Boquete is a great place to visit and many visitors end up living here –the same happened to me. But what's all the fuss about? Why did we decide to open our first Spanish school in Boquete? Why is Boquete so popular and what makes it so special? There are many things going on for this quaint town nestled between the mountains of Chiriquí and nothing better than a video to showcase Boquete's top attractions and give you a precise idea about what to expect when you choose to learn Spanish in Boquete!
But what about the less obvious things about Boquete? Much has already been said about Boquete being considered Panama's eco-adventure capital (and the above video certainly shows why), so allow me to focus on the other not less than important aspects that seduced me and made me fall in love with this charming piece of paradise that I now call home.
First of all – the scenery is incredible! Getting up early and seeing the sun rise behind the mountains, having a clear view over the valley and its lush vegetation, including the most beautiful flowers, is totally worth the early hour. Just walking around – not only in the mornings but during the day, too – can be a great experience. Often enough a fine misty rain fills the air while, at the same time, the sun is shining. The result of this is displayed in many beautiful colors – rainbows.
Experiencing a sunrise in Boquete is simply stunning, specially if you can hike up the mountains that surround the valley
I still marvel at all the different species of animals I can watch even while I'm working, mostly birds that just sit on the fence singing for you or beautifully colored butterflies flying through the front garden. This abundance in flora and fauna is caused by 2 factors – the very special mountain climate Boquete has and the Baru Volcano, Panama’s highest peak situated just outside of town.
Although you won't be able to see it in town, Boquete's mountains are one of the last places in the world where you can spot a Resplendent Quetzal with relative ease
The climate here is different to the rest of Panama and even the rest of Chiriquí (the province Boquete belongs to), mostly because of its geography. It lies in a small valley between the mountains (at about 1200 meters above sea level or 4000 feet) and even though the sunny days of the dry season can get really warm (yes, you might want to wear shorts here!) and temperatures can reach up to around 85°F or 30°C, the nights will still be pretty cold, as low as 55°F or 13°C (sweater time!).
If you're looking for a place to learn Spanish in Central America without having to suffer the heat of the lowlands (with a top rated Spanish school), Boquete is certainly your best bet. Also, in rainy season, as the name says, it may rain a lot, but often enough only in the afternoons, still giving you the opportunity to go for a hike or another outdoor adventure during the mornings.
On the other hand the Volcán Barú, which hasn’t been active for centuries, once covered the area with its ashes making this part the most fertile area of Panama. The climate and the fertile soil are perfect for growing coffee, as well as other fruits and vegetables. You might have already heard about Boquete’s coffee, but you need to visit one (or more!) of the many coffee fincas and join a tasting. Most of us drink coffee every day, but it was really great for me to actually learn what a coffee plant looks like, how it grows, etc.
Also, I doubt I will ever be able to eat a pineapple or passion fruit in Europe again – you will never forget the great taste of the fresh veggies and fruit you can get in the local market place.
Another really interesting point is the cultural diversity of Boquete. Ever since it got renowned to be a great place to relocate, a lot of Americans, Canadians and also Europeans have come here and in the meantime a big international community has developed including all commodities, like a 24-hour supermarket, many pharmacies, and a great variety of local and international cuisine (without a doubt, in Boquete you will find some of Panama's best restaurants). That does not, however, mean that Boquete lost its Panamanian charm – just eating in El Sabrosón, one of the many truly local canteens, will give you an authentic Panamanian experience, as well as strolling through the town, or just going out at night. You will be able to see women and children in typical indigenous dresses, try some street food during local festivities (like the Feria de las Flores y del Café) or just have a chat with the vendors in the marketplace.
Spanish students in Boquete: people from all walks in life join us to study Spanish in Boquete...
These are only a few aspects that make Boquete a very special place – for people of all ages who want to enjoy a different and beautiful natural setting with many options and possibilities for the future, or just for a great Spanish learning vacation with a lot of outdoor adventures at their doorstep, including white water rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing and many more!
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