Boquete

Boquete is a mountain town in Panama's Chiriquí Province situated at 1,200 meters elevation in a valley surrounded by peaks and coffee farms. The settlement spreads along a river and is defined by green hillsides and lush vegetation that remains year-round.

Ancient petroglyphs carved into rock around 600 BC show that early peoples inhabited this highland region. Later, during Spanish colonial times, the area became a refuge for the Ngöbe and Misquito peoples seeking shelter from colonizers.

The town hosts an annual Jazz Festival that draws musicians from around the world, and celebrates its coffee and flower heritage each March with a local fair. These events shape community life and reflect how the place values both its agricultural roots and its cosmopolitan character.

Temperatures stay mild year-round, ranging from 15 to 31 degrees Celsius, with the wettest months falling between May and October. Plan for changing weather by packing both light and warm clothing to adapt to these highland conditions.

The town has attracted an unexpected international community, with residents from dozens of countries who have chosen to settle there. This blend of locals and newcomers has created a cosmopolitan atmosphere quite unusual for such a small mountain settlement.