LOCATION -
Boquete, Panama.
Tucked away on the
eastern slopes of the Volcan Bar� is the small and charming mountain village of
Boquete. Known to produce some of the sweetest oranges and richest coffees in
all of Panama, Boquete is quickly becoming a destination for those visitors
seeking the most enchanting weather in the world. Visitors bask in Boquete's
sunny and cool mountain weather and marvel at the exquisite vistas. Boquete's
healthy climate has prompted many to believe it is the secret to longevity since
many native Boquete�os have lived well on past their one-hundredth birthdays.
Boquete's
surrounding hills and slopes are primarily covered in shade-grown coffee
plantations, providing a rich product recognized by international connoisseurs.
Known for their sustainable farming practices, these farms are recognized the
world over by conservationist and are home to an abundance of birds equal to
those found in the cloud forests higher on the mountain. Coffee is primarily
picked by the Guaymi Indians during the months of October through February.
Coffee picking season is a festive time and colorfully clad Indian families come
from various parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries. Tours through
some of the coffee fincas of Boquete can be arranged for those interested in
seeing the origins of their morning brew or sighting a wide variety of bird
life.
Coincident with
the coffee harvest is the Flower Festival. The gardens of Boquete are rivaled
only by the great Mediterranean garden centers of California, Italy, and South
Africa. This verdant production is best witnessed at the Festival, but can be
seen throughout the year in a variety of contexts. Bromeliads cover the shade
trees on the fincas. Deep flowerbeds adorn the inns. And, rated as one of the
top three private gardens in the world, Mi Jardin es Su Jardin is open to
visitors who are encouraged to wander the grounds, enjoying the vision and
hospitality of the owners.
The best way to
see the cloud forest flora and fauna is to catch a ride over to Cerro Punta,
pickup the trailhead around the mountain's backside and hike a 4 hours trail
back to Boquete. Walking among some of the largest trees in the hemisphere, time
stands still. The silence broken only by birdcalls that give away the positions
of those that you seek among the draping moss and brightly colored bromeliads.
The trail is moderately improved, but not too strenuous, dropping elevation
along the route. It is a lifetime bird watching experience you will not want to
miss. Any of the lodges can make arrangements for you.
After your
hike, you may want to have a restful afternoon in the hot springs or do a little
trout fishing with a fly. Both of these provide a calm alternative in
preparation to a day of whitewater rafting on the Chiriqui Grande or horseback
riding the many mountain trails and roads the crisscross the highland fincas.
- Martes 29 de Julio:
Visita Oficial del Gobernador Jos� Ernesto Mendoza B.
- 7:30p.m. Rest. Pomodoro
