Boquete Mountain Safari Your Path to Adventure

Horse Pedicures in Panama • Boquete Horse Clinic

Dawn Willoughby finally arrived in Panama on January 8^th to kick off a week of “No Hoof • No Horse” clinics. Some of you might be asking—what does that mean? In my previous blog post: http://boquetesafaritours.typepad.com/boquete_mountain_safari_t/2009/12/no-hoof-no-horse-seminar-boquete-panama.html there is a full explanation, take a look if you don’t know what I am talking about.

It was a lot of hard work for Dawn, Rancho de Caldera, and Boquete Safari to pull this clinic off in a country where most ‘gringos’ shod their horses, and most locals, even though barefoot, are doing it wrong, and ‘know everything there is to know’. What could a gringo woman from the U.S. possibly teach them?

The clinic was divided in to Spanish days and English days, but by the final day, word had gotten out about the clinic, and we had a mix of local guys from country clubs to simple cattle and horse farms; and expats from the U.S., Canada, and England (or maybe Australia—I get confused with the accent). We even had a few local guys who were so excited about learning the “Mustang Roll”, they came to several clinics. If we could have kept Dawn here a month, I’m sure we would have touched every corner of Panama—one week was just not enough time.

The following pictures were taken from the classroom portion of the clinic, (where Dawn had prepared a simple but informative Power Point presentation), and the hands-on with some of the horses from Rancho de Caldera. I would like to express a HUGE thanks to Hoof Jack Hoof stands for donating several stands for use at the clinic; and to Heller Legend rasps, for giving us a box of tools for the clinic. http://www.hoofjack.com/v/vspfiles/home.asp (I don’t have the Heller Legend rasps web site link as of this writing—I will re-post when I find that info).

The Hoof Jack was a totally new concept to most of the local farriers and horse managers here in Panama. The stand enables you to trim from the top or bottom; allows the horse to lean on the stand, instead of on the trimmer. The horse is more secure and the trimmer can use both hands and be perfectly balanced. We had several horses that are always a bit itchy getting their hoofs trimmed—but with the stand holding their leg up, several of them were actually falling asleep.

The Heller Rasps were also new to some. They were long and extremely sharp. Gloves are essential when using one of these rasps. However, the comments were glowing from the guys who usually use a nipper or machete (very common in Panama). The rasp enables you to trim more precisely, and achieve that beautiful Mustang Roll.

Although there are barefoot horses in Panama, and trimmers who think they are doing it right, Dawn and her Mustang Roll have taken the clinic attendees to a new level of expertise and hoof health.

 
 

 

For more pictures of the clinic, and other things to do in Panama:

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

 

Also a blog post from one of the attendees: http://www.panamalady.com/panamalady/Blog/Entries/2010/1/16_Horses_Love_to_be_Barefoot.html

Global Geotourism & National Geographic

Ecotourism has been the travel buzz word for many years. Ecotourism (also known as ecological tourism) is travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and (often) small scale.Since the publication of her excellent book "Ecotourism and Sustainable Development" Martha Honey's definition is quickly becoming the standard. Most serious studies of ecotourism including several University programs now use this as the working definition.(the following links help further define ecotourism) http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/defining.html#definingtop http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism#cite_note-1

Agritourism, the next tourism buzz, (although pick-your-own fruits and vegetables has been around since the 60's), includes any farm open to the public at least part of the year. Tourists can pick fruits and vegetables, ride horses, taste honey, learn about wine or coffee, shop in farm gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts. Other terms associated with agritourism are "farm direct marketing", "sustainable agriculture" and "agritainment". (Taken from Wikipedia definition of agritourism) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agritourism  

Now we have Geotourism as defined by National Geographic; National Geographic defines geotourism as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.” The DubaiChronicle (http://www.dubaichronicle.com/business/hospitality/intercontinental-hotels-resorts-and-national-geographic-extend-partnership-to-include-global-geotourism-initiatives-12582 recently announced a partnership between National Geographic, using their definition of geotourism, and the InterContinental Hotel Chain around the world. Jonathan Tourtellot, Director of the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) and creator of the geotourism concept, said: “CSD is dedicated to protecting the world’s distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship. We work closely with many allied organizations to develop and disseminate information on how tourism businesses, destination communities and travellers can help protect the character of these great places — their culture, natural habitats, architecture, scenery, even local cuisine. We look forward to working with InterContinental to create actionable tools that do that — locally, regionally and globally.” There are two InterContinental Hotels in Panama that will be part of this initiative to perserve and raise awareness of the Panamanian heritage and history. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/intercontinental-hotel-directory

(Photo Jonathan Tourtellot-National Geographic) http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/geotourism_community-benefit-csd.html 

Boquete, Panama: An emerging market in Agricultural Tourism (Part 1)

Ecotourism has been the "buzz" word for responsible travel related activities for a while; if you are looking for travel that supports the local economy, take a look at "Agritourism" Travel. When you search for Agri-tourism destinations on the internet, you will not find Panama on page one, or page two; although agriculture is 6.8% of GDP in Panama, compared to 1.2% in the U.S.; and is ranked by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as one of the top performing tourist markets and destinations in the world. The two most popular searches for Agricultural Tourism on the internet are Hawaii and California . Not surprisingly because of Kona Coffee and Napa Valley, respectively.

In a country that receives the highest price per pound for coffee, at auction, Panama should be at the top of the list for Agi-tourism as well. However, unlike Hawaii, Panama ’s economy was not built on agriculture and tourism. Panama’s history has been somewhat tumultuous; dictators, coup d'état, revolutions, and of course the Canal. The Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone, container ports, and flagship registry have been at the heart of Panama’s service economy. Over the past few years there has been a sizable shift in the influx of dollars as Panama

is emerging as a world class tourist destination, and not just in Panama Cityand the Canal Zone, but to the Western Highlands, and the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. In spite of the global financial crisis, according to the outgoing tourism Minister Ruben Blades, tourism has grown 11.7% bringing in $2.2 billion.

Panama’s most dramatic growth is expected to be in the “Ecotourism” sector. With 29 percent of the countries territory protected by 15 National Parks, Wildife Refuges, and Reserves; it is one of the most comprehensive wildlife management systems in Central America. This tiny isthmus has more bird species than North America and Europe combined.

Over the past few years, the charming little village of Boquete, in the mountain highlands of Panama, has become an expat haven. To accommodate all the new arrivals, developments have sprung up all over the valley. Many of the coffee farms have been sold to make way for development. And then BOOM, La Hacienda Esmeralda coffee takes first place by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, and snags $130 a pound green at auction.

Panama coffee has hit the International market by storm. The coffee that made this incredible buzz is a variety called Geisha. Not a new variety, originally from Ethiopia . But the micro-climates in Boquete and the different processing have made it unique to Panama . Now, all the coffee farmers are excited, everybody is planting a little Geisha on their farm hoping to be the next “Best in the World”.

http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/culture-inc/food-drink/2007/09/13/Most-Expensive-Coffee

This is Part 1 in a series about Boquete, Panama and Agri-tourism. Click the "All About Coffee" link in categories to read part 2; or click the link below.

http://boquetesafaritours.typepad.com/boquete_mountain_safari_t/all-about-coffee/

FBI Returns Panamanian Artifacts

When I read that title, from an art news letter, I thought the FBI was involved in the heist of the artifacts stolen from the Panama Museum; and they were "Caught". But that's not the story. The complete story can be read on the FBI link: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/arttheft/northamerica/us/panama/panamaartifacts.htm 

Central and South American are full of Inca and Mayan Artifacts. The ruins in Tikal, Guatemala are mysterious and incredibly awesome. Machu Pichu in Peru is definitely one of those places that you must experience at dawn. But Panama, in the middle of all this incredible ancient history, has only a few ruins, and a short supply of artifacts. There are Petroglyphs in Volcan and near Boquete, but they are small, and still confusing to archaeologists who have come here to study them.

It is possible the active Volcano in Boquete, on such a tiny Isthmus, kept the ancient Americas residents at bay. The scientific community, when studying the writings on the petroglyphys, seemed to think they were maps, directing the ancient indigenous indians.

The 1972 Panama Constitution and a 1982 Panamanian law make it illegal for any person to own antiquities from Panama. Only the government of Panama may own such items, and give permission for archeological digs and/or transport of antiquities out of the country.

The fact that Panamanian Antiquities are not abundant, makes the return from the FBI that much more significant.

Horse Transport • 2 New Horses at the Ranch

Horse transport in Panama is a little different than in the U.S. When I saw my first cow/horse "trailer" heading down the road I couldn't imagine how they got the horse to jump up in to the truck; there aren't any ramps. Well the answer is--just back up to the nearest berm.

I recently read an article on line about :

Tips for Safe Horse Transport during Hot Weather; http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14798

It's a great article if you live in a country where so many conveniences are just taken for granted. I can't imagine seeing horses being moved like this in most any other country. The horses take the whole experience in stride; have plenty of fresh air, and when they jump off at the end of the ride, there seems to be no trauma. They just want to know where the food is.

These are the two new horses that have been brought to the ranch; Apache and Chevy. They were living on a coffee farm that just didn't have enough pasture. I'm sure they will miss their daily fix of caffeine, but now they will have 13 other buddies, and 50 acres of fields.

All loaded up and ready to go. This is Jajo, he specializes in cow and horse transportation. He gently encourages them on to the truck, from the berm, and away he goes. Great guy!

 

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute • "Panama and the Future of the Oceans"

Photographer: Edgardo Ochoa Location: Bocas del Toro Year: 2006 • Pargos at Bocas del Toro

For the fifth consecutive year, environmental organizations and governmental and educational institutions come together to celebrate the Month of the Oceans 2009 with the slogan "Panama and the Future of the Oceans."
 
The activities to be undertaken during September and October aim to raise community awareness about the role and importance of oceans and seas and oceans that provide us food and oxygen transport medium and are ideal for sports, and others. As a society should care for, monitor and invest resources to protect this wealth and be guarantors of their study and research that are sustainable exploitation and utilization.
 
Organizations and institutions involved are the SFDA, MOH, MEDUCA, the Center for UN Information - Panama (CINUP), the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Triathlon Union of Panama (UTP), the Network of Journalists Agroambientales Panama (REDPA), Ancona, Fundacion Natura, MarViva, PROMAR, Panama Audubon, CIAM, Panama Green Panama City Hall, King's Castle Foundation, ARAP, University of Art Ganexa, Ecological Blue Flag, International Maritime University of Panama.
 
The organizers have unified efforts to plan a schedule of activities to celebrate the Month of the Ocean in September with the Panamanian community.

Activity Calendar  
September 15 to 17: I National Forum on Climate Change and Desertification, Biblioteca Simón Bolívar University of Panama
 
September 18: III Sand Sculpture Competition, Playa Veracruz
 
September 20: XVIII National Clean Beaches and Coasts
 
Septiembre 23-25: Exhibition of Photographs "Marine Protected Areas, Future for Life."
 
September 25: Forum on "The Future of Panama and its oceans," Earl S. Hall Tupper, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon township.
 
September 27: IV version of the Family Day by the Ocean, Punta Culebra Nature Center, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Calzada de Amador.
 
September 27: Clean Underwater Cacique, Portobelo, Colon
 
Septiembre 28-30: Photographic Exhibition "Marine Protected Areas, the future for life," Centro Regional Universitario, Santiago de Veraguas.
 
Oct. 4: Triathlon Sherman in the Colon Province 

Para mayor información comunicarse a: mesdelosoceanos09@yahoo.com

 

Saludos,

 

Mónica Alvarado Garrido
Directora de Información Pública y Medios de Comunicación
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Email: alvaradom@si.edu
Tel: (507) 212-8169; (507) 212-8283; (507) 212-8023
Fax: (507) 212-8296
www.stri.org

Instituo Smithsonian de Investigaciones Tropicales

 

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

 

“Panamá y el Futuro de sus Océanos”

 

Por quinto año consecutivo, organizaciones ambientalistas e instituciones gubernamentales y educativas se unen para celebrar el Mes de los Océanos 2009 con el lema “Panamá y el Futuro de sus Océanos.”  

 

Las actividades que se realizarán durante el mes de septiembre y octubre buscan elevar la conciencia de la comunidad sobre el papel e importancia de los océanos ya que los  mares y océanos nos proveen alimento y oxígeno; son medio de transporte y sitio ideal para deportes, entre otros.  Como sociedad debemos cuidar, vigilar e invertir recursos para proteger esta riqueza y ser garantes de su estudio e investigación y de que explotación y aprovechamiento sean sostenibles.

 

Entre las organizaciones e instituciones participantes están la ANAM,  MINSA, MEDUCA, el Centro de Información de Naciones Unidas - Panamá (CINUP), el  Instituto Smithsonian de Investigaciones Tropicales, la Unión de Triatlón de Panamá (UTP), la Red de Periodistas Agroambientales de Panamá (REDPA),  ANCON, Fundación Natura, MarViva, PROMAR, Audubon Panamá, CIAM, Panamá Verde, Alcaldía de Panamá,  Fundación Castillo del Rey,  ARAP, Universidad del Arte Ganexa, Bandera Azul Ecológica, Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá.  

 

Los organizadores hemos unificado esfuerzos para planificar una programación de actividades tendientes a celebrar el Mes de los Océanos en septiembre con la comunidad panameña.

                                                                                       

Calendario de actividades

 

Septiembre 15 - 17:     I Foro Nacional de Cambio Climático y Desertificación, Biblioteca Simón Bolívar de la Universidad de Panamá

 

Septiembre 18:     III Concurso de Esculturas en Arena, Playa Veracruz

 

Septiembre 20:     XVIII Limpieza Nacional de Playas y Costas

 

Septiembre 23-25:   Exposición de Fotografías “Áreas Marinas Protegidas, Futuro para la Vida."  

 

Septiembre 25:     Foro: “Panamá y El Futuro de sus Océanos,”  Auditorio Earl S. Tupper,  Instituto Smithsonian de Investigaciones                                                                     Tropicales, Corregimiento de Ancón.

 

Septiembre 27:     IV versión del Día Familiar por los Océanos, Centro Natural de Punta Culebra, Instituto Smithsonian de Investigaciones                                                     Tropicales, Calzada de Amador.

 

Septiembre 27:     Limpieza Submarina en Cacique, Portobelo, Colón  

 

Septiembre 28-30:    Exposición Fotográfica "Áreas Marinas Protegidas, futuro para la vida,” Centro Regional Universitario, Santiago de

                                                Veraguas.

 

Octubre 4: Triatlón de Sherman en la Provincia de Colón

 

Para mayor información comunicarse a: mesdelosoceanos09@yahoo.com

 

Saludos,

 

Mónica Alvarado Garrido
Directora de Información Pública y Medios de Comunicación
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Email: alvaradom@si.edu
Tel: (507) 212-8169; (507) 212-8283; (507) 212-8023
Fax: (507) 212-8296
www.stri.org

 

Whale Watching Panama

Isla Paridita, "The Lost Island of Baru",is an all-inclusive Private island hideaway in the Golfo de Chiriqui National Marine Park of PANAMA. They are the ONLY accommodations in the National Park!

 

Isla Paridita has teamed-up with Panama’s "Top Whale Researcher" to offer an Exclusive Whale-Watching Expedition. Ever wonder what type of whales we have in Panama, how many calves (babies) they have orwhat the average lifespan of a whale is? Have you ever heard a whale sing using a hydro-phone?
Join Isla Paridita on a Whale-Research Expedition with whale scientist, Kristin Rasmussen!

$245.00 per person

Based on Double Occupancy
with a minimum/maximum of 4 people

Private charter includes a whale presentation and lecture by Kristin Rasmussen.
An eight hour whale-watching excursion with the research scientist, 2 nights lodging on the Private Island of Isla Paridita located in the Golfo de Chiriqui National Marine Park. Unlimited access to our private beaches, hiking trails, sea-kayaks and snorkel gear. All meals, snacks, drinks, Rum and a memory that will last a lifetime!!!

***Offer valid for the month of September 2009 with Limited availability ***
To view accommodations please visit their website at www.ExpeditionPanama.com

 

 

Horse Rescue in Boquete, Panama

Boquete Safari has found another horse. This is Pepino. He is about 5 years old and has been living with his Grandmother in a field for about 3 years. As you can see he is not our typical rescue; good pasture alone seems to have kept him pretty healthy.

The story is that the original owner trained him for cattle roping, and then the owner hurt his hip, and could no longer ride. Pepino was then put in the pasture to just hang out with his grandmother. Three years later, we heard about him. We also heard from the owners grandson that he was "wild"; we expected him to be difficult to catch and that he would require a lot of training. Well you can see for yourself that Pepino is very healthy, came right over to the fence to get his banana, (the preferred treat in Panama 2 to 1, over apples and carrots). He was adopted by a friend and moved to Rancho de Caldera. Although he is a gelding he still created a ruckus amongst the other geldings when he arrived. The mares, however, took to him immediately, lining up to be in his pasture. Pepino has been a little frisky on the first couple of rides, as he is very muscular and wants to go his own way; but he is a welcome addition to the other horses at Rancho de Caldera.

Horse Rescue Update from Boquete, Panama

If you read any of my posts you know about my love for animals. Boquete Safari has rescued several horses, and we are always looking for more. If we had enough money we would probabaly have hundreds of horses. These are pictures of the little girl we rescued about 7 months ago:

She is still a little stinker, but with a rounder belly, and a brightness in her eyes.

This is the link to the before pictures from a previous post.

http://boquetesafaritours.typepad.com/boquete_mountain_safari_t/2009/04/horseback-riding-in-boquete.html

Food, Music and Panama Culture

The new tourism board of Boquete is having their second Food Festival in the Los Establos Plaza this Sunday, August 2nd. Many local restaurants will be serving up their best. Come and listen to some live music.

Boquete, Panama: An emerging market in Agricultural Tourism (Part 2)

Most visitors to Napa Valley, for wine tastings, or Kona in Hawaii, for coffee tastings, probably don’t view themselves as Agri-Tourists. They are either enjoying the beautiful scenery as they drive to different estates; or they are on a mission to find the best wine or coffee, that no one else can find. Napa Valley, in California, is one of the most successful examples of Agri-tourism. Napa has gone as far as declaring itself an “agricultural preserve”. The economy in Hawaii was actually built around agriculture and tourism; sugar cane and pineapple. However, with some brilliant marketing, and award winning coffee, Kona Coffee, as a symbol of Hawaii, has replaced the pineapple. (To understand the Kona/Panama connection, and the “marketing” issue; read this blog article: http://boquetesafaritours.typepad.com/boquete_mountain_safari_t/2008/08/kona-coffee-scandal-know-the-origin.html

The blending of agriculture and tourism is beneficial for the health of agricultural land; and provides a more enriching experience for the tourist. Hawaii has embraced the Ag Tourism experience. When you type “Kona coffee tours” in your search engine, the selection, scope, and variety of tours is mammoth. The total value of agritourism in the state of Hawaii [in 2000] was pegged at $26 million. Approximately 1,350,401 visitors toured the Kona side of the Big Island in 2007. (How many of them are experiencing the coffee tours is a statistic I cannot find.) The State of Hawaii has realized the benefit of Agitourism to its economy. They are considering legislation to encourage tourism on agriculturally zoned land. Activities on ag land, to supplement income, can range from conducting tours, selling products produced from the land, or operating a B & B. By selling the roasted coffee at the estate, 100% of the added value of the roasted product can stay in Hawaii.

 Coffee production in Panama generates approximately $32 million dollars in revenue, and creates about 8,750 jobs. The Chiriqui Province alone is growing coffee on 10,000 hectares (there are about 2.5 acres per hectares; so that means about 25,000 acres), with elevations starting at about 4,000 feet. The total Kona coffee area is about 2,290 acres, with elevations between 500 and 3,000 feet. So what do all these numbers mean? That Boquete’s coffee growing area, due to its greater size, and higher elevation, can provide a more diverse experience for the agritourist. Boquete’s rich volcanic valley has many different micro-climates that allow for the production of coffee with an array of flavorful and aromatic differences. Although Boquete coffee has won countless awards world wide, surpassing Kona coffee accolades, the marketing of Boquete Coffee Tours has not reached the world market, as Kona has. Tourists travel to Kona just for the coffee; or Napa just for the wine. If Boquete Coffee, as an agritourist destination, could capture some of the 1.3m guests who visit Kona each year, the Boquete farmer would not be selling his coffee green for $1.00 or $2.50 a pound ( http://forest.mtu.edu/pcforestry/people/2005/Daniels.pdf. ) Single Estate specialty coffee from Panama sells in the United States, on line, for $7.00 to $12.00 a pound. This added value, by roasting and packaging in the area it is grown, could remain in Panama to enrich the local farmers, instead of the international market. http://www.coffeefrompanama.com/Gourmet_Estate_Coffee_s/1.htm

Please don’t misunderstand me, the numerous internet coffee houses selling Panama coffee has enhanced the awareness of the brand “Panama Coffee”. However, many of the small farmers don’t have the money to promote their ‘brand’ like Ruiz, Kotowa, or Hacienda la Esmerlada http://www.haciendaesmeralda.com/ .  So they are forced to roll their crop in to a larger companies exports, and not realize the added revenue they could be receiving.

Several years ago, on my first visit to Panama, I stayed at Finca Lerida. Since it is high in the mountains, the evenings were spent chatting with John Collins (the owner of Finca Lerida) about coffee. Since he is a born talker, and has an incessant passion for coffee, I learned a lot. And one of the first things I learned was that Boquete could and should be like Kona and Napa. The coffee is here; the quality is here; the passion for coffee is here; we just don’t have the marketing dollars. With the new administration, and some of the Boquete locals pushing to get Panama City politicians to remember Boquete, when deciding on where to put those marketing dollars; there is hope that they will look past the Canal and the Free Trade Zone, and see the potential market and dollars in the Boquete Valley.

My company, Boquete Mountain Safari, has always known of the possibility of this emerging agritourist market; so we have started the first, Kona/Napa type of coffee tour in Boquete. Now we just need the international market to take a look.

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

The picture above is Tito from Finca la Milagrosa; learning to make coffee, on one of our coffee tours. You get to meet and talk with the owner of the coffee estate.

From Review: A must do when in Boquete on Feb 2009, (Jklam)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298424-d1070367-Reviews-Boquete_Mountain_Safari_Tours-Boquete.html#REVIEWS

To read part 1; click "All About Coffee" in the Categories section.

Whale Watching Private Island Special Deal • Panama

Since I live in Boquete, Panama, and own an adventure tour company, I am always looking for special accomodation deals to pass along. When I read about this one, I was so excited I started packing my bags, and calling the animal sitter. Starting August 1st it is whale watching season in the Golfo de Chiriqui National Marine Park.

 Isla Paridita, "The Lost Island of Baru", is offering a 1/2 price all inclusive special until November 14th. You can rent 1 cabana or if you have a family, or a group of friends, you can rent the entire private island for $500 a night!!! The islands are off the coast of Panama, in the Pacific Ocean, a short boat ride from Boca Chica. Boca Chica is not far from the city of David; which is serviced by frequent daily flights from Panama City. Check out this web site; if you need help understanding how to get from Panama City to this incredible island, just shoot me an e-mail: carol@boquetesafari.com

http://sites.google.com/site/islaparidita/

Reflections on Boquete, Panama and the Gringo Impact

If you know anything about Boquete, Panama, you know that it was a very remote little village in Panama until about 10 years ago. At that time it was discovered by a very astute developer who saw the potential for expats who prefer to live off-shore, and were looking for a way to stretch their retirement dollars. Coffee farms were sold, houses were put up, and locals were able to learn a trade and make more money than they ever had in the past. No one could have forseen the balance would shift. The economy went south, so construction has slowed and housing prices have dropped. At the same time, Hacienda Esmeralda http://www.haciendaesmeralda.com/index.htm , exploded on the International coffee market with a cup of java that was so unique, it sold at auction for a higher price than any coffee had ever sold before. Construction has not stopped; houses are still being bought and built. But coffee, once the major agricultural product of Boquete, is once again a very bright star in the economic future of the valley. More coffee is being roasted loacally, and sold at boutique shops in town; coffee tours have taken on the flavor of Kona and Napa, as benficios are now welcoming tourists who want to learn about coffee growing, roasting, and what a fine cup of coffee is really like. And all the retirees and expats in the valley have truly made a positive impact. With time on their hands, and a wealth of knowledge from years of experience in banking, finance,or teaching (just to name a few), the expact community is heavily involved in some of the most needed and influential non-profit groups; animal rescue, battered woman's shelters, orphanages,and food collection and distribution to the indigenous people. Just as the world right now is trying to find its new balance, so is Boquete.

These are two other articles that might shed additional light on the Boquete, Panama community. http://www.laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2009/07/18/contenido/123786.asp

http://www.thepanamapost.com/index.php?news=252

Adventure Travel to Boquete, Panama-Off Season Deals

We are now in the “off-season” in Boquete, Panama. Although the weather is always beautiful, year round, now the afternoons might bring a shower or two. All the Boquete Holiday festivals are over and tranquility has returned to the valley. That is why it is a great time to visit and enjoy a little price break on our tours.

The following is the special we are offering from now until September 30th , 2009 (all tours must be pre-booked) :

If you book        2-3 individual tours • you can take 10% off

                        4-5 individual tours • you can take 15% off

                        6-7 individual tours • you can take 20% off

                        8 or more individual tours • take 25% off

Example: If 2 people book a ½ day tour one day, and then another ½ day tour for another day, you can deduct 15% from the total amount of both tours; as that is considered a total of '4' tours.

If this is not clear, just e-mail me with how many in your group—and what tours you would like, and I can send you a quote.  carol@boquetesafari.com

 

Panama's Jungle Oil by Franklin Gruber

Gruber’s Bug Repellent (or Jungle Oil) is made from the finest repellent, anti cancer, antibiotic, antidote herbs of Panama.

It took its author, Franklin Gruber Chiari 25 years of botanical investigations (Franklin is a graduate of the University of Florida) to develop this product which he improves and updates every year since 1992 when it first came out in Panamanian rural communities as ACEITE SANTO REMEDIO. The investigative objective was to apply the mathematical principle of OPTIMIZATION TO THE ART OF HEALING WITH HERBS, thus he cures or improves the maximum number of external ailments with the least number of Panamanian medicinal plants. To achieve this objective he had to investigate the Panamanian medicinal plants with 20 or more applications. His formula is anti allergic to the point that he frequently demonstrates that he can put it into his own eyes, he has done so several hundred times. This is important since if a bee stings a person next to the eye this product can be used. If you are visiting Boquete, Panamayou can find Franklin at his home in Caldera, or e-mail him botanicofranklingruber@hotmail.com . He offers problem specific consults and ecological walks. Talk to anyone in Boquete who has used his product and you will find he has a loyal following of success stories.

You can also buy on line from:

http://www.greenpeople.org/webpage.cfm?memid=28804&pmtlevel=0&linkpage=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestnaturalrepellent.com

Special Deal on Accomodations in Boquete, Panama

Rancho de Caldera, in Boquete, Panama, is now having a special  price for their rooms until October 31st, 2009. This is definitely a very 'Zen' place to stay. Brand new, some of the rooms are still being built. Rooms and suites with full kitchens. The Ranch is on 50 acres of farmland; you can sit on your private deck in the morning and watch the sun rise. Horses, sheep and cows graze below you.This is one of the only accommodations in Boquete with a pool. And they have a new chef from Seattle who uses the local herbs and vegetation to cook up his special menu.

http://www.ranchodecaldera.com/

You can go to their web site for more information.

Paradise Garden Raises Awareness on the Illegal Bird Trade

It is difficult to drive by, and not purchase, one of the parrots for sale on the side of the road in Panama, but that is exactly what you should do. I am one of those people, as well, who have a hard time not stopping, as I feel I will be helping the parrots find a better life. However, the sad truth is that the seller will just go back to the forest and catch more to be sold to the next misinformed, but good intentioned person. The following picture was taken by Paul, from Paradise Garden Rescue in Boquete. These are actually green parrots who have been dyed yellow, to appear rare and exotic.

Animal cruelty and abuse is a sad fact in many countries. Even in the United States, I would find kittens thrown in dumpsters. Most Panamanians love their domestic and wild animals; often they just don't understand how to properly care for them. The abusive parrot trade is just a means of making money for some nationals. The only way to stop this is through education; better jobs and better wages.

To read more about the Illegal Bird Trade and Rescued animals and birds in Panama, go to the Paradise Garden web site: http://web.mac.com/artinsights1/iWeb/ParadiseGardens/Birds.html

Paul and Jenny, who started Paradise Garden in Boquete, Panama, are no longer here; their love of birds and animals brought a new awareness of the wild world around us, to the local and expat community. They are dearly missed.

About Us • Boquete Mountain Safari Tours

On Saturday I had the opportunity to take one of Boquete's distinguished resident's, and an avid blog writer, on our Grande Coffee Adventure. I feel very passionate about supporting the local coffee farmers, so I have been taking writers on the tour with the hope of getting more exposure. I was very delighted to find that Lee had written a nice piece on his blog, BoqueteGuide about the tour, and about Boquete Safari. I would just like to add my thanks to the coffee estates that participated in educating the group about the coffee process. Although we go to different estates, at different times, these are the three coffee farms who allowed us entry on the day before Easter, when many estates were closed for the holiday.

Finca Dos Jefes:

The farm, Finca Dos Jefes, is located at 1400 meters in the El Salto region of Boquete. The 8000 plus coffee tress are comprised of caturra, catuhai,  criollo and geisha.  Organic certification was received in 2004.  

Cafes de la Luna are farmed in alliance with the forces of the moon.  During the waxing moon, when the force pulls upwards, they attend to the earth by selectively weeding and supplying the soil with organic nutrients.  During the waning moon, when the earth inhales, they nurture the trees with careful pruning to foment growth during the next cycle of the increasing moon.  They believe their return to this early farming practice produces the healthiest trees and the highest quality coffee under the moon.  

Growing coffee was far from the minds of Richard Lipner and Dee Harris when they purchased seven acres and retired to the highlands of Boquete, Panama.  They began the process of reclaiming the neglected farm.  Abhored by the living conditions of many Ngobe Bugle workers, Rich and Dee led by example and improved housing and increased wages and working conditions for all their employees.  A meal is provided during the harvest and care is taken to insure the health of all workers.

Over time more and more beans were dried in the “natural” method on Africa drying beds built on the farm combining Ngobe and Ethiopian tradition.   As the demand for gourmet coffee increases, confident in the quality of their beans, Rich and Dee look forward to sharing the fruits of their labor with coffee lovers who appreciate the difference.

Rich also runs a special coffee roasting class. For more details you can read about it on Lee's Blog: http://www.boqueteguide.com/?tag=boquete-coffee

Finca Lerida Coffee Farm and Eco-Lodge

Established by Tollef B. Mönniche in 1922, purchased by Alfred Collins in 1957, and developed and currently operated by members of the Collins family, Finca Lerida is one of Boquete’s oldest and most traditional Coffee Estates.

Located in the Highlands of Boquete, at an altitude of 5,500 feet, on the foothills of the Baru Volcano, with its deep rich volcanic soil, this beautiful and traditional coffee estate offers optimum conditions for growing premium mountain coffee. The ample rainfall and sunny, dry harvesting season promotes ideal production of this Arabica coffee.

During the months of December to May, Lerida’s harvesting season, only the ripe cherries are selected and picked daily. The coffee then undergoes a meticulous wet process in Finca Lerida’s original and unique processing plant designed and constructed by Mr. Monniche himself. In keeping with his tradition, after the wet process the beans are sun dried, stored and aged in wooden silos, until the coffee is ready to be used.

Finca Lerida’s Coffee has been exported to Europe, North America and Japan. In fact, in 1929, the estate produced 930 quintals of coffee. Most of this crop was the first export of Panama coffee to Germany and it sold for three times the then current price for Boquete coffee.

Lerida’s many times award winning coffee was ranked #1 amongst 119 coffees from 15 countries at the Cupping Pavilion during the Boston SCAA’s (Specialty Coffee Association of America) annual meeting.

Finca la Milagrosa

Finca la Milagrosa is located in North Western Panama, near to the Mountain Range and the Volcano Baru; the district of Boquete Province of Chiriquí.

Boquete is known because its tourist attractions  and the production of the high land coffees. Our plantation is approximately 4,974 feet above the level of the sea.

The varietals on Cafetales Don Alfredo are all from Arabic species;  we have Typica, Geisha, Catuay, Pache and Mundo Novo.

We follow the traditional process that our father taught us. Our process is an artisan process, from the plantation, to harvest the fruit, the humidity process, the dry process with sun and also the storage process help with the result of the quality product that we are offering you.

To read the complete article article about Boquete Mountain Safari on Lee's Blog:

http://www.boqueteguide.com/?tag=boquete-mountain-safari-tours