Hostels in BOQUETE, PANAMA

Boquete in Panama - Walking though Nature’s Abode

One of the most scenic places in Panama, Bouquet is known for tourism and its coffee. It is a small town along the Caldera River. Studded with the natural mountain highlands, the serene place boasts of a nice, refreshing and cooler climate for it is situated at an altitude of around 1200 meters above sea level. The scenic locations and the natural environment make it a popular summer destination for people from other cities while it also attracts a decent foreign tourist patronage.

History
Historically, the city of Boquete found takers via gold seekers in the 18th century. Later, the present day Boquete had many farmers settling here. The town gets its name from the Spanish word for ‘gap’ or ‘opening’ which gold seekers tried to use via their conquest towards the Pacific. Officially created on the April 11, 1911, the city has seen regular spurts of population with every decade.

Accommodation Options
Boquete Youth hostels facilities for backpackers and bed and breakfasts along with lodges and other reasonable accommodation options are popular with visitors mostly during the music fests. In spite of being sparsely populated, the town boasts of ‘more than decent’ accommodation facilities. Guest house and budget hotels in Boquete can be booked in advance to avail discounts. Since the last 2 decades, a lot of foreigners, especially North Americans have made this city their home, post retirement. Hence, the accommodation options have been enhanced.

Popular Places and Entertainment Venues
With a lively arts and music scene, the city is flocked by visitors from all over Panama and even Latin America during music fests. The yearly Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival is quite an attraction. The Volcan Baru National Park and the Castle-style house near Caldera River are popular with tourists while Boquete Mountain Safari and Quetzal Trail feature in the to-do list when you are in this naturally beautiful place.

Local cuisine can be enjoyed with soft music and impressive hospitality at restaurants and bars. With many music based events happening in and around Boquete, coupled with the pleasant weather and traditional servings of coffee, Boquete is unofficially known as the: musical town of Panama. Cafe Ruiz is also quite popular with locals and tourists.

Getting Around
Most of the town has tar laden roads with sparse traffic; the best travel guide tip would be to utilize cars for travelling in and around the town. Public transportation works well, but private transportation via tour agencies is not only more convenient but effective as well. Enrique Malek International Airport and Bocas del Toro Isla Colón International Airport fall within 60 Km of the city limits.

Languages Spoken
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by a majority of people here. English and some local dialects are also popular, mostly near the countryside.

Currency Used
Balboa and U.S. dollar are exclusively used as currency here while news and updates of other currency conversion aspects can be checked with financial establishments.