A Beginner's Guide to Chiriquí, Panama

Chiriquí, Panama, is a stunning region filled with wildlife-rich cloud forests, rushing rivers, lush agricultural valleys, and pristine mountain landscapes.

Travelers flock to the picturesque town of Boquete for its refreshing mountain climate, outdoor activities, and endless hiking trails surrounding Volcán Barú.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your first visit to Chiriquí.

When is the best time to visit Chiriquí, Panama?

Chiriquí is a destination you can enjoy year-round. From December to April, temperatures typically sit around 21°C/72°F, with February and March being the warmest and sunniest months. The rainy season lasts from May to December, with October receiving the heaviest rainfall, though the showers usually arrive in brief, intense bursts during the afternoon.

Coffee in Chiriquí is harvested from December to March. If you plan to visit during Panama’s peak season (over Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter) or want to experience the famous Feria de las Flores y del Café in Boquete—two weeks of flowers, coffee, and traditional music and dance starting mid-January—you’ll need to make your reservations well in advance.

How long should I stay in Chiriquí?

Experience the many delights of Chiriquí on a long weekend—make Boquete your base to hike through misty cloud forest trails, taste some of Panama’s finest coffee, and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal.

If you stay longer, you can conquer Panama’s highest peak—either on foot or by 4WD—soar above it on an exhilarating zip line, tackle white-water rafting and rappelling, and explore the trails in national parks before relaxing on a secluded island in the Golfo de Chiriquí, where you can spot humpback whales and dolphins.

Is getting around Chiriquí easy?

Boquete is a seven-hour drive from Panama City, or you can reach David—Panama’s second-largest city and the capital of Chiriquí Province—about an hour from Boquete, in roughly nine hours by bus or on a one-hour domestic flight.

Boquete’s town center is compact and walkable, and there are budget-friendly buses available throughout the region. Taxis are abundant, but if you’re venturing out of town, be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand. For exploring further afield and accessing trailheads, consider renting a car or joining tours.

6 top activities to enjoy in Chiriquí

1. Visit Boquete, the laid-back adventure hub of Chiriquí

Nestled at the base of the majestic Volcán Barú, picturesque Boquete is renowned for its refreshing climate, stunning natural beauty, and exceptional coffee. It serves as Chiriquí’s outdoor adventure haven, offering countless options for thrill-seekers.

You’ll find climbing routes suitable for all skill levels; tackle vertical volcanic rock faces, traverse horizontal basalt formations, and rappel down stunning waterfalls. The swift Rio Chiriquí Viejo provides an excellent venue for white-water rafting, complete with opportunities for spectacular wildlife viewing between the rapids. Discover the area on a mountain bike or horseback, then unwind in Caldera’s rustic, mineral-rich hot springs.

2. Experience the journey from bean to cup with a coffee tour and tasting

Chiriquí’s rich volcanic soil is ideal for coffee cultivation, with vast fincas creating a lush patchwork of green across the landscape. The region is especially famous for Geisha Panama, one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

To witness the coffee-making process firsthand—from planting and harvesting ripe cherries to drying and roasting the beans, culminating in a coffee tasting—join a tour at one of the many plantations near Boquete. Consider visiting the renowned Finca Lérida, Elida Estate (part of the Lamastus Family Estates), or Café Altieri Specialty Coffee, which supports community development for its indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé coffee harvesters.

3. Conquer Panama’s tallest peak, Volcán Barú

Standing at 3,474 meters (11,398 feet), the summit of dormant Volcán Barú is the highest point in Panama. On clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, while the surrounding 143-square-kilometer (55-square-mile) national park is rich in wildlife, including pumas and over 250 species of birds.

The hike to the summit is a steep and demanding 27 kilometers (17 miles), typically taking about six hours to ascend and another six to return to Boquete. For an unforgettable experience, consider an overnight trek to catch a stunning sunrise from the top before making your way down. Alternatively, a rugged 4WD journey to the peak departs around 3 a.m.

4. Soar above the forest canopy and enjoy birdwatching

Channel your inner superhero and zip across the forest canopy with Tree Trek Boquete’s exhilarating zip line. Once back on solid ground, explore enchanting cloud forest trails, like the 8-kilometer (4.3-mile) Sendero Los Quetzales, which connects Boquete to Cerro Punta, in search of the stunning resplendent quetzal. The best months for spotting this bird are from February to May.

5. Observe marine mammals in the Gulf of Chiriquí

The Golfo de Chiriquí stretches from the Costa Rican border to the Azuero Peninsula. This stunning area features numerous small tropical islands, lush mangrove forests, and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, which is home to monkeys, turtles, a variety of bird species, vibrant fish, and approximately 20 types of marine mammals, all safeguarded within the Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí.

Embark on a boat tour from Boca Chica—about 90 minutes from Boquete and an hour from David—for spectacular humpback whale watching as they breach and slap their tails on the water. These magnificent whales migrate to the gulf's warm waters from both poles between May and November, with peak sightings occurring from July to October. You may also encounter pilot whales, playful dolphins, whale sharks, and schools of giant manta rays.

6. Explore the Lost Waterfalls Trail

Chiriquí boasts a multitude of epic hikes through its verdant landscapes, with the trail to three stunning waterfalls near Boquete being particularly popular. This 3.4 km (2.1 miles) out-and-back trail is well-marked but can be steep and slippery, winding through lush jungle, towering trees, oversized foliage, and twisting vines—keep an eye out for sloths, monkeys, and the elusive quetzals.

The first waterfall is the tallest and incredibly photogenic, prompting some hikers to save it for last. Reaching the second waterfall requires more climbing; it's a powerful cascade that plunges off a cliff into a small, rocky pool. The third waterfall is the hardest to access but arguably the most breathtaking, with ropes available to assist your climb.

My favorite activity in Chiriquí

After a long day of hiking, I enjoy indulging in Chiriquí's farm-to-table cuisine. In Boquete, the restaurant at Finca Lérida is worth the treat. Chef Sara Borrero utilizes organic produce from local farms to craft Panamanian dishes with a modern flair, such as smoked tomato soup and trout served with a cashew and orange sauce. Be sure to try a shot of the Geisha liquor.

At Restaurante Cerro Brujo in Volcán, chef Patricia Miranda offers a daily-changing menu on a chalkboard that highlights organic local ingredients, featuring fresh salads straight from the garden, sesame-crusted mahi-mahi, and tree tomato sorbet.

How much should I budget for Chiriquí?

Chiriquí tends to be more affordable compared to Panama City. You’ll find accommodations for every budget, ranging from hostels to charming guesthouses and upscale boutique hotels. Public transport is inexpensive, and car rentals are also quite reasonable. You can enjoy tasty street food, dine at a local fonda, or indulge in fine dining. Here's a breakdown of daily expenses:

• Basic hotel room for two: starting around US$40

• Car rental per day: starting around US$6

• Cup of coffee: ranging from about US$3 for regular coffee to US$100 for Geisha

• A local beer: approximately US$2

• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about US$40

• Bus ticket: roughly US$2

What should I bring?

Pack layers, regardless of the season. While Panama's coast and cities may be hot, Chiriquí offers a cooler climate, so layering is key. Shorts are great for daytime, but you'll want long pants and a light fleece for the chilly evenings in the highlands. Don't forget sturdy, waterproof boots and a rain jacket for the wet and muddy trails.