In the province of Chiriqui, near the border with Costa Rica, are the highland forests of Volcan Baru National Park. They are home to Panama’s highest peak, an 11,300 foot high extinct volcano. The spectacular scenery in the village of Boquete includes rain forests, coffee farms, a river and some of the friendliest people anywhere.
Ascending nearly 3 and a half kilometers, from tropical torpor to mountain cool in an hour, you will feel exhilarated. At a moment like this it’s important to have plans for good lodging. You will be able to relish the remarkable change in the oxygen levels of the air you’re breathing and treasure being surrounded by beauty. Plan ahead so you can enjoy it.

Panama has a good domestic air network, and the prices are low. You can fly from Panama City to David – a city only about 20 miles from Boquete – for about $50. From David you’d hop a bus or taxi to Boquete, for about $20. It is important to know that Panama City’s domestic airport was moved last year, and is now at a former American military airport in the Albrook community, about 25 kilometers away from Tocumen (PTY) Airport. If traffic is bad, it might take an hour to get there…so schedule your flights to give yourself plenty of leeway.

Remember that most room rates do not include the required 10% IPAT-TAX (tourism). It will be added to your total bill at the end of your vacation in Boquete. Ah….one less surprise! That’s a good thing.