Looking for a photogenic fair full of colour? Then consider the Feria de Boquete (Boquete Flowers and Coffee Festival), Panama.
Everyone has heard of Panama City, its canal, and possibly the Panama Carnival, but far less people venture from this relatively remote part of the country to the west and close to the border with Costa Rica.
The Feria de Boquete takes over the streets of this small town. They fill with food stands, whilst a park beside the river hosts the decorations of flowers.
The event attracts a surprising amount of visitors. Expect lots of colourful decorations, works by local artists, great tasting coffee, Latin music and dancing.
The event tends to be more lively after dark and the music goes on till late. As Boquete is in the mountains, it can be cool at night. Bring your camera.
The History of the Feria de Boquete
The festival began in 1950 and occurred intermittently every several years until the floods in the region in 1970. Then from 1971 it began to be held every year. Until 1991 it was held in April then after this year it switched to January.
When is the Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival?
From 8 to 19 January 2025. There is a small entry fee.
Other Things to Do in the Region
Boquete is close to the Baru Volcano National Park. From the summit, you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean. There is much good hiking and horse riding in the area as well as some great views.
It is a favourite of birders, particularly as the quetzal makes its home here. There is a also a butterfly garden.
For the more active, try the rock climbing and the zip line.
Flights to Panama and Getting to Boquete
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There are direct international flights to Tocumen International Airport from Amsterdam, Madrid, Paris, Toronto, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dallas, Miami, Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta.
After arriving in Panama City, you have a number of options to get to Boquete. There are local, (and a few international), flights to the Enrique Malek Airport in David, or there are buses from the capital, or from Costa Rica. From David, it is 40 km by road to Boquete by car, taxi or local bus.
Hotels in Boquete and David
David is the regional capital, and as it is relatively close, so you may wish to stay there, though if you want to be in Boquete, which is by far the nicer, book well in advance.
For more on the Boquete Flowers and Coffee Festival
Click here.
For more on Things to Do in Panama
Read our article 10 Fun Things to Do in Panama, or visit the official Panama tourism website.
