Boquete Hotels

A trip to Panama isn't complete without a visit to the Chiriqui highlands and the beautiful mountain village of Boquete. You may be surprised to find that there are numerous Boquete Hotels to choose from in this small Panamanian village.

First on your agenda will be getting to Boquete. There are different options all depending on your budget and time. The slowest and cheapest way is by bus from Panama City. The quickest but most costly is to fly from Albrook, the domestic airport in Panama City, to David the closest city. Then rent a car or take a cab for a 40 minute drive up into the Chiriqui Highlands and Boquete.

As you drive closer to Boquete you will start to come across some of the Boquete Hotels available for your stay. Most visitors prefer to continue right into the main village known as Bajo Boquete and search among the lodging available there. This is where it can get interesting and there are a few things to consider before settling in. Many things in Panama are often NOT what they appear and you certainly DON'T get what you pay for. Often one learns after a restless night, on a rotten mattress, in a noisy room that a brand new Boquete Hotel, right around the corner, had rooms available for half the price! It pays to shop around everywhere in Panama.

In the balance of this Hub I'm going to talk about the different types of Boquete Hotels available and what to expect from each and I will introduce you to a few of my favourite Hotels in Boquete.

Before you arrive or travel to any place it's a good idea to check your dictionary and get a grasp on some of the local language if you can. It also a good idea to leanr some basic phrases in the local tongue. Things like: please; thank you; can you help me; where is... the bathroom, restaurant, hotel, gas station, police station; and any others you feel appropriate.

Getting What You Want in Panama

In Panama the official language is Spanish with English as the official second language. It's primarily Latin American Spanish but with the American occupation for most of the last century many English words have made there way into the uniquely Panamanian Spanish language. This is called 'Spanlish'. So don't be surprised when you open up your Spanish-English travel dictionary, utter a word or phrase in perfect Spanish and just get a blank stare!

It's said one of the most honourable things you can do is to remember a persons name and pronounce it correctly. To follow I believe it's also respectful and gains favour when you know and pronounce  someones home town and country correctly. It also makes it much easier to get around or to find the place!

Boquete, Boquetes, or Bouquet

There are numerous mis-pronunciations and spelling of Boquete. First, what does Boquete mean? Boquete means 'hole' or 'opening'. And as you enter Boquete from the south you will notice it really is aptly named as it's an opening at the base of the old volcano, Volcan Baru where this lovely little village is nestled. Now beware language can play funny and not so funny tricks on us.  In Portuguese Boquete has a meaning which is the equivalent of oral sex. This makes the town a popular place for Brazilian tourists! English speaking visitors, particularly Americans often confuse the Boquete reputation for beautiful flowers and call the village 'Bouquet'. So, it's not Bouquet or Boquetes but Boquete - pronunced: bow-ket-eh.

Another place you may want to know how to pronounce is the nearby city of David - pronounced: Da-veed.

This may come as a bit of a surprise but on last count I added up over 40 Boquete Hotels and lodging businesses. They do come in a wide range of sizes, quality levels and prices. But unlike most things in life where you get what you pay for it may not be so in Boquete. Be sure to shop around, ask to see the room, ask if breakfast is included - in most Panama Hotels it is.  The lowest priced rooms in Boquete are found in the hostels and Pensións – which translates simply as ‘Pension’. So you might think of these Panama Hotels as ‘budget hotels’ or a spot where 'pensioner' might stay. They are typically quite plain and simple but can also be very pleasant. As with any budget accommodations rooms are minimalist but if you're just there to sleep what more do you really need? In a hostel you may need to share a bathroom but again for $11 a night who's to complain? The hostels in Boquete have always been and will probably remina the main stay for back packers. Boquete Hotels can also provide the utmost in luxury and amenities as at Valle Escondido Hotel Resort with spa and 9 hole executive golf course or the stunning Los Establos Boutique Hotel in the Jaramillo hillside.

When you arrive you will probably be coming to Panama by plane. The main entry into Panama is through Tocumen, Panama's International Airport. It's doubtful you will want to rent a car and drive straight to Boquete. For two reasons: first most international flights arrive in the afternoon or evening and secondly it's about a six hour drive to Boquete from Panama City. It's likely you will want to get a good nights rest at one of the many Panama Hotels. You may even want to stick around and visit some of the wonderful and wondrous sites Panama City has to offer including: historic Casco Viejo and of course the Panama Canal. 

In fact there are many parts of Panama you will want to explore and there are Panama Hotels which will suit every budget and need. Considering taking the train to the Portobello - Colon area. You may even want to pop over to Isla Grande and spend a night or two at Bananas Village Resort. Return to Panama City and start your journey to Boquete but consider doing it in easy chunks. Take your first stop at Playa Blanca, a beautiful beach area about an hour and half from Panama City. A few restful days at Playa Blanca and you can continue on for the 4 to 5 additional hours to Boquete or you may want to stop again. About 90 minutes from Playa Blanca you can take a brief detour south into the Azuero Pennisula. The lovely villages of Chitre and Lost Santos are well worth it.

There s so much to explore in Panama and it's easy to do!