Panama Holidays

Chiriqui is the region that encompasses Boquete and Volcan, along with the south-western Pacific coast of Panama. The region is a diverse combination of rainforest, lush emerald green meadows, springs, rivers, waterfalls, high mountain lakes, coffee plantations, vegetable and flower farms, dairy farms and cattle ranches. Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Baru Volcano, is the small and charming mountain village of Boquete. Boquete's spring-like climate is one big draw; its location up in the highlands means that it's refreshingly cooler than the tropical lowlands, but almost always sunny. The surrounding landscape is primarily covered in coffee plantations. From October to February, coffee picking season is a festive time and colourfully clad Indian families come from various parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries. Boquete is also known for its production of some of the sweetest oranges in Panama; make sure you tuck in while you're here. The area is also well known for birding; the town being home to an abundance of birds equal in number to those found in the cloud forests higher up. One of the most famous is the Quetzal, Guatemala's spectacular national bird that is severely endangered but has found refuge in this area. Down on the coast, the unspoilt island of Boca Brava is home to hundreds of monkeys, nesting sea turtles and almost three hundred species of birds. There are miles of hiking trails to explore and the pristine white sand beaches are heavenly. Among the numerous activities on offer are hiking, mountain biking, climbing and rafting.

A short distance from diverse attractions and regions, from rainforests to indigenous communities and tropical archipelagos, the city is worthy of attention in its own right, and not just because of its world-famous waterway. The ruins of the original Panama City in Panama Viejo (destroyed by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan in 1671) are testament to the first city built on the Pacific Coast of the Americas, and founded to facilitate the transfer of Spanish-plundered riches from the Incan Empire in South America to Spain. The colonial influence is strongest in the 'Casco Viejo', known as the 'second Panama City', and containing 17th century churches and convents and handsome 18th and 19th century buildings. Modern-day Panama City is set around the bay, and has a prosperous business district, lively nightlife, a fantastic restaurant scene and the only rainforest within city limits in the world: the Metropolitan Natural Park. Panama was also recently put on the Hollywood map thanks to the filming of the Quantum of Solace Bond film in and around the city.