Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the villages, women are primarily responsible for raising the children, though
many work as skilled artisans, especially since their crafts can fetch a high price.
The two most common items produced by Ngöbe-Buglé women are thechacara(a
woven bag of plant fibers that is meant to mimic the landscapes of the rainforest)
and thenaguas(a traditional dress of hand-sown appliqué, worn by both women
and girls). Throughout Chiriquí Province, you can find both items for sale in tradi-
tional markets and shops.
Like other indigenous groups in Panama, the Ngöbe-Buglé are struggling to
maintain their cultural identity, especially as foreign pressures continue to descend
on thecomarca(autonomous region). However, although the Ngöbe-Buglé are not
as politically organized as the Kuna, they are far greater in number, and they con-
trol large tracts of undeveloped land. As a result, they have been more successful
than other groups such as the Emberá and Wounaan in maintaining their cultural
identity and resisting the drive to modernize.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Boquete
POP 6000
The Napa Valley of coffee, the mountain town of Boquete is known throughout Panama
for its cool, fresh climate and pristine natural setting. Flowers, coffee, vegetables and cit-
rus fruits flourish in Boquete's rich soil, and the friendliness of the locals seems to rub
off on everyone who passes through.
Boquete would have remained a small town, but gained a deluge of expats after the
AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) named it a top retirement spot. With
gated communities dotting the hillsides the face of Boquete is slowly being transformed.
Boquete is one of the country's top destinations for outdoor lovers. It's a hub to hike,
climb, raft, visit coffee farms, soak in hot springs, study Spanish or go on a canopy tour.
And, of course, there's nothing quite like starting your day with a glass of freshly
squeezed OJ, or perking up with a cup of locally grown coffee.
Sights
With its flower-lined streets and forested hillsides, Boquete is ideal for taking pictur-
a fountain and a children's playground. At the attractive fairgrounds and riverside there's
