Panama: A Land of Biodiversity

The Republic of Panama is relatively a small country, about the size of Maine. Where you have the opportunity to see both seas: the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. This narrow isthmus, named the heart of the Americas, covers 29,761 square miles; however, it has several life zones that can be considered unique to this place: more than 960 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 240 species of reptiles, 160 species of amphibians, and WOW! more than 10,000 species of vascular plants.




There are seven different indigenous dialects and life styles in Panama. I have always felt welcome here, since moving here in 1999 from the USA.

Panamanian people are very warm and friendly peoples. They have the highest educational system in Central America. And of just recently all public and private schools are now required to teach English.

Tourism here is still in the infancy stage. What this can mean for you is a wonderful find. Little tourist traffic means low prices, no lines in the restaurants and still there is little problem finding just the right hotel or hostel.

My favorite part of Panama is the Province of Chiriquí.

We have very modern airports threw out most parts of Panama. Modern shopping malls in Panama City and David. Not to mention the free trade zone in Colon.

The phone systems are excellent in Panama, unless you're out in the jungles. The Darien province is said to be some of the most untouched wild areas of the world.

Things to do in Boquete: Motor scooters, hot springs, hiking tours, large variety of restaurants, and night life.

Rafting: Rivers flow from the fertile hills of Volcan Baru and are flanked by forest for much of their length. Also, they offer lots of class II rapids and some class IIIs and IVs. Kayaking : Rio Chiriqui Viejo is the most popular river for practice kayaking cause its rapids class III and IVs

Birdwatching: There's more species of birds in Panama that are recorder in anywhere else in Central America. This is due to a couple of factors: Panama's location relative to two continents and its narrow girth. Birds migrating between North and South America tend to be funneled into a small area. Panama also has many endemic species of birds.

Mountain Hiking / Biking: In Boquete you can hike to the top of Volcan Baru, which is Panama's highest peak.

Places to visit in Boquete

Baru Volcano: This is the highest volcano found in the Republic and it is located in the highlands of the Province of Chiriqui. There are species of plants which belong only to this area and also many bird species like hummingbirds, toucans, torcazas and mammals like tapir, jaguar and pumas. At the top, you can see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the various craters of the volcano.

Archeological Stones: The archeological stones of Boquete, best known as petrogliphs are located in Caldera. A tribe of indians called Los Doraces who lived in this area one century ago did these drawings. A legend claims that there is a treasure under those stones!!! but up to now nobody has found anything.

The Sightseeing of La Virgencita: This site is located at the entrance of the town. From this point, you can observe the Valley of Boquete, the Cadera River and the different mountains around this place, including the Baru Volcano.

Mi Jardin es tu Jardin: With the purpose of offering another place for entertainment, Mr. Lalo Gonzalez has a big garden in his house with different kinds of flowers from this town and other countries. During Christmas, the house and the garden are decorated with many lights to give a beautiful and attractive sight to visitors.

The Flowers and Coffee Fair: This is the major event celebrated in Boquete. The first attraction in this fair is the great variety of roses, some imported from Japan, France, Holland, Costa Rica, The United States and other countries. The craftsmanship display products from this and other countries of the Continent. The main agricultural products of Boquete are exhibited, especially coffee, vegetables, beans and citrus fruits. It usually takes place in January and lasts ten days. But, the place is opened during the year for tourists to visit and buy products.

Places to eat:
Traditional Food : El Sabroson , La Conquista , Restaurante Lourdes
Mexican Food : La Casona Mexicana
Italian Food : La Trattoria , La Volcanica , Salvatore
American Food : La Huaca , Santa Fe Bar and Grill


Places to visit in David:
David city is 6 or 7 hours by bus from Panama City and just one hour by air. David City is on the coastal plain. It is a market town and center for the thriving agriculture and cattle industry which is the mainstay of the province. You can find a lot of many differents hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and dico-bars.

Beaches:
There are two beautiful beaches near David City: Las Lajas and La Barqueta Beach and Resort.