Boquete Mountain Safari Your Path to Adventure

Panama's Volcano Still Bubbling • Caldera Hot Springs

The Volcán Barú Boquete (also Volcán de Chiriqui) is the tallest mountain in Panama and is 3,474 metres (11,398 ft) high. The last major eruption of the volcano was about 500 AD. There are reports, and some evidence, of a minor eruption around 1550 AD. However, deep in the earth, beneath your feet, the molten rock of the earth's interior still transmits heat upward through sold rock to ground water which has penetrated to that depth. This extremely hot water then forces its way upward through fissures and fractures, warming rocks and water as it goes. Where the hot water can escape at the ground surface, a hot spring is formed. The Caldera Hot Spring is produced by the emergence of geo-thermally-heated groundwater from the earth's crust. 

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/calderahotsprings.html

To book a tour to the Hot Springs, or to visit "Cheetah", click the link above.

Horseback Riding in the Mountain Mists of Panama

Rain or shine the trail is always open!

Boquete Safari is now offering Horseback Riding in the Mountains above the Boquete Valley. Enjoy the fresh cool air; views of the Pacific, the Volcan Baru, and the Valley of Boquete. Drive in our famous Yellow Jeep to our high elevation ranch where you will saddle up and head out for the most spectacular views on horseback in Panama. The trail meanders across the mountain ridge and then down in to the rainforest. An unsurpassed Boquete experience; for horse lovers or first time riders. horses in panama Pick up at your hotel; 20 to 30 minute casual ride up the mountain; 10-15 minute riding orientation; average 2+ hours of riding; leave the ranch and head back down the mountain to your hotel.

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/horsebackridingpanama.html

To see more pictures or book a Horseback Riding Adventure in Boquete; the only company with horses in the mountains of Panama, click on the link above.

4 x 4 Driving Tour Up the Volcan Baru, Panama

Boquete Mountain Safari is now offering a DRIVING tour up the Volcan Baru!

“Volcán Barú is a dormant, but potentially active volcano just south of the Continental Divide in the western Chiriqui Provence is surrounded by a fertile area of cool highlands rained by the Chiriquí and Caldera rivers. The towns of Volcan and Cerro Punta can be found on its western side, while Boquete is on the eastern flank.

The occasional fall of hail or ice pellets has been reported on the summit, where the minimal temperature can be below 0°C (32°F) and the formation of frost is frequent during the dry season.

Last Eruption

 The last major eruption of the volcano was about 500 AD. There are reports and some evidence of a minor eruption around 1550 AD. However, in 2006, an earthquake swarm occurred underneath the mountain, raising fears that it could erupt sometime in the future with explosive force.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki  above text from wikipedia.  Picture: Volcan Baru Picture

Many tourists come to Boquete to hike the Volcan Baru, the now dormant Volcano in the western highlands of Panama. The hike can take as long as 13 hours, and some don't make it to the top. But now we can offer those who prefer not to hike a 4 x 4 Jeep tour right to the top.

For more information on this tour: Driving Tour to the top of the Volcan Baru

Birding and Photo Tours • On Safari in Boquete, Panama

Boquete Mountain Safari, the premier adventure tour company in the Highlands of Panama, have started offering private birding and photo tours. 

When I travel I enjoy meeting people from all over the world--so I usually take a group tour. However,  some people like the one on one with a guide; prefer to set their own pace; or if you are a birder, or a bird photographer, the stillness and quiet of one or two people is essential.

So, if the 'private tour' is what you are after just e-mail: carol@boquetesafari.com for a price quote. 

For a less expensive, join the group tour, follow this link:

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/index1.html

Photos courtesy of John Tornblom, Boquete Mountain Safari Birding and Photography Guide.

Hike the Volcan Baru Boquete Panama

The park was created in 1976.  Its territory covers 14,000 hectors.  The summit of the volcano reaches an altitude of 3,774 meters above sea level (12,381 feet); this is the highest point in the Republic of Panama.   On a clear sunny day both oceans and a good portion of eastern Panama can be seen from the peak of the Barú Volcano. 

The Park is watched over by park rangers of la Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (National Authority of Environment), who are placed in Alto Chiquero and Camiseta, in the district of Boquete; and in Respingo, and Los llanos de Volcan, in the area of Volcan.

At the Volcán Barú National Park you will encounter 6 different climate zones: humid mountain forest, low humid mountain forest (only place in Panama where it is found), low humid mountain rainforest, mountain rain forest, very humid low mountain forest and pre-mountain rain forest. Average annual temperatures vary between 20º C at 1800 meters, to under 10º C on the top of the volcano. The rainfall is less heavy on the lower slopes with an annual average of around 4,000 mm and in the highest points over 6,000 mm.

History and Technical Information: The westernmost volcano in Panama, Baru, is a complex dominantly andesitic stratovolcano in the Talamanca Range near the Costa Rica border. The forested 3474-m-high Volcano Baru (also referred to as Volcan de Chiriqui) is the highest peak in Panama, and the summit now bristles with communication towers. A large 6-km-wide summit caldera breached widely to the west was formed by a large volcanic landslide, which created a massive debris-avalanche deposit that extends onto the Pacific coastal plain. Post-collapse eruptions have constructed lava domes inside the caldera that have grown to a height exceeding that of the caldera rim. A strong explosive eruption at about 600 AD ended human occupation at the Cerro Punta archaeological site NW of the volcano. Montessus de Ballore (1884) reported a strong eruption at Baru in the mid-16th century. Sapper (1917) considered this report to be uncertain, but radiocarbon dates have since been obtained for tephra deposits younger than about 500 years. Volcano Baru is the youngest major volcano in Panama, and geothermal exploration projects have been undertaken to determine its energy potential. Baru last erupted in 1550 and is not expected to erupt in the near future. It is currently forecasted to erupt in the year 2035 by ERUPTION Pro 10.4 with =>50% probability.

For more information or to book a hiking tour:

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/volcanbaruhike.html

 

 

All Day Adventures in Boquete, Panama

One of the best things about travel to Panama is the ability to take in the city, the ocean and the mountains in just a short stay. Visitors will plan their trip to Panama by spending a few days in Panama City, a couple of days in Bocas del Toro, and then the mountains of Boquete. Three days in the Highlands of Boquete is a short stay with everything there is to do here. So Boquete Safari has packaged some of their most popular tours in to one day to help you experience the best of Boquete in your short stay. You can hike, drive, horseback ride, and take in a coffee tour in just one day.

Wildlife Exploration: Hike thru Panama's National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Our 4x4 Land Cruisers will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to locations, off the beaten path. All explorations have been custom designed for Boquete Mountain Safari, by our Panamanian Guides. We have chosen the best locations to see the Resplendent Quetzal, Howler Monkey, Agouti, White Nosed Coati, and Pygmy Squirrel. Abundance of animals and birds is seasonally dependent.

Cloud Forest Safari • 4 x 4 Driving Tour:The lush primary forests of Boquete invite you to experience its amazing bio-diversity. Cruise the luxuriant Boquete Mountains and stop at some, or all, of the following; My Garden, Your Garden; Mi Jardín Es Su Jardína; El Explorador; a coffee farm; cascading waterfalls; the Volcan Baru National Park, "Sendero de los Quetzales", and sheer volcanic cliffs. Boquete is known for its coffee, flowers, and strawberries; drive by the high elevation farms that are the 'bread basket' of Panama.  

Horseback Riding in the Mountains: Boquete Safari is now offering Horseback Riding in the Mountains above the Boquete Valley. Enjoy the fresh cool air; views of the Pacific, the Volcan Baru (as seen in the picture above), and the Valley of Boquete. Drive in our famous Yellow Jeep to our high elevation ranch where you will saddle up and head out for the most spectacular views on horseback in Panama. The trail meanders across the mountain ridge and then down in to the rainforest. An unsurpassed Boquete experience; for horse lovers or first time riders.

 Coffee Tasting Tour: Visit a high elevation Boquete mountain coffee plantation, see the beneficio (processing mill), and taste several micro-roasted estate coffee's. Learn how to identify the different coffee's by region; how to detect what flavors you are tasting such as; jasmine, chocolate, citrus, fruity, or earthy.

 Caldera is Bubbling with many Hot Springs: The Hot Springs are produced by the emergence of geo-thermally-heated groundwater from the earth's crust. Ample time is provided to lounge in the hot spring, lavish your body with volcanic mud, bake in the sun, and rinse off in the cool waters of the Chiriqui River. Iguanas, Jesus Christ Lizards (named as they can run across water), Toucans, and an occasional boa can sometimes be spotted.

For more information about the tours: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/alldayadventuretour.html

 

Budget Adventure Tours in Boquete, Panama

Times are tough, budgets are tight, but we all still need to take a break. Panama is a great destination for Budget Travel. It's important to us that when you visit Boquete you have a great fun filled adventure--because that's what we are all about. So we have trimmed some of the frills from our most popular tours so we can make this special offer to you for the month of November.

 
For more information about this special offer from Boquete Mountain Safari click on the following link: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/budgettoursboquete.html

 

Best of Boquete, Panama Adventures

The top Premier tour companies in Boquete have joined forces and created a 3 day adventure for a discounted package rate. No need to go to 3 different web sites to book your fun filled days in Panama--one stop shopping for the most fun. Just let us know when you are arriving and we will do the rest. This is a 'wholesaler' price being offered directly to you. Why pay the up charge? Save the money for dinner because lunch is included on the full day packages.

For more information or to book your reservation: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/bestofboquetepackage.html

BOQUETE, A Shangri-La of coffee amid cool, green mountains

Sherman's Travel Magazine, Spring 2010 • Sherman's Spotlight on Panama • By Victoria De Silverio

 

Tucked in the green Talamanca highlands on the western flank of Panama near the Costa Rican border, the winsome hamlet of Boquete enjoys springtime climes year round. And, with its cheerful avarian style cottages dotting the flowery hillsides, Boquete resembles an off-season Swiss ski village. In town, modest churches mingle with boutiques and cafés, and outfitters offer white-water rafting, hiking and birding excursions.
 But there are many happy reminders that one is in Panama, such as men crowding stands selling lottery tickets; indigenous Ngöbe-Buglé women in brightly colored embroidered dresses; and mules hauling sacks of coffee, the region’s most celebrated asset.

 

Conquistadors and gold rushers used the valley as a shortcut (boquete means “gap” or “opening”), and by 1911 Europeans had settled the town. Among them was Norwegian Tollef B. Monniche, who designed the Panama Canal’s emergency dams and founded Finca Lérida, now one of Boquete’s largest coffee plantations. Boquete’s alpine microclimates and rich volcanic soil are ideal for producing high-quality beans. In 2007, a pound of rare Panamanian geisha beans sold at an auction for an unprecedented $130, and last year prices hit $300. Smooth and sweet with notes of honey, lemongrass, lavender, jasmine, tangerine, and tea, the coffee brewed from geisha beans is singular.

 

To understand what makes Boquete coffee so special, visit some of its small family owned estates. On a Boquete Mountain Safari coffee-tasting tour,(507-6627-8829; http://www.boquetmountainsafaritours.com) guests get a closeup view of artisanal coffee production, from the bean planting to roasting, and then they taste the brew.

 

“Coffee is like a mystery,” says Finca la Milagrosa owner Tito Vargas, a local with the dirt-stained hands of a farmer and the dark steady eyes of a mystic. He named his farm Milagrosa (“miraculous”) because naysayers doubted he could grow anything on a depleted 20-acre plot with his machines made of spare parts—like the grinder that relies on a car transmission. But the proof lies in Milagrosa’s delicious coffee. At organic farm Finca Dos Jefes, California-born owner Rich Lipner sprays the trees with a brew of molasses, phosphorus, and nitrogen, and cultivates the fields according to the lunar calendar. Boquete Mountain Safari tours culminate at Finca Lérida with a cupping, a professional tasting to evaluate the aroma, body, and flavor profile of several varietals, hosted by the operation’s head of quality control Andrès Lopez. Visitors gain an appreciation for coffee’s complexity along with a quickened pulse.

 

http://www.shermanstravel.com/spotlights/Panama/Boquete

Boquete, Panama Named as One of the Best Places to......?

We are always getting requests for interviews and tours from various magazines and video producers; NY Times on line, AFAR Magazine; Trinome (Canada); Cable and Wireless (Panama); About.com (http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/panamaguide/gr/BoqueteMountainSafari.htm ). Boquete is a hot spot for photographers and adventure writers.

Several months ago Jason Varney(http://varneyphoto.com/ ), photographer, was in Boquete shooting the pictures for the new Sept/Oct issue of AARP. He contacted us about our Horseback Riding in the Mountains Tour. We were delighted to take him, his assistant, and a representative from Ancon Expeditions (review on TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298424-d1070367-Reviews-Boquete_Mountain_Safari_Tours-Boquete.html ). It seems that Boquete is always in the news; as a great eco-tour destination, or for that retirement paradise.
 "..... if you want a temperate highlands retreat surrounded by unmatched natural splendor, the mountain town of Boquete, an hour’s flight from Panama City, is close to heaven. Here expats settle amid rain forests, coffee plantations, burbling streams, and hummingbirds hovering over dazzling flowers."

For the complete article on AARP on line:

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-07-2010/best-places-retire-panama-boquete.html

To contact Boquete Safari: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/index1.html

Equine Encephalomyelitis Hits Panama's Horses • But Not Boquete Safari's

More commonly known as "sleeping sickness," this disease is caused by the Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus or the Eastern version (EEE). WEE has been noted throughout North America, while EEE appears in the east and southeast. VEE, the Venezuelan variety, has not been seen in the United States for many years. However, a recent outbreak of VEE occurred in Mexico. Sleeping sickness is most often transmitted by mosquitoes, after the insects have acquired the virus from birds and rodents. Humans also are susceptible when bitten by an infected mosquito, but direct horse-to-horse or horse-to-human transmission is very rare.

All horses need an EEE and WEE vaccine at least annually. Which is why the outbreak in Panama has been so devastating for the horse population near the Darien, where the indigenous population cannot afford the vaccine.

Although the outbreak seems to be focused in the Darien, where mosquitoes are more abundant, the entire country is on alert. All horses have been quarantined, unless they have received the vaccination. In other words, horses cannot be moved around the country, rodeos and horse shows have been cancelled.

The Boquete Safari horses have received 2 doses of vaccines. That is why, while other tour companies in Boquete, who offer horseback riding, are not conducting business now, our horses are healthy and touring.

You can often find Horseback Riding in Latin American countries for little money, but the money that you pay for the tour is rarely going for the care of the horses. You save a little money, but you are only promoting the animal (horse) neglect that is so rampant in countries like Panama.

Tourists who decide to book their Horseback Riding adventures with Boquete Safari are always commenting on how healthy our horses are. After riding in Costa Rica, or other Latin American countries, they seem truly amazed that the horses are actually ‘plump’.

Before you set out on a Horseback Riding excursion, take a look at the horses. Support the companies who are investing in their most precious commodity—The Horses.

 

To see pictures of our horses or for more information about us and our very special friends:

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/horsebackridingpanama.html

 

 

 

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Hoof Beats

Horseback Riding in the Mountains of Boquete

Hit the trail on our new riding adventure.

Most of the horseback riding in the highlands of Boquete actually takes place in Caldera--a 40+ minute ride from Boquete, and a much hotter climate. Our new adventure is only a short jeep ride up the mountain side to our farm. There you will saddle up and head out along the top of the mountain ridge, with views of the Volcan Baru, Pacific, and the valley of Boquete. Enjoy the views and the lush rainforest filled with butterflies and birds that have made Boquete famous as a 'birding' destination.

You can also add a Coffee Tasting to this 1/2 day tour, our favorite Coffee Estate is just around the corner.

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/horsebackridingpanama.html

Television Crew Searches Panama For Perfect Cup of Coffee

Boquete Mountain Panama - Paradise On Earth

Myste and her crew traveled the width and breath of Panama on a scouting trip in search of adventure and the perfect cup of coffee, and she found it all in the Boquete Mountain region of Panama.

Region Touts the Best & Most Expensive Coffee

Our travels took us to "heaven on earth" located in the Boquete Mountain region of Panama.  We stayed at the best kept secret in all of Central America, Valle Escondido Resort, a hide away cut out of the jungle that offered all the comforts of a first class golf and spa resort.  Our gracious hosts Sam and Thalia Taliaferro took us under their wings and gave us advice on everything ranging from where to find the best coffee in the world to investment opportunities in the paradisaical retreat.

One referral was Ricardo Koyner, President of Kotowa Coffee.  Ricardo is a third generation coffee grower in Boquete, and his plantations win awards year after year.  His plantation grows the rare Geisha coffee, and arguably markets the most expensive cup of coffee in the world; "VOGO" $500 per champagne sized bottle sold only in Japan.

Our guide for adventure was Boquete Mountain Safari Tours, who took us four wheeling all over the mountain.  Owner Bradd Ferrias is the perfect guide for exciting fun and serene beauty. 

 

We could have listened for days to Sam, Thalia, Ricardo and Brad tout the amazing history of Panama, the wonders of the Boquete area, and its fine coffee.  And, we will when we return the end of April to shoot the Panama episode of Myste Buzzed on Paradise.  

Photos and Article by the Myste Crew.

Contact Information

Info@CoffeeLoverGuide.com

www.CoffeeLoverGuide.com

702-560-3144

 

 

Myste and the crew will return to Boquete Mountain and Panama City to complete the filming of Myste Buzzed on Paradise and to crown the Most Beautiful Latina in Panama at the Fiesta Casino in Panama City on April 24, 2010. 

After Panama, Myste is off to the Blue Mountains of Jamaica for the third in a series of six shows covering the best coffee regions in the world. Myste returns to Costa Rica on June 4 - 6, to help host the Fiesta Cup Golf Tournament for Charity, and put the finishing touches on the Costa Rica show. Other countries visited in 2010 will include Guatemala, the Antiqua region, Brazil, and Peru. 

The Natural Trim Goes to Panama

“Boquete Natural Balance Horse Week”

The Natural Trim Goes to Panama

By Dawn E. Willoughby, Natural Trimmer

 

Mario Chamorro, a horse owner living in Panama said, “I started barefoot trimming on my own about 3 years ago, in 2007. Since I didn’t have any guidance, I looked at the Hoof Jack™ as a non vital part of my tool set. When Dawn Willoughby came to Panama to teach a seminar this past January, she brought some stands with her. It was the missing link of my trim; it was what I’ve needed all along. I can now get very good mustang rolls on my horses’ hooves; they are even all the way around. Before I would rest the hooves on my leg, and to be honest, it is very hard to look and roll them in that position. Now I don’t even think of trimming the without the stand.”

Mario’s testimonial was typical of everyone I met in Panama who was new to trimming. I encouraged clinic attendees to trim with and without the stand. Learning to trim your own horse is hard enough without having him lean on you throughout the process. Horses love the stand too.

Only the two experienced farriers I worked with preferred to hold the hooves without the stand but of course they have developed the muscles for this work over many years. For novice trimmers, I strongly recommend the Hoof Jack hoof stand. I always have a few on hand at my place in Delaware and keep a few at Laura Florence’s Holistic Hoof Center in Unionville, Pa. I have tried metal hoof stands and the knock off of the Hoof Jack. They all have serious drawback.

Carol Delonis of Boquete Mountain Safari Tours organized my 3 clinics in western Panama for American and British Ex Patriots as well as local Panamanians interested in natural hoof care. Half day lectures, followed by lunch and full afternoons of hands on trimming made for a great 10 days in Caldera, a tropical paradise. We worked on the beautiful horses used for safari tours as well as horses located at attendees’ farms.

Gina McCall kindly hosted my 10 day stay at her boutique hotel, Rancho de Caldera, an Eco-tourist’s dream. I was awakened by the sun warming my toes and went to sleep with the sky filled with more stars than I had ever seen. Tropical birds visited my porch every morning sharing breakfast crumbs from my English muffin. Happily they weren’t interested in my famed, organic coffee grown near by. With unlimited wind, solar and hydro power, Rancho de Caldera is off the grid. I don’t have words to describe Chef Craig’s ethnic cuisine. You will have to visit Caldera and experience it for yourself

Texan Ex-Patriot, Bradd Ferraris of Boquete Safari Mountain Tours inspecting the mustang roll applied by Mario Chamorro on broodmare, Louisa’s rear hind foot. I was told Louisa kicked and so saved her for when I wasn’t rushed. Gentleness won her over and she was fine. This was a lesson I stressed to the local Panamanians throughout their training. Treat the horses kindly and in most instances they will be much easier to work with.

   

This is my home base at Rancho de Caldera, owned by Gina McCall. An early morning swim and stretch prepared me for my days of teaching the natural trim. ‘A Sanctuary for the Soul’, this boutique hotel is a must for any Panamanian trip.

  

Close up of Cliff’s trim. Notice the lovely thick wall. For the rehabilitation trim, I just added a bevel, rasping right to the laminae allowing the flared to grow out. Once the flare is grown out and the wall well connected, trimmer Eliezar will bevel just the outer wall, letting the bright white inner wall grow up over the sole a 1/16” to 1/8”, for the maintenance trim. This slight increase in the sole concavity will take Cliff to a new level of soundness. I balanced the heels but tried to leave them standing over the frog to protect it, enabling Cliff to come down as hard as he wants on the back of his foot. Eliezar will not trim the frog or sole. Cliff got his name from, falling off a cliff! I did some Equine Touch body work on him. His back end was so sore!

  

Trimming from the top is easy with the ball attachment on the Hoof Jack stand.

John, of Boquete Mountain Safari Tours, lead Cliff off after a trim. He walks comfortably on the gravel driveway but with someone on board still prefers the grassy shoulder. Carol’s horses are ridden in bitless bridles and well padded saddles. I gave Cliff the black Nurturel that he is modeling

----------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on:

Trim Your Horse™ clinics go to www.4SweetFeet.com, Dawn’s site.

Boquete Mountain Safari Tours, go to http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/More photos are on Carol’s Blog.

Rancho de Caldera, go to http://ranchodecaldera.com/

Equine Innovation and the Hoof Jack, go to http://www.hoofjack.com/v/vspfiles/home.asp

---------------------------------------------------------------------

BIOGRAPHY

Dawn Willoughby is a lifelong horse lover. She started riding lessons at Derby Down Stables in Kennett Square, Pa. at 7 and was given her own horse, Bridgette Belle, when she was 10. Dawn now lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband, Drew Knox, Rottweiler, Lily and rescued racehorse, Love “Sunny” Days. Her main interest is teaching horse owners to trim their own horses using information and methods gleaned primarily from Pete Ramey and Dr. Bob Bowker. She teaches 1:1 locally, and does clinics nationally and internationally, working with owners and their horses. See www.4sweetfeet.comfor more information on the natural trim and natural horse care; go to Equihab on YouTube for 3 trimming videos on the Rehabilitation Trim, and 4SweetFeet on YouTube for more videos from Panama.

 

Volcanic Rock Formations Create Challenging Climbs in Boquete, Panama

The best rock climbing in Panama is in Boquete with world class climber Cesar Melendez. After the last Volcano eruption, 600 years ago, rock formations were created that have now become the play ground for some of the best climbing in the America's.

 

Cesar Melendez (born September 1, 1982) is a Rock Climber born in Boquete, Panama. Melendez, who was discovered by Canadian climber Gary Burton Henning in 2004, is considered to be the most talented sport climber in Panama. Most known for his accomplishments in the basalt formations of Los Ladrillos in Bajo Mono, he has also climbed difficult routes through out the world in countries like United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Italy.

For the last four years Cesar has been developing sport routes for climbing in Boquete, Panama with Gary Henning from Canada. He has found some easy and challenging spots like Gunko in Boquete, Mana and Paradiso. All fully bolted featuring amazing basalt formations originated by the last volcano eruption in the area. The climbing is for levels from 5.7 up to 5.13. More than 30 routes and new routes being developed each year, including some water solos in the Pacific.

For more pictures and link to Cesar's contact information: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/rockclimbing.html

Beware of Imposters in Boquete, Panama

Imitation, they say, is the best form of flattery; but if it is a knockoff without the original quality, you are not getting what you think you are paying for.

Seven years ago the "Yellow Jeep" tours started in Boquete, Panama with 1 truck and 2 tours. Today the Yellow Jeep tours are synonymous with fun, adventure, and customer service international travelers expect. Since original thinking, or thinking outside the box, is not common amongst most panamanian locals, as Boquete Safari has developed new and creative experiences in Panama, so have the locals taken, what they think, is the substance of our tour experience and copied it. The local imposters, without certifications and credibility, have gone so far as to pass out our brochures, (stolen from hotels), and tell tourists that they are the "Yellow Jeep" tours, and "how would they like a tour?".

Beware of impostors! Boquete Safari pioneered the Wildlife Expedition, Horseback Riding and Hot Spring tour and more! If you are approached by a guide who is not in our distinctive uniform with our logo on it -- it's not us! Book directly with us or your hotel for the best tour experience possible! As wildlife lovers we don't like poachers!!

 

Watch for the Yellow Jeeps to pick you up, and the guides with the khaki shirts with our logo.

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/index1.html

Mountain Trails for Horseback Riding • Panama

Jan Hancock and Larry Snead from Arizona took these pictures while riding with Boquete Safari this week. Jan is an artist and writer; and Larry is an avid fly fisherman. Jan has written many books on Equestrian Guides to Trails throughout the United States. I have included a link to her books below. The pictures will speak for themselves:

 

Jan and Raul riding Lulu and Colorado.

View of the mountains, while on horse back, from the trail.

Pepino, Zoe and Bradd.

Pepino, Zoe, Max and Bradd•Notice how careful Pepino is crossing the stream.  

Raul and Lulu. Raul is our best birder and wildlife guide.

 

Max and Zoe finally getting tired.  

Back at the Ranch.

Louisa and her new little colt, Tornado.

For more pictures of the horses at Rancho de Caldera, and riding tours in Boquete, Panama.

  http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/horsebackriding.html

Or, if you just want to meet all the horses:

http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/horsebackridinghorses.html

 

Here is the link to the online version of Jan's latest book, "Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds:"  www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/07232816/index.htm  and the link to the book on Amazon.com "Horse Trails in Arizona" http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Trails-Arizona-Jan-Hancock/dp/0914846965 - although it is currently sold out and only used copies are available.  The design guidebook is available for free by filling out the Federal Highway Administration Order Form online at: : www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub.htm

 

 

Roast Your Own Coffee at a High Elevation Organic Coffee Estate

Boquete Safari has added another totally unique coffee experience to your stay in Panama. The most popular tour in Boquete seems to be one that involves tasting some of the best coffee in the world. Cafe Ruiz, Kotowa, and Finca Lerida are the most popular names tossed around when someone inquires about a coffee tour. We started the first 3 finca coffee tour, designed after the Napa Valley wine tours and the Kona coffee tours in Hawaii.

Now one of our favorite coffee estates has started a tour that not only involves learning about the coffee process, the farm, the bean, but how to roast your own coffee. Before you begin your roasting experience you will have the opportunity to taste different coffees that have been roasted for different lengths of time, determining the color, taste and aroma of the coffee. Once your personal preference has been established, your hands on experience begins. Cafe de la Luna is a small organic coffee estate owned and operated by Rich Lipner, and ex-pat from the United States. His passion for coffee and knowledge about the process will amaze even the most educated coffee aficionado.

To read more about the coffee tour: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/coffeeroastingtour.html

Coffee Roasting in Boquete, Panama

Boquete is known for its coffee; and the best way to experience all the fabulous flavors, and nuances, is to take a coffee tour while visiting. To experience just one coffee, however, will not do justice to the myriad of flavors. Boquete Safari http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/coffeetours.html has designed a coffee tour with the connoisseur in mind. They visit 3 different estates so you can taste, and buy right at the estate, from different micro-climates. The Micro climates are one of the reasons that coffee is so good in Panama. High in the mountains, growing in volcanic soil, the coffee growth and textures change from one side of the valley to the other. http://www.panamaspecialtycoffee.com/ 

If you want to really learn the entire coffee process, incuding how to roast, Dos Jefes offers a "Roasting Tour". http://www.boqueteguide.com/?p=3967 

Howler Monkey's and Quetzals in Boquete, Panama

Last year (due to some late season floods) we had a bit of a set back on our favorite trails in Boquete when it came to spotting exotic birds and wildlife. Although Panama is no Africa--regarding the large animal safari's; no lions, tigers, or elephants--we do have our wildlife, albeit, sometimes they are very elusive. The prime Quetzal season is over until late Fall, however,we are still seeing some of these exquisite birds (female below). Yesterday's hike also produced a few Howler Monkeys as well. I have included the shots from yesterdays hike; although not our best bit of photography, I wanted to show that our guides know the trails, and if the wildlife is in the area, our guides will find them.