Boquete, Chiriquí facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boquete
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 Boquete, Chiriquí
Location in Panama
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| Country | Panama |
| Province | Chiriquí |
| District | Boquete |
| Area | |
| • Total | 488.4 km2 (188.6 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 2,800 m (9,200 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 1,000 m (3,000 ft) |
| Population
(2008)
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| • Total | 19,000 |
| • Density | 43.76/km2 (113.3/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EST |
| Climate | Am 14 C to 30 degrees C. |
Boquete is a charming mountain town in Panama. It's found in the western part of the Chiriquí Province. The town is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Costa Rica border. It sits along the Caldera River in Panama's green highlands. Because it's high up, about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level, Boquete has cooler weather than the lowlands. Its beautiful scenery, nice temperatures, and natural surroundings make it a favorite spot. Many Panamanians, tourists, and people who have retired from all over the world love to visit or live here.
Contents
History of Boquete
Studies of old sites show that Boquete's history began a very long time ago. This was around 300 AD to 600 BC. In the Caldera area, you can find petroglyphs. These are ancient rock carvings that prove people lived here many centuries ago.
During the time of Spanish colonization, the high mountains were a safe place for local tribes. Groups like the Ngöbe and Misquito found refuge here because of the tough mountain terrain. Boquete only really started to be settled in the late 1800s. People came from nearby Panamanian towns like Bugaba and David. Foreigners also arrived from places like Yugoslavia, France, and Germany. Settlers from the United States also came, starting the first coffee farms and other agricultural businesses.
The word "Boquete" in Spanish means 'gap' or 'opening'. Gold seekers used this natural gap to find a quicker way to the Pacific Ocean. By the early 1900s, several small villages had grown. These included Lino, Quiel, and Bajo Boquete. Bajo Boquete is now the main town center of the district.
Boquete District Formation
The District of Boquete was officially created on April 11, 1911. At first, the main town of the district was Lino. But it soon moved to Bajo Boquete. For many years, the district had three main areas called "corregimientos." These were Bajo Boquete, Caldera, and Palmira. In 1998, three new "corregimientos" were added: Alto Boquete, Jaramillo, and Los Naranjos.
Even with the recent growth in tourism, farming is still the most important industry here. Boquete is especially famous for growing coffee beans. Many people consider Boquete's coffee to be among the best in the world.
Culture and Community Life
Boquete has a lively music and arts scene. The annual Boquete Jazz Festival started in 2007. It is the second-largest jazz festival in Panama, after the one in Panama City. The festival is now called the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival. It usually takes place on the first weekend of March.
Boquete Community Players
In 2005, a group of people from other countries living in Boquete formed a theater group. They called themselves the Boquete Community Players (BCP). BCP became an official non-profit organization in 2007. In November 2009, BCP opened its own performance space. It was a renovated restaurant and bar in the center of Boquete, right by the Caldera River.
BCP's goal is to support and put on artistic events. They want to help people enjoy and understand the arts more. They also aim to bring the community closer together. In 2015, BCP produced its first play in Spanish.
Tuesday Morning Meetings
An interesting activity started by BCP was a weekly market. This market began in 2009 at the BCP building. It was held on Tuesdays, at the same time as a weekly information and discussion session. These combined market and meeting events became known as the "Tuesday Morning Meetings" (TMM).
Over time, the Tuesday market became a very important community event. Visitors to Boquete are often told to visit BCP on Tuesday mornings. This is because it's such a big part of the community. The Tuesday information meetings and market have been very successful. They help locals and people from other countries work together.
Annual Fairs
Boquete also hosts an annual Coffee and Flower Fair. This fair has fun attractions for both kids and adults. It features beautiful displays of colorful flowers and wonderful smells. This event usually takes place in March.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
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Rainy season in Panama produces remarkable landscapes and skies
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View of the Rio Caldera from a homemade bridge near Volcan Baru National Park, Boquete
One of Boquete's most famous landmarks is nearby Volcán Barú. This is an inactive volcano. At 3,475 meters (11,400 feet), it is the tallest point in Panama. With a guide, you can hike to the very top of the volcano. Hikers can enjoy a fairly easy path up and over the volcano. This path is called the Sendero de los Quetzales. It goes from Boquete up to Cerro Punta and Volcan, on the other side of the volcano.
The Caldera River flows right through the town. This river has played a big part in shaping the area.
A type of squirrel called Microsciurus boquetensis is named after this town. The very first specimen of this squirrel was found in Boquete.
People and Community
The district of Boquete has about 19,000 people living there (as of 2008).
Recently, Boquete has become a second home for many people who have retired from North America and Europe. About 14% of its population are from other countries. These people are drawn to Boquete for its pleasant climate, clean drinking water, and fresh air. They also like the peaceful atmosphere and Panama's lower cost of living.
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A man walks along with freshly cut banana stalk
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View of the Caldera River as it runs South of Boquete, Panama
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A cliff of rocks is a popular climbing opportunity
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Aerial view of a river in Chiriqui Province, Panama
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View up close of Volcan Baru, Boquete, Panama
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Locally grown, organic vegetables at the Market in Boquete, Panama
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Baru volcano, Panama's tallest mountain
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Building on the Square in Boquete, Panama
Growing Immigrant Community
Boquete has a large community of people who have moved there from other countries. According to the government, over 3,000 foreigners live permanently in Boquete. They come from more than 30 different countries.
Most of these newcomers are from America and Canada. However, there are also many people from Colombia and Venezuela. The third largest group of immigrants comes from European countries.
This increase in people from other countries has helped new businesses grow. Both locals and foreigners own these businesses. The hotel industry is very important here. There are now over 50 places to stay in Boquete. These range from fancy 5-star resorts to simple motels for backpackers. Many new restaurants have also opened in Boquete.
Images for kids
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Part of the Sendero de los Quetzales - most parts are in a better state
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Castle-style house, long under construction along the Caldera River
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A homemade bridge, near Volcan Baru National Park in Boquete, leading to a private residence
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View from a room in the Hostel Boquete, overlooking the Rio Caldera
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White-nosed Coati, Wildlife Rescue Center, Boquete, Panama
See also
In Spanish: Bajo Boquete para niños
