expats already, so you’re sure to feel right at home there. While the entire country has many expats, Boquete maintains a reputation as one of the best places for them to retire.

Whether you like to enjoy the great outdoors or just relax, Boquete has something for everyone. It offers small-town living and a slow, pleasant, and peaceful existence if you want it, but you’re only steps away from all the action and activities you could ever want.

It’s a stunning place to live out your golden years, and the mild climate compared to much of Panama is comfortable all year round.

Another one of the best parts of a Boquete Panama retirement is that you can take advantage of Panama’s famous Pensionado Visa. The visa program began in the 1980s as a way to attract foreign retirees to the country, and it’s worked.

The visa is available to anyone over the age of 18, as long as you can verify you earn at least $1,000 per month in income or pension. However, if you have any dependents, add $250 per month per dependent. The visa allows you to live in Panama indefinitely, as it grants you permanent residency.

Applying is straightforward, and it only costs around $1,000 to $1,500 per person to apply. In addition to letting you live and retire in beautiful Panama, it also offers several benefits for retirees. This includes discounts on entertainment, hotels, transportation, restaurants, utilities, prescription drugs, some types of healthcare services, and more.

In addition to the visa, Boquete Panama also has decent healthcare options nearby for retirees. It has some local clinics to visit for basic care, but for more advanced or specialized care, you may need to travel down to David or to Panama City. 

However, for your regular needs like vaccines, check-ups, and treatment for minor issues and illnesses, the clinics in Boquete are more than suitable for most people.

How to Get to Boquete Panama From Panama City?

Getting to Boquete from Panama City is a bit of a journey. This is because Boquete is located near the Western edge of the country, whereas Panama City is much closer to the center of Panama.

That being said, you still have several options to get to Boquete from Panama City with ease, and vice versa. If you want to make the drive, you simply need to get onto Route 1 heading southwest from Panama City and continue on that road for multiple hours. Once you reach David, you’ll change to Route 41 and continue North on that road until you reach Boquete.

You can also take a bus or shuttle. However, there are no direct buses from Panama City to Boquete. Instead, you’ll need to take one bus from Panama City to David, and then get on another to get to Boquete.

You may also fly from Panama City to Boquete, but, like taking the bus, you won’t be able to fly directly, as there’s no airport in town. But while Boquete doesn’t have an airport, David does. So simply fly into David, and then take a taxi, local bus, or other mode of transportation up to Boquete.

In addition to these options, you may be able to hire some sort of private transportation that’ll take you wherever you need to go in Panama, but this may be more expensive than the publicly available options.

Here’s a useful table that shows you how long it takes to go from Panama City to Boquete (and vice versa) using different modes of transportation.

Of course, things like traffic, weather, construction, and other factors may impact travel times, so always plan ahead when making the trip.

The good news is, you don’t need to travel to Panama City to get big-city amenities, as David is incredibly close by and offers just about everything you’ll need.

Where to Live and Stay in Boquete Panama?

When deciding to move to Boquete, one of the first things to do is to decide where to live and the type of residence you want to live in. Thankfully, Boquete is home to a variety of different housing options to suit a variety of different budgets and lifestyles.

There’s everything from modern single-family homes, traditional cabins, apartments, condos, villas, farmhouses, gated communities, and even land available where you can build your own home. Each comes in many different styles, layouts, and designs, so you certainly have plenty of choices to consider.

So whether you prefer modest living in a small apartment or want a massive home with mountain views, there are options throughout Boquete for nearly everyone.

If you’re just visiting the town, there are plenty of Boquete Panama hotels to stay at, as well. Many offer free internet, free breakfast, have pools, and offer brilliant views of gardens, mountains, and lush forests. Some are located right in the heart of town near all the amenities and things to do, while others are more remote and are perfect for a short escape.

They are sprinkled evenly throughout the town, so you can always find lodging, no matter what part of Boquete you’d like to stay in during your visit.

What’s the Real Estate Market Like in Boquete?

While there are many different types of places to live in and stay in Boquete Panama, how expensive are they? In general, properties start at around $290,000, and the upper limit in terms of cost depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. For example, if you want the best of the best, you can easily spend millions on a luxury home in and around Boquete.

Of course, there are also plenty of options in between for individuals, couples, and large families alike. The exact price you end up paying for real estate depends on the type of home you want, how large it is, where it’s located, how new it is, and the amenities it includes.

If you have any questions about Boquete Panama Real Estate, the team at Metro Realty Panama would be happy to answer them for you.

What are the Best Things to do in Boquete Panama?

Despite being a relatively small town, there are a ton of fun and exciting things to do in Boquete Panama. Here are a few of the best and most popular options.

Go On a Coffee Tour

With so much delicious coffee around Boquete, and it being home to dozens of different coffee farms, it makes sense to go on a coffee tour. Many of the nearby farms host interesting coffee tours, which walk you through how the coffee grows, how it’s harvested, how it’s processed and roasted, and more. 

Of course, you’ll also be able to sample many types of coffee and learn much more about the coffee itself, the land where it grows, and a variety of other fascinating things.

In addition to the coffee, many of these farms are truly beautiful places with amazing views, and some even have their own trails to walk through and admire the beauty of Boquete.

Visit the Boquete Community Market

One of the best places to go to learn more about Boquete and what it has to offer is the Boquete Community Market. This is a bustling hub that features a variety of different vendors, selling things such as food, crafts, art, jewelry, souvenirs, and so much more.

While it used to take place on Tuesdays each week, the market has now moved to Thursdays. Not only is it a great place to find some fun and unique items, but also meet some of the other expats and locals that call Boquete home. You can make friends here, learn about new local businesses, missions, or initiatives, and become a part of the friendly community.

All in all, visiting the Boquete community market every Thursday is one of the best things you can do to immerse yourself in the culture of this amazing town.

The Lost Waterfalls Trail

If you’re looking at a Boquete Panama map, you’ll see plenty of mountainous and hilly terrain. As a result, there are plenty of outstanding walking and hiking trails to check out. One of the best and most popular is the Lost Waterfalls Trail.

This is a truly gorgeous forest trail that takes you through the jungle and gives you amazing views of not one, not two, but three stunning waterfalls. A few of them even have small pools that you can take a dip in to cool yourself after the long hike.

However, before you agree to take on this trail, make sure you’re aware of how difficult it is. It is a 2 or 3-hour journey, and is a relatively hard hike to do, but is well worth it to see the amazing landscapes, nature, and waterfalls. But still, make sure to have proper footwear and hiking gear to ensure you’re prepared for what’s ahead of you.

While it’s worth it if you’re physically capable and up to the challenge, there are also plenty of other (and easier) hikes that still offer outstanding views and experiences in and around Boquete.

The Pipeline Trail

If you love hiking but prefer something a little less intense and challenging, the Pipeline Trail is a great option. It’s quite a bit easier than the Lost Waterfalls Trail, but still provides some truly amazing views, including a waterfall nestled in a canyon, beautiful trees, and plenty of birds and other wildlife.

It’s a leisurely and relatively easy walk through the jungle, and may take around two hours to complete, and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in the great outdoors. If you want to experience the beauty of a nature hike without having to exert yourself too much, this is a perfect choice.

Visit Volcan Baru

Few landmarks are as tied to Boquete as Volcan Baru, as you can see it right from town on clear days. Located just to the northwest of Boquete, Volcan Baru is the tallest peak in all of Panama, and around the mountain is a stunning national park with plenty of wildlife and different ecosystems to check out.

While exploring the park itself is amazing, you can also take a thrilling adventure to the top of the mountain, which is over 11,000 feet (nearly 3,500 meters) high. You can either hike up the mountain yourself or take a 4X4 tour to the top.

Once you’re there, you’re greeted with truly unmatched views of the beautiful scenery and landscapes below. Fun fact, on a very clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans from the top of the mountain, as well.

Check Out Boquete Bees and Butterflies Tour

If you’re a nature lover, visiting Nature Boquete and taking the Bees and Butterflies tour is a great idea. You are led by a guide through remarkable gardens full of bees and butterflies, and are taught the history of the area, the bees, and even get to sample some of the different honeys the farm produces. 

You’ll also learn about butterflies, including their life cycle, how they’re protected, and the importance of their role in the environment.

It’s a unique experience that is fun, educational, relaxing, and helps you learn much more about the nature of the region.

Pay a Visit to the Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge

Animal lovers, this is the excursion for you. The Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary that both cares for and rehabilitates dozens of different animals native to the area. Several types of animals may be found here, including monkeys, parrots, cats, dogs, ducks, chickens, vultures, owls, snakes, toucans, and others.

Visiting the refuge is an educational experience, and it covers the rescue stories and rehabilitation processes for the animals. You’re sure to learn plenty of new things about a variety of different animals, and you may even get to interact with some of the animals.

In addition to just visiting the refuge, it also offers accommodations on-site, as well as a restaurant to eat at, if you want to stay a little longer.

Go to the Library

The Boquete library is also worth visiting, and was actually the first lending library in all of Panama. The library has a gorgeous and modern design, complete with stone and glass, and stands 3 storeys high.

It contains a variety of different books, an art gallery, as well as free Wifi and computers for visitors to use. The library also frequently hosts events that you can check out, as well. Next to the library is also a beautiful park to walk through and enjoy.

Have a Drink at the Boquete Brewing Company

If you want a place to sit down and have a drink and a bite to eat, the Boquete Brewing Company is a popular choice. It offers a wide selection of unique craft beers on tap, many of which are made on-site, as well as several food options.

If you don’t drink beer, don’t worry, the company still has you covered. It also provides hard ciders and sodas, which are also made by the company.

Of course, this is far from a complete list, as there are dozens of other things worth checking out in and around Boquete. Also, with the city only being a short trip to David, you’re never very far from other big-city amenities or activities, as well.

What’s the Cost of Living in Boquete Panama

The cost of living in Boquete is relatively affordable. While you can certainly spend more if you want to live a life of luxury or if you prefer the finer things in life, there are opportunities to get by without spending very much, as well.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in the town, and what you may expect to pay for certain things.

So while it may not be the single cheapest place in all of Panama for everything, it’s generally more affordable than major cities like Panama City or David, in most cases.

Also, if you’re coming to Panama from a country like the United States or Canada, the cost of living in Boquete is likely much less than what you’re used to where you’re from.

However, keep in mind that these prices are just estimates, and actual costs vary depending on your unique situation, the products you buy, the things you do, and the companies you work with.

FAQs: Boquete Panama

If you still want to learn more about Boquete Panama, here are a few common questions, along with their answers.

How many people live in Boquete?

Boquete Panama is home to over 23,000 people, with around 5,000 or more of them being expats from other nations around the world.

How much money do you need to live in Boquete?

The amount you need to live in Boquete depends on where you live, your hobbies, how many people you live with, and several other factors. Some lifestyles may cost thousands (or even tens of thousands) of dollars each month, while others may be able to get by on $2,000 or less.

Is Boquete a safe place to live?

Yes, Boquete is a safe place to live. Of course, some parts may be safer than others, but Panama in general has a reputation for being one of the safest countries to live in throughout all of Central America. If you’re still worried about safety, there are gated communities in Boquete with security for even more peace of mind.

Does Boquete have an airport?

No, there’s no airport located in Boquete. However, there’s one in the larger city of David, which is only an hour south of the town.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Boquete?

No, you don’t have to speak Spanish to live in Boquete. This is due to the large expat population and the fact that it’s a popular tourist destination. That being said, some people in the community may still only speak Spanish, so knowing the language (even if it’s only a little) will likely help enhance your experience in Boquete, and Panama as a whole.

What are the most popular tourist attractions around Boquete?

Some of the most popular places for tourists to check out in Boquete include the library, Volcan Baru, the Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge, coffee tours, and nature trails.

Interested in Learning More About Boquete Panama?

If you want to learn more about Boquete, whether it be the Boquete weather Panama, the cost of living in Boquete, or the real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out to Metro Realty Panama for help and guidance.

Alexander Barrelier

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