Veraguas Province - Panama - page 263

organization also runs the Restaurante de la Cooperativa OFFLINE MAP , where
you can pick up some Café El Tute to try yourself.
You can book your visit to Café El Tute a day ahead with Lilia at Fundación Hect-
or Gallego OFFLINE MAP ( 954-0737; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, to 5pm Sun) , a few doors
up from Hostal La Qhia. In addition to coffee, the cooperative also grows cinna-
mon, orchids and oranges.
Festivals & Events
Feria de Agricultura FAIR
(Agricultural Fair) If you're in the area, don't miss this lively event hosted by the producers
of northern Veraguas in early February. The agricultural fair features traditional dancing,
horse races, a multitude of food stands and an occasional boxing match or rodeo compet-
ition. It's held at the Feria de Santa Fé, in the eastern part of town.
Exposición de Orquídeas FLOWERS
(Orchid Show) Collectors from all over Panama display their finest orchids at the Féria de
Santa Fé during the popular orchid exposition each August; the ATP tourist office ( Click
here ) in Santiago can provide you with the precise date.
Sleeping
Keep your eyes peeled as more hotels and B&Bs are in the works around Santa Fé.
Hostal La Qhia GUESTHOUSE $
OFFLINE MAP
( 6592-5589, 954-0903; www.panamamountainhouse.com ; dm US$11, d & tr with shared/private
bathroom US$33/39; ) Surrounded by lush gardens and hammocks, this original
bamboo-and-stone chalet makes a great base camp for mountain adventures around Santa
Fé. Clean, snug rooms feature crisp bedding and excellent breakfasts (extra). Upstairs
rooms are complete charmers but the bamboo construction means conversations carry.
Dorms and rooms with private bathrooms occupy a small cement addition with an out-
door kitchen.