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Lonely Planet Lists Chiriquí as Best Destination for 2025

Chiriquí Province in western Panama, highlighted by Lonely Planet as a top destination for 2025, offers diverse natural and cultural experiences. Start in Boquete, the mountain town known for its scenic views at around 1,200 meters above sea level. This area draws travelers seeking both tranquility and adventure, making it a central base for exploring the region.

The Coffee and Flowers Fair in Boquete

The Coffee and Flowers Fair in Boquete

If you visit Boquete in January, you’ll experience its annual Coffee and Flowers Fair, a celebration of both vibrant floral displays and the famous coffee grown in the region’s fertile volcanic soil. The fair attracts visitors with its lively atmosphere, featuring music, dancing, and local foods. Boquete’s coffee is especially renowned and prized internationally, so it’s an excellent opportunity to sample the flavors unique to this region.

Finca Drácula’s Botanical Wonders

Located near Boquete, Finca Drácula is a paradise for nature lovers and orchid enthusiasts. This botanical garden hosts one of the largest orchid collections globally, with more than 2,000 orchid species thriving in its lush environment. Named after the unique Dracula orchid, this garden allows visitors to explore Chiriquí’s rich biodiversity in a peaceful, colorful setting.

Rafting Adventures on the Chiriquí Viejo River

Adventure seekers will find a thrill on the Chiriquí Viejo River, which winds through the province with whitewater rapids suited for various skill levels. The river stretches over 120 kilometers, offering both mild and intense rapids that make it ideal for beginner and experienced rafters alike. Surrounded by stunning jungle scenery, rafting the Chiriquí Viejo provides an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Chiriquí’s natural beauty.

Hiking Volcán Barú

One of the region’s most challenging and rewarding hikes is up Volcán Barú, Panama’s tallest peak at 3,475 meters. This dormant volcano is the only place in Central America where, on clear days, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from its summit. The hike is demanding but offers incredible views, wildlife, and vegetation unique to the high-altitude cloud forest.

Boquete’s Coffee Culture

Boquete is known not only for its fair but also for its rich coffee culture, which can be experienced year-round. Several coffee farms around Boquete offer guided tours that give insight into the coffee-making process, from bean selection to roasting. Many tours conclude with tastings, allowing you to savor the distinctive flavors of Boquete’s world-renowned coffee.

Birdwatching in La Amistad International Park

Nature enthusiasts can explore La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Panama and Costa Rica. The park spans over 570,000 hectares and boasts hundreds of bird species, including the stunning Resplendent Quetzal. Hiking trails through the park’s cloud forests reveal some of Central America’s most diverse ecosystems, making it a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Add Chiriquí region tours and destinations to your trip

Contact us and ask us to add these Chiriquí activities or destinations to your next adventure with Blue Skies Panama and our staff will be glad to help you plan the perfect vacation.