Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ROCK CLIMBING
Panama Rock Climbing 6764 7918, panamarockclimbing.blogspot.com . Rock climb-
ing and abseiling (rappelling) are relatively new to Panama - try this local outfit run by
Panama's first internationally certified (bilingual) guide César Meléndez ($45/3hr). The fa-
voured destination is the Gunko de Boquete, a fascinating lump of basalt that was spewed out
of Volcán Barú when it last erupted, a 10min drive from Boquete.
SPAS
Haven Spa 730 9345, boquetespa.com . This highly recommended deluxe spa offers
massages, facials, pedicures, manicures and the like in a tranquil spot off the main road on
the way into town. Also sells day passes for $25.
Isla Verde Massage and Beauty Centre, Isla Verde, Av “B” Oeste 6948 6664, boquetem-
assage.com . Run by “a highly regarded massage therapist, acupuncturist and pain specialist”,
this spa's treatments include massage, facials and reflexology.
THERMAL POOLS
Almost all tour operators offer a tour to the thermal pools ( pozos termales ; $2) just outside
Caldera though you can easily get there by bus from Boquete (7am, 10.45am, 1.30pm, re-
turning from Caldera 8am, noon, 4pm; 1hr) plus a 45min hike - just ask the way; taxis $15
one way). Note that the 7am bus leaves from outside the fire station; the other buses leave as
indicated on the map . Despite the scenic location, the pools themselves are nothing special,
set among the cow pats on a farm, though there's also a cold river to plunge into afterwards.
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Cloud Forest Botanicals Alto Jaramillo, north of Boquete 6636 8663, cloudforest-
botanicals.com . Bilingual tours of cloud forest medicinal plants (Mon & Wed 9.30am; 2hr
30min; $30/person), ending with some revivifying organic herbal tea or coffee and home-
made cake. Transport included.
ACCOMMODATION
Unsurprisingly, there's a decent range of predominantly foreign-owned accommodation , all
with hot water, in a burgeoning mid-range market. Since most places only have a handful of
rooms, everywhere fills up during holiday and festival periods - when prices are hiked - so
book ahead.
Finca Lérida Alto Quiel, 10km up the valley 720 2285, fincalerida.com . This is less
about ambience and all about location: plum in the middle of a historic coffee estate, with
cloud-forested slopes and birding trails above. The deluxe rooms have vast windows and
private patios affording stellar views down the valley on clear days. In the evenings, snuggle
up in the cosy common room. Pricie r roo ms with old-world charm are available in the origin-
al family home. Breakfast included. $180
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