Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chiriquí Province
POP 416,900 / ELEV SEA LEVEL TO 3478M / AREA 8653 SQ KM
Why Go?
Chiriquí claims to have it all: Panama's tallest mountains, longest rivers and most fertile
valleys are here. The province is also home to spectacular highland rainforests and the
country's most productive agricultural and cattle-ranching regions.
Bordering Costa Rica to the west, Chiriquí is often the first province in Panama en-
countered by overland travelers and serves as a subtle introduction to Panama's immense
beauty.
On the coast, the pristine Golfo de Chiriquí boasts powdery white-sand beaches and a
rich diversity of marine life. Although the mist-covered mountains near Boquete have
been colonized by waves of North American and European retirees, the town is a good
base for adventures such as white-water rafting and hiking the flanks of Panama's highest
point, Volcán Barú (3478m). Boquete is also the center of Panama's coffee industry, which
means that a potent cup of shade-grown arabica is never more than a cafe away.
When to Go
»
Apr-May
The best time to spot the resplendent quetzal nesting in highland destinations
such as Parque Nacional Volcán Barú and Parque Internacional La Amistad. Boquete's
Orchid Fair lights up April.
»
Dec-Apr
High season on the Pacific coast has little precipitation, making it the best
time to hit highland trails that get muddy and damaged during the rainy season.
»
Jan-Mar
Boquete's Feria de las Flores y del Café draws crowds to the fairgrounds in
January. Early February brings Fiesta de Concepción, and David's huge Feria de San José
takes place over 10 days in early March.
Best Places to Eat
»
Rock (
Click here
)
»
Il Forno (
Click here
)
