Boquete is listed as one of the top 10 destinations to retire in the world. Every single travelling magazine that I laid my hands on had only praises for this location. I agreed with most of them, though there are some things, less known, that one should take in consideration prior to selling everything and moving to Boquete. My advice, do a due diligence trip before you take any major decision.
Located less than 45 minutes from the Costa Rican border Passo Canoas, and 20 minutes away from David, Boquete is tucked in the highlands of the Chiriqui province. It has a population of 25000 habitants spread all over the mountains. Close to 5000 of these are expats. The city itself is nested at the base of the Volcano Baru which is the 10th highest point in Central America and the highest in Panama.
MICRO-CLIMATES.
There are different micro-climates in Boquete, Alto Boquete and surrounding areas. You can have a sunny day in Alto Boquete, while in Bajo Boquete it could be raining. That should not come as a surprise because Boquete is bordeline with the rain forest. Note that during the windy season, the wind can be downright fierce.
BAJAREQUE
Bajareque is a strange phenomenon experienced during the dry season where the Northern strong winds bring a fine mist which can last sometimes for days. Don't let this light rain prevent you from spending time outdoors. Look on the positive sight of it: the bajareque is followed by some incredible rainbows, as the the sky clears up towards the afternoon.
SHARED TAXI RIDE
This practice may seem unusual to you, but rest assured that it is norm within Panama. Thus, when you flag down a taxi, don't be surprise when you see that it has already passengers, but he stops to pick you up. The drivers are courteous and they could charge up to $1 per person.
FIXED PRICE FOR TRANSPORTATION
There are vans or mini buses connecting Boquete to the surrounding areas. You can expect to pay $0.60 from Bajo Boquete to Alto Boquete. There is no fixed schedule or predetermined stops; usually the driver leaves when the van is full and pulls over where the passengers need to get off.
SPOKEN LANGUAGES
While strolling down the streets of this charming little mountain city, you can hear English being spoken quite often, as there is an increasing number of retired expats from different corners of the world. You may also hear German, French, or Italian.
ACCOMMODATION
You have a far more higher chance of finding yourself a rental house or apartment just by having a walk on the streets or asking the people. You may also check the adds on the boards at the local supermarket Romero and at Sugar and Spice. Whatever is advertised on Craigslist is catering for foreigners and has a higher price. Ask the hostals or hosterias (B&B) owners if they know anyone who has a place to rent.
FRIENDLY LOCALS
People are very friendly, everyone smiles at you on the street and greets you. Generally Panamanians are very foreigners tolerant and patient with your struggle in Spanish language.
SWISS TOWN IN THE TROPICS
The small town resembles to a Swiss green village, with the only difference that it is located at the tropics, and its architecture has a nice mix of North American, European and local influences. When you stroll into the valley, you may encounter people from all over the world.
AMAZING GARDENS and NUTRIENTS RICH SOIL
Those of you planning to relocate here, you will discover that gardening is more challenging than back home. Only in Bajo Boquete and Volcan (which is on the other side of the volcano) the soil is fertile and rich in nutrients. Its dark black colour is due to the volcanic ash and it is a sign of its richness in nutrients.
MONTHLY FIESTAS
Panamanians love to party. They love to do it until early hours of the morning. If you choose to stay in Bajo Boquete, you better be prepared to party or hear loud music the whole night. If that is not on your taste, ensure you find accommodation higher up on the mountains, or in Alto Boquete.
PARTY ON WHEELS
Usually the engine of the party is a vehicle with huge speakers, moving throughout the city. That would explain why the music comes on waves to you. The Panamanians seem to be very fond of the portable megaphone speakers they use and abuse it during the national holidays.
THE SIRENS
Each day at 12:00PM and 9:00 PM there is an alarm, a siren going on which can be heard throughout the whole city. This custom was kept from the previous regime. It was turned on at noon to let the workers from the fields know that it was time to go home for lunch. During the dictatorship regime, at night, it was used to inform them of the curfew, when you couldn't be outside past that hour, without having a good reason.
COFFEE AND FLOWER FESTIVAL
The Flowers and Coffee festival held in January brings down thousands of tourists which is great. The festival grounds are beautifully manicured, but the city is not yet prepared to host such crowds adequately. The traffic is not closed and thus it becomes a hassle and a hazard to navigate through a sea of people and cars on the way to the festival’s gates.
During the entire length of the festival, which is ten days, there is a fiesta going on in the Central Park, which lasts until close to sunrise.
BOQUETE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL
The Boquete Jazz Festival is held in Valle Escondido, an upscale residential resort located in Bajo Boquete. It is not a free event, but it is worthy the price. It features South American artists and it is well organized.
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MORAINE LAKE, A SURREAL BEAUTY IN ALEBERTA, CANADA
TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A LIVING WHILE TRAVELLING THE WORLD
FEELING UNINSPIRED? VISIT A WELSH RETREAT: GLADSTONE’S RESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
TURDA’S 400 FEET UNDERGROUND AMUSEMENT PARK, A HIDDEN GEM OF TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
CARIBBEAN PARADISE: BOCAS DEL TORO
BOQUETE’S FLOWERS AND COFFEE FESTIVAL, PANAMA
VISIT TO SAINT-JOSEPH’S ORATORY IN MONTREAL, CANADA
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