Boquete Mountain Safari Your Path to Adventure

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

New Tarantula Species in Panama Named for Ruben Blades

"When visiting scientist Ray Gabriel first visited the Island of Bocas del Toro in western Panama, he was told that there were no tarantulas to be found.  But soon he uncovered not only a species that is already known, but also a small, pink tarantula that he didn’t recognize.  He sent it to tarantula expert Fernando Perez-Miles at the University of Uruguay.  It turned out to be a new species! They named it Ami bladesi.  The generic name, Ami, is a Tupi Indian word that means “a spider that does not spin a web,” and the species name, bladesi, is for Ruben Blades, Panamanian musician and former Minister of Tourism.

Panama holds living secrets that make it a natural magnet for people asking questions about life. Panama’s tectonic ups and downs confront living beings with new situations.  When the Isthmian land bridge formed between North and South America, suddenly animals, plants and insects that had never seen each other before came into contact—killing each other, coexisting or even helping each other out.

Fish, shrimp, tubeworms, sponges and other marine relatives in the once great seaway between the continents were forever forced to dwell either in the colder Pacific in the Bay of Panama or the warm Caribbean—where they went their separate evolutionary ways, becoming sister species that can no longer mate even if you bring them back together again.  As a result, Panama is one of the most biodiverse small countries in the world."

http://www.stri.si.edu/english/about_stri/stri_science/new_tarantula_species_named_for_ruben_blades.php

Old Panama Railroad Maps Discovered

 
“History of Panama has been influenced by its strategic location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. The native Cuevas and Cocole tribes quickly disappeared after the Spanish arrived with their weapons and diseases in the early 16th century. Panama City, on the Pacific coast, thrived as Spain conquered and plundered Peru. Caravans loaded with gold traveled overland across the narrow isthmus from Panama City to be loaded on galleons bound for Spain. However, this wealth attracted pirates and, in the early 1700s, Panama's Caribbean shore was dotted with so many pirate strongholds that shippers chose instead to sail around Cape Horn to Peru. Panama's importance rapidly declined, and Spain did not contest its inclusion as a province of Colombia when that country won its independence from Spain in 1821.
The history of the Panama Canal is fascinating. In the 1880s, Colombia made a treaty with France for the construction of a canal across Panama's narrow isthmus, but yellow fever claimed the lives of more than 22,000 workers over a five-year period, and construction was halted. Over Colombia's objections, one of the French investors negotiated a deal to have the United States construct a canal just at the time that Panama's independence movement needed tactical and financial assistance. When Panama declared its independence from Colombia in November 1903, U.S. troops were already present to "protect" the new government. In return for constructing a canal, the new Panamanian government granted U.S. control over rights on either side of the canal "in perpetuity," and U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt's "Panama Doctrine" began with the eradication of mosquitoes, which carried malaria and yellow fever.”

 Article from:

http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/articles/travel/history/History-of-Panama-1231846519579.html

Maps of Panama and Boquete:

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

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

http://www.panamarailroad.org/maps.html

 

 

Boquete Haven Spa • Your Oasis for Holy Week in Panama

Easter is just around the corner and most of the Hotels in Boquete are either sold out, or pretty near capacity. If you are coming to Boquete, but still don't have your room reservation, try the Haven Spa. Since it is very new, it is also one of the best kept secrets in Boquete. Near to town, but off the grid enough so that you a world away from the hustle of the downtown area. Your room rate includes use of the Spa;  Pool;  Gym; Relaxation Room and the entire Haven grounds.

Rates for Holy Week range from $135 to $180; standard to deluxe rooms--light breakfast included.

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

COPA Adding Direct Flights to Canada, and Other Locations

The waiting is over for Canadians living in Panama, who have been promised direct flights to their home country for years.

Copa Airline announced Thursday, January 20, that Toronto Pearson Airport will receive four flights a week from Panama starting June 15.

They also announced flights to two other destinations in the Americas beginning June 15, and will increase the frequency of daily flights as part of its 2011 expansion plan.
Copa President, Pedro Heilbron, said that the other destinations are Porto Alegre, and Nassau in the Bahamas. This means the airline will be flying toto 55 cities in 27 countries.
"The expansion plan that will make Panama not only the leading hub in Latin America, but also as the destination with the best air connectivity on the continent," said Heilbron.
Also beginning in June, the airline will increase the frequency of flights to Lima, Orlando, Miami, Bogotá, and Santiago, Chile.

Private Casitas and Cottages in Boquete, Panama

If you are traveling to Boquete, Panama accomodations can range from $5.00 a night to $500.00 a night. Service and ambiance are usually in proportion to the dollars you are willing to part with; but not necessarily. Boquete Safari has put together a page of PRIVATE Cabanas and cottages for that extra special stay in the Highlands of Panama.

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

The Road Less Traveled will lead you to a Private Cabana in Panama.....

 

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

 

Boquete, Panama • Where You Can Zip Among the Coffee Plants

Boquete, Panama is in the news again, this time via the Washington Post. I have been living in Boquete for several years now and it is always exciting to see our little village make ‘the big time’. With the Holiday’s approaching, along with the snow and sleet in many areas of the world, Boquete is a great destination for an awesome adventure.  

By David Taylor: Special to The Washington Post

Friday, November 19, 2010; 10:46 AM

 “The words "zip line canopy tour" brought visions of a childhood dream: gliding over emerald rows of plants in Panama's coffee highlands. I imagined flicking under the dark green leaves of coffee trees, just yards above the rich soil, getting a thrill and a deep appreciation of a new place at the same time. Sitting at my home computer, that vision struck me as pretty irresistible. My wife, Lisa, and I were planning a trip to see my cousins in Panama, so I typed in a few lines, and zip! I had a reservation. 

 In Panama City with my cousins, we strolled the atmospheric old quarter, Casco Viejo, taking in its jazz clubs, galleries, restaurants and New Orleans-style aura, then flew to Boquete. Nestled in Panama's coffee highlands, Boquete is far from the brutal humidity of the capital and known more for rafting, coffee farm tours and gringo retirees than for history. (Our taxi driver told us that the name of Las Ruinas, a restaurant outside town, refers to a fake ancient ruin.) The area's oldest coffee mill dates to 1917.

More recently, the mountain air also spawned zip line tours, typically as a way to see a forest's upper reaches. (The zip's history goes back to H.G. Wells's 1897 novella, The Invisible Man,as a fair ride in which "one could be hurled violently against a sack at the other end"; Wells astutely observed that the notion held "considerable favor among the adolescent.") So we showed up at Los Establos Plaza, climbed into Boquete Tree Trek's open-sided diesel truck along with 10 other travelers from Europe, Asia and the United States, and rode up the mountain.

The air quickly got cooler, the road narrowed and we passed the dark green coffee leaves that I'd pictured. They were, however, way too low to fly under. Coffee plants can grow pretty tall but get trimmed to about eight feet for easier harvest. Some varieties prefer shade from a higher layer of trees; others prefer full sunlight.

Not long ago, coffee experts from the Roasters Guild journeyed to Boquete to probe its secrets and learned that the east-west curve of Panama (my cousins called it "the downspout effect," from its shape on the map) allows a unique web of cold air currents through the mountains. The currents cause a flourishing of microclimates - subtly varied blends of temperature, moisture and sunlight - that suit the finicky coffee plants.

If you have time, it's worth scheduling a coffee farm tour that takes you from plant to roaster. Panama's rainy season runs from April to December, but the Tree Trek folks report that May is drier in the mountains. In April, Boquete's bromeliad festival showcases the wonderland of the highlands' native plants.”

For Information about the links in the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/19/AR2010111902741_4.html?sid=ST2010111903682

 To Book an Adventure Tour: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/index1.html

 The complete Article in the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/19/AR2010111902722.html?sid=ST2010111903682



The Three Best Places to Retire (or visit) in Panama

Although the following article from US News is about the 3 best places to retire in Panama it also gives anyone who is coming to visit an idea of the different areas and what is special about them.

The 3 Best Places to Retire in Panama

By Kathleen Peddicord

Posted: October 25, 2010

• Panama is one of the world’s top retirement havens. However, in this country, you have three dramatically different lifestyle options to choose among: the city, the beach, and the mountains. Here are the best places in Panama to live each of these retirement lifestyles.

Panama’s most user-friendly retirement choice: Panama City.  This is a city where you can get any product or service you might want, if you’re willing to pay for it. You have many good options for obtaining a residency visa fairly easily. It’s possible, depending on your circumstances, to live here tax-free. This is an important banking center, home to dozens of international banks, which makes it easy to access your money. And the infrastructure is good, thanks to the efforts of the American military while they were here operating the Canal and the continued revenue from the Canal. Panama City is also a travel hub, not only for the region, but for the world. There are many good restaurant choices, international-standard shopping, and a diversity of opportunities for how to spend your time.

On the other hand, Panama City is hot and humid year-round, sometimes stiflingly so. Its streets are clogged with traffic at all hours of the day and night, and it’s impossible to escape the noise of constant construction and seemingly omnipresent car alarms. In addition, Panama City no longer qualifies as a super-cheap retirement choice. You will need about $2,000 a month for a comfortable, expatriate -standard lifestyle in this city, including $800 a month for rent.

You could live here for less, but I don’t imagine you’re looking to move to Panama to dine at home alone every evening in a tiny overheated apartment on rice, beans, and yucca. My budget estimate is for a pleasant life you’d enjoy living. If your retirement nest egg doesn’t allow for a $2,000-a-month cost of living, don’t write off Panama entirely. Instead, look beyond Panama City.

Panama’s most affordable beach retirement option: Las Tablas. Panama is blessed with two long coastlines, one Caribbean and one Pacific. There are many beach lifestyle options. The Pacific beaches just outside Panama City are the most expensive, not because they’re the nicest (they aren’t), but because they’re within commuting distance of the capital.

For the best beaches in the country, you need to travel to the Azuero Peninsula. On the eastern coast of this peninsula is a small colonial town called Las Tablas. This is my pick for the best beach retirement choice in the country. Las Tablas is a charming town within minutes of the beach, home to a small but growing expatriate community. It’s also a place where you can enjoy a comfortable life on a very small budget.

A retired couple could live comfortably here on less than $1,000 a month. One reason the overall cost of living in Las Tablas is so reasonable is because the cost of renting here is almost unbelievably low. You can rent a one-bedroom house within a few minutes’ walk of the beach for as little as $300 a month. You could spend more on housing, of course, but you won't have to.

Panama’s best weather: Boquete. The biggest downside to life in Panama City and at the beach is the weather. If you can’t tolerate heat and humidity, you might regret a move to either place. In that case, again, don’t take Panama off your list. Instead, consider Panama’s highlands, where the climate can be markedly cooler and less humid.

Boquete is the best known and most developed highland option in this country. And, right now, it’s a more affordable place to retire than it has been in some time. Housing costs have fallen in this part of Panama over the past two years. It’s currently possible to rent a comfortable house for as little as $600 per month.

Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group. With more than 25 years experience covering this beat, Kathleen reports daily on current opportunities for living, retiring, and investing overseas in her free e-letter. Her book, How To Retire Overseas—Everything You Need To Know To Live Well Abroad For Less, was recently released by Penguin Books.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2010/10/25/the-3-best-places-to-retire-in-panama.html

For more information about Boquete: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/index1.html

Coffee Chronicles from the Bajareque Times

Varietals:  MORE TO COFFEE THAN….LIGHT , MEDIUM AND DARK

Written by: Kristina Lea /Native Coffee Roasters-Panama

Every coffee tree is different and, although many of the coffee trees you see throughout the western highlands of Panama may look similar to each other, they differ in origin, growth habits and bean flavors.  They exist in clusters of biotypes that, it has been recently discovered, effect the taste potential when processed separately rather than the traditional field blends.

For example, the Geisha varietal, one of the world`s premier specialty coffees, was discovered in Jaramillo, Boquete by a combination of serendipity and inductive thinking of farmers’ experimentations.   Coffee arabica and Coffee canephora/Robusta are the main species of coffee for consumption.  Arabica has a higher quality and taste, can be grown at higher elevations and it has many varietals which have arisen by mutations or farmers’ selections.

 Robustas are mass-produced, high-yielding, resistant to pest and diseases, but are of a lower quality.

Within the Arabica species, there are many sub-groups.  In the past, the types of Arabica’s individual tastes were overlooked or not used in the description of the coffee. Now, with the specialty coffees, new wave, single varietals are processed separately; thus, enabling coffee lovers to distinguish the nuances of each varietal’s taste.

Panama western province is rich and abundant in coffee heirloom varieties due to the history and culture of our farmers.   Because of the volcanic landscape and soil, one can see a ‘cocktail’ of varietals which make Panamanian coffee unique. 

For the complete article on Coffee in Boquete, Panama you can go to:

http://www.boquete-bajareque-times.com/index.php?id=48

Kristina, from Native Coffee Panama, is the roaster for many of the the small, estate coffees in Boquete, Panama. You can buy the coffee she roasts at the following locations;

El Arte de Café y Crepes • El Cacique

Palo Alto Valle Restaurant

Deli Baru • Del Rio Hotel

Hostel Boquete

Rey Supermarket (coming soon

Or Call her at: 6590-5302

Private Cabana's Boquete, Panama • Exclusive Travel Accomodations

Boquete, Panama is a great vacation destination. The “ Valley of the Flowers” is known for its lush tropical landscape, hot springs, rare and exotic Quetzal, the Volcan Baru, and accommodations from $5.00 a night to 5 star resorts for $300 a night. For the independent traveler who is looking for a quiet and private place to call home, the New Boquete Mountain Casita’s are now taking reservations. Boquete Mountain Safari, the premier tour company in Panama has found a few hidden treasures for those of you who journey on the ‘road less travelled’. The accommodations include a house in the middle of a 7 acre Organic coffee farm; a private guest house within walking distance to the village, and a romantic suite with a view of the Volcan Baru. To see the complete listing and detailed information go to: http://www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com/accommodationsboquetepanama.html

   

Howler Monkey's on Patrol in Boquete, Panama

The rainy season is over in Boquete, Panama, but it was a rather wet one. Boquete, and other areas of Panama, had some severe flooding along the river. A couple of hotels were damaged, and a few homes along the river were washed away. The flood came so quickly that some horses, dogs, and pigs that were tied up in their yards drowned, as there was not enough time to let them loose. To me, an animal advocate, this is most tragic, as domestic animals are in our care, they were helpless, and no one could help them.

The river swelled so quickly that some of the trails in the National Park are difficult to navigate, and some areas are dangerous to cross. As the dry season sets in, and the rivers recede ,the trails will open again. In the mean time, Boquete Safari has found some new trails, still within the National Park. This is a great time of year to see the rainforests in Boquete, Panama, so our guides set out the day after the flood, to access the damage to the trails and find passage.

If you have traveled with us on our wildlife adventures, you know that we have a 90% Quetzal Sighting rate; that our guides have an uncanny ability to find wildlife that others would just pass by. So of course we have found a couple of Howler Monkey Troupes on our new trails.

This is a new category on this blog--I will try to keep up with the sightings of wildlife in Boquete, Panama and include at least one picture if possible.

This is one of the Howler Monkey's spotted on our wildlife adventure last week.

Boquete Flood? • This is Boquete Today

 After all the press about the floods in Boquete, I decided to share, in photos, why people visit Boquete, and why people who live here are so proud to call this beautiful valley home.

“All of the traditional activities that Panamanian families have enjoyed over the years never stopped,” says Lissette Ameglio, Fresas Café. “The gardens of Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador. Stopping for a delicious strawberry batido. Enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Relaxing with your family. Boquete is the perfect place to do this. Now the sun is out and we want people to experience the beauty of our special town today.”

 

 

 

 

“

 

“Everybody saw the photos and footage, but it’s important to remember: the story didn’t stop there,” continues Chef Collins. “The Boquete community rallied together to help the people in the areas affected by the river. The speed at which those vulnerable points were fixed was truly amazing. It speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the people in Boquete.” 

What’s Up in Boquete? It’s business as usual in Boquete as the town puts the spotlight where it belongs: on its beauty and its people BOQUETE, PANAMA: Boquete was in the spotlight this past week, not for its natural beauty, award-winning coffee and friendly people, but because of the damage caused by the Caldera River. The dramatic footage and photos don’t tell the whole story: Bouquet didn’t experience long-term flooding. The river grew quickly during a short period of time and affected some structures in its immediate vicinity. The fact is, the majority of Boquete, including the downtown, roads, tours and activity businesses and most restaurants and hotels, were untouched. The people of Boquete and the business community have come together to invite the public to experience Boquete today. “It is business as usual in Boquete,” says Charlie Collins, Owner and Executive Chef, Panamonte Inn and Spa. “Of course, it has been a difficult week for the people of Boquete and our hearts go out to the families affected. My family has been in Boquete for three generations and some things never change: the things that Boquete has always been known for—its natural beauty, relaxing environment, fresh air, friendly people and welcoming spirit—were 100% unaffected.” Earlier in the week, media, websites and blogs were reporting on the situation in Boquete. But the photos and footage was limited to a very small section of Boquete, the rest of the town was untouched. “Everybody saw the photos and footage, but it’s important to remember: the story didn’t stop there,” continues Chef Collins. “The Boquete community rallied together to help the people in the areas affected by the river. The speed at which those vulnerable points were fixed was truly amazing. It speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the people in Boquete.” ‘What’s up in Boquete?’ o Airport service to David and the main road connecting David to Boquete was unaffected o All the main roads and the downtown were untouched o Traditional Boquete activities Panamanians have always enjoyed—visiting gardens like Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador, stopping for strawberry drinks, enjoying coffee, sharing the beauty with family and loved ones—never stopped o Great restaurants and hotels are open for business o All the exciting outdoor activities Boquete is known for are still available: hiking, rafting, ziplining, rock-climbing, horseback riding, bird-watching, hot springs and coffee tours “All of the traditional activities that Panamanian families have enjoyed over the years never stopped,” says Lissette Ameglio, Fresas Café. “The gardens of Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador. Stopping for a delicious strawberry batido. Enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Relaxing with your family. Boquete is the perfect place to do this. Now the sun is out and we want people to experience the beauty of our special town today.”

Boquete Flood • Quick Recovery

The attached photo is an example of the incredible work being done in Boquete, after the flood. The Hotel Ladera was the most severly damaged hotel in Boquete on November 22nd. The river changed course and took the street in front of the hotel. The City of Boquete, the mayor, government workers, and volunteers are working tirelessly to repair all the damage. The Boquete Flood will be just part of Boquete's history in a few short weeks.

This photo is courtesy of Juan Antonio Villegas from Escape to Boquete.

BOQUETE, PANAMA

: Boquete was in the spotlight this past week, not for its natural beauty, award-winning coffee and friendly people, but because of the damage caused by the Caldera River. The dramatic footage and photos don’t tell the whole story: Boquete didn’t experience long-term flooding. The river grew quickly during a short period of time and affected some structures in its immediate vicinity. The fact is, the majority of Boquete, including the downtown, roads, tours and activity businesses and most restaurants and hotels, were untouched.  The people of Boquete and the business community have come together to invite the public to experience Boquete today.  

“Boquete is back on track,” says Charlie Collins, Owner and Executive Chef, Panamonte Inn and Spa. “Of course, it has been a difficult week for the people of Boquete and our hearts go out to the families affected. My family has been in Boquete for three generations and some things never change: the things that Boquete has always been known for—its natural beauty, relaxing environment, fresh air, friendly people and welcoming spirit—were 100% unaffected.”

Earlier in the week, media, websites and blogs were reporting on the situation in Boquete. But the photos and footage was limited to a very small section of Boquete, the rest of the town was untouched. 

“Everybody saw the photos and footage, but it’s important to remember: the story didn’t stop there,” continues Chef Collins. “The Boquete community rallied together to help the people in the areas affected by the river. The speed at which those vulnerable points were fixed was truly amazing. It speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the people in Boquete.” 

o       Airport service to David and the main road connecting David to Boquete was unaffected

o       All the main roads and the downtown were untouched

o       Traditional Boquete activities Panamanians have always enjoyed—visiting gardens like Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador, stopping for strawberry drinks, enjoying coffee, sharing the beauty with family and loved ones—never stopped

o       Great restaurants and hotels are open for business

o       All the exciting outdoor activities Boquete is known for are still available: hiking, rafting, ziplining, rock-climbing, horseback riding, bird-watching, hot springs

and coffee tours “All of the traditional activities that Panamanian families have enjoyed over the years never stopped,” says Lissette Ameglio, Fresas Café. “The gardens of Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador. Stopping for a delicious strawberry batido. Enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Relaxing with your family. Boquete is the perfect place to do this. Now the sun is out and we want people to experience the beauty of our special town today.”

For more information about what is happening in Boquete, please visit www.boquetetoday.com and come to Experience Boquete Today! 

Boquete Hoy

Boquete retoma su curso: la belleza y el encanto de su gente vuelven a ser los principales protagonistas en Boquete

 

 

 

Boquete volvió a ser noticia, y esta vez no por su café de categoría mundial, ni por su belleza natural o el encanto de su gente, sino por la veloz crecida del Río Caldera. Sin embargo las fotos y comunicaciones que han aparecido en los medios de información no han logrado reflejar lo acontecido de manera precisa y completa: en Boquete no se dio una inundación en el sentido estricto de la palabra. Ciertamente el río creció rápidamente en un corto periodo de tiempo pero sólo llegó a afectar algunas estructuras que se encontraban inmediatamente próximas a él. De hecho la mayor parte del distrito de Boquete, incluyendo sus calles, tours, actividades y casi la totalidad de sus restaurantes y hoteles están totalmente intactos. Los boqueteños y sus comerciantes se han unido en el día de hoy para invitar al público en general para que vengan a vivir la experiencia boqueteña.

“Todo ha vuelto a la normalidad”, comenta Charlie Collins, Dueño y Chef Ejecutivo del Panamonte Inn & Spa. “Claro que ha sido una semana difícil para Boquete y su gente. Nuestro corazón siente el dolor de aquellas familias que han sido afectadas, pero la verdadera noticia es que la comunidad de Boquete se organizó rápidamente y tanto las autoridades como la ciudadanía en general se unieron para prestar ayuda a los que la requerían y todo ha retomado su curso. Por otro lado es verdaderamente sorprendente la rapidez con la que se han reparado los daños de infraestructura. Todo esto constituye una demostración tangible y clara de la grandeza del espíritu y del carácter del Boqueteño, de nuestro Alcalde y del gobierno en general”.

 

Al principio de esta semana los medios del país, ciertos sitios web y algunos blogs de la localidad reportaron sobre la situación en el distrito de Boquete. Pero cabe destacar que dicha información y las fotos que ha aparecido se limitan a un pequeñísimo sector de Boquete: el resto del distrito de Boquete permaneció intacto.

 

“Mi familia tiene tres generaciones de estar aquí”, continúa Chef Collins, “y gracias a Dios te puedo decir que hay algunas cosas que nunca cambian… y aquellas cosas que siempre han atraído a personas de todo el mundo a Boquete— su belleza natural, su tranquilidad libre de estrés, su aire puro, su clima fresco y agradable, y claro que su gente— no fueron afectadas de ningún modo y siguen estando presentes para todos aquellos que deseen disfrutarlas.”

 

Boquete Hoy

• El aeropuerto de David y la calle principal que conecta a David con Boquete no ha sido afectada de manera alguna

• Todas las calles principales del distrito de Boquete se encuentran intactas sin ningún daño

• Todas aquellas actividades que los panameños tradicionalmente han disfrutado— visitas a Mi Jardín es su Jardín y El Explorador, paseos familiares para tomar batidos de frutas y café de altura, parejas que van juntas a tomar fresas con crema— siguen estando presentes

• Restaurantes con fabulosa comida de todos los rincones del mundo y maravillosos hoteles siguen estando deseosos de brindarle a sus huéspedes una inolvidable experiencia

• Deportes extremos y actividades al aire libre siguen estando a la orden del día: hiking, canopy ziplining, tours de café, rafting, paseos a caballlo, escalada en roca, pozos termales, observación de aves, paseos escénicos y mucho más

 

“Todas aquellas actividades tradicionales que los turistas y las familias panameñas siempre han disfrutado año tras año siguen estando presentes”, comenta Lissette Ameglio de Fresas Café. “Los paseos a Mi Jardín es tu Jarín y El Explorador. Tomarse un delicioso batido de fresa. Disfrutar café fresco recién molido. Relajarte junto a tu familia. Explorar el área junto a tu pareja. El sol volvió a salir y el día de hoy las personas desean volver a experimentar la belleza de este pueblo tan especial.

Experience Boquete Today!

“

Boquete Flood Update • What's Up in Boquete

BOQUETE, PANAMA: Boquete was in the spotlight this past week, not for its natural beauty, award-winning coffee and friendly people, but because of the damage caused by the Caldera River. The dramatic footage and photos don’t tell the whole story: Boquete didn’t experience long-term flooding. The river grew quickly during a short period of time and affected some structures in its immediate vicinity. The fact is, the majority of Boquete, including the downtown, roads, tours and activity businesses and most restaurants and hotels, were untouched. The people of Boquete and the business community have come together to invite the public to experience Boquete today. “Boquete is back on track,” says Charlie Collins, Owner and Executive Chef, Panamonte Inn and Spa. “Of course, it has been a difficult week for the people of Boquete and our hearts go out to the families affected. My family has been in Boquete for three generations and some things never change: the things that Boquete has always been known for—its natural beauty, relaxing environment, fresh air, friendly people and welcoming spirit—were 100% unaffected. Earlier in the week, media, websites and blogs were reporting on the situation in Boquete. But the photos and footage was limited to a very small section of Boquete, the rest of the town was untouched. “Everybody saw the photos and footage, but it’s important to remember: the story didn’t stop there,” continues Chef Collins. “The Boquete community rallied together to help the people in the areas affected by the river. The speed at which those vulnerable points were fixed was truly amazing. It speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the people in Boquete.”

 o Airport service to David and the main road connecting David to Boquete was unaffected o All the main roads and the downtown were untouched

o Traditional Boquete activities Panamanians have always enjoyed—visiting gardens like Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador, stopping for strawberry drinks, enjoying coffee, sharing the beauty with family and loved ones—never stopped

o Great restaurants and hotels are open for business

o All the exciting outdoor activities Boquete is known for are still available: hiking, rafting, ziplining, rock-climbing, horseback riding, bird-watching, hot springs and coffee tours

“All of the traditional activities that Panamanian families have enjoyed over the years never stopped,” says Lissette Ameglio, Fresas Café. “The gardens of Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador. Stopping for a delicious strawberry batido. Enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Relaxing with your family. Boquete is the perfect place to do this. Now the sun is out and we want people to experience the beauty of our special town today.” For more information about what is happening in Boquete, please visit www.boquetetoday.com and come to Experience Boquete Today!

30 year Flood Hits Boquete, Panama

Boquete has a rainy season and a dry season. We are just about to begin the dry season; sunny beautiful days, cool nights, perfect weather to hike in the mountains, see the rare Quetzal. However, this year the rainy season has decided to stick around a little longer, and in the mountains it started raining about a week ago and 2 days ago all that water decided to make its way to Boquete. The following link is to a blog by Sam, the director and owner of Valle Escondido. The rivers now have some new locations in town. Unfortunately, they have decided to take some of the roadways and bridges, that used to connect one side of Boquete to the other. Fortuntely, the new bridge in town was close enough to completion that it is now open. Some houses were washed away, some of the hotels now have riverfronts they never thought they could afford, but compared to disasters in other parts of the world, it is not that bad. Most hotels are open, restaurants are open, power and water are safe and secure, and the Quetzal will still be in the rainforest for people to see.

The waters will recede, and it might take a little longer to get around town, but Boquete is still "The Valley of the Flowers", beautiful as ever, with just a little change in the landscape.

http://primapanama.blogs.com/_panama_residential_devel/2008/11/boquete-100-year-flood.html

Panama Coffee Season Has Begun

This is a great time to visit Boquete, Panama. The rains have slowed down to just the Bajareque mist, the sun is out, and it is time to start picking the coffee. There is so much more to coffee than just a 'super, double, latte '  from Starbucks. In Panama it is a way of life. With the start of the season the coffee estates are all bustling with activity; and wondering who will have what it takes to be "the best coffee in the world".

There has been a lot of focus on Panama Coffee since the Peterson's were first awarded $130 a pound green (at auction) several years ago for their Geisha Coffee Bean.

Coffee has often been compared to wine, as the process to get a good cup of coffee depends on several factors: the variety of plant, the micro-climate in which it grows; the quality of the bean selected, the dry, aging, and roasting process. More complex than most people realize. The best coffee from Panama has often been exported, thereby, giving the highest profits to the wholesaler in another country. There are some here in Boquete that would like to see the hard work of the local estate owner pay off. Boquete Safari and Panama Native Coffee have started a Specialty Coffee Tasting Tour, similar to the Napa Valley Wine Tours. This tour will take you to several different, small estates to learn about the coffee process, taste different coffee's from different regions, and BUY Panama coffee at the source, thereby helping the local farmers realize greater profits.

Some of the estates involved in this endeavor are: The Lamastus Family (placed 3rd in 2007), Finca Lerida (processed the 2008 winner), Dos Jefes, and Finca la Milagrosa. There are other coffee tours in Boquete, highlighting one estate only, and usually an already large corporate Estate. If you are traveling to Panama this season, do not miss the opportunity to see and taste something truly original.

Quantum of Solace • Back Drop Panama

Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond-007 film, is about to explode on the screen. Being an avid James Bond addict I was thrilled when I heard that some filming was taking place in Panama. I thought, great promotion for Panama. However, I was a little dismayed when I found out that the sceens from the Casco Viejo and Panama Canal would be presented as Bolivia. Panama is so rich in history and Latin American culture it is unfortuante that we will not be represented as the true backdrop for this blockbuster film. So don't be fooled--you're in Panama.

To read a detailed account of the filming you can go to the following article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/artsandculture/3209360/Quantum-of-Solace-James-Bond-returns-to-Latin-America.html

To read about the James Bond time-line:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_of_Solace

The Visitor Panama • Horseback Riding & Caldera Hot Springs

The Visitor, Panama's tourist newspaper, is printed twice a month and presents advice and features for tourists and information on the tourist industry. One of their writers, and a frequent visitor to Boquete, recently toured with Boquete Mountain Safari: Ursula Kiener Ford--sometimes Insurance Broker, sometimes Horseback Rider, but always a good source of information to tourists and anyone considering moving to Panama. You can read the complete article by clicking on the link below. If you need help with Insurance in Panama you can reach Ursula by e-mail : [[email protected]].

http://www.focuspublicationsint.com/New_Site/Visitor14-36/tours_visitor.html