I just returned from a scouting trip across Panama, which ended in the world’s #1 retirement destination for 2026: Boquete.
This was my first time visiting Boquete despite living in Panama for several years. After seeing it firsthand, I can confirm that it’s an all-around fantastic place to spend time.
Located in the highlands of Chiriquí Province, Boquete has cool weather and lush green landscapes dotted with beautiful tropical flowers. It’s a breath of fresh air if you’re coming from Panama City or any low-lying area of the country, where the weather is typically hot and muggy.
Getting To Boquete
I traveled to Boquete overland from Panama City—a drive that can take seven or eight by car… or longer, in my case.
I took a “coaster”—Panama’s infamous minibuses that have no set schedule and are usually crammed full of people… and sometimes livestock.
Thankfully there are much easier ways to get to Boquete. You can fly from the capital to Enrique Malek International Airport in David, which is about an hour’s drive from Boquete. David is also about an hour from Costa Rica, if you happen to be coming from the west.
A Mountain Town For Nature Lovers
Boquete is surrounded by rolling green hillsides and overlooked by Panama’s tallest mountain—Volcán Barú.
It’s no surprise that it’s popular with hikers and lovers of the outdoors. Whitewater rafting, rappelling, mountain climbing, hot springs, and more are available.
World-Class Dining And Coffee
When you’re not adventuring, you can indulge in Boquete’s impressive restaurant scene.
I was struck by the diversity and quality of the cuisine—from the Italian fare at Retrogusto to the classic American menu at Christopher’s Steakhouse. My dining experiences here were on par with what I’m used to in London.
Boquete also has a fantastic café culture. Unido offers outdoor seating right beside a small river, while Café El Mirador delivers sweeping views across the valley.
If you’re coffee lover, you’re in for a treat. Some of the world’s finest coffee is grown in the hills around Boquete, and it’s brewed to perfection in cafés throughout town.
The Community That Makes Boquete Special
Boquete is safe, friendly, and home to Panama’s most established expat community. English is widely spoken, and there’s plenty of English-language entertainment available, from the local library to productions by the Boquete Community Players Theatre.
You really get a feel for the lifestyle at Boquete Community Market, held on Tuesdays. Locals and expats from diverse backgrounds gather to sell knickknacks, crafts, and artisan food like sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies.
Organizations like Boquete Veteran Outreach and Amigos de Animales (“friends of animals”) set up booths to share information. It’s a great way to meet new people and get involved in the community.
The market is just across from the Boquete Flower & Coffee Fair grounds, which showcases the region’s incredible floral production. The festival is in January, but you can visit the grounds year-round for only $1.50.
A Peaceful Lifestyle With Plenty To Do
The spring-like climate, the rolling green landscape, the abundance of flowers… Boquete has a peaceful, pastoral feel.
Yet there’s lots going on. The restaurants are excellent, the cafés serve up the best coffee in the world, there’s plenty of shopping, and the people are friendly…
I’d happily spend a lot more time here.
The reason for my visit, however, wasn’t simply to experience Boquete as a potential place to live. I was there to scout real estate opportunities for lifestyle buyers and investors.
A Luxury Mountain Resort Just Minutes From Town
I toured an exclusive project by one of Panama’s most respected and established developers.
About 15 minutes outside central Boquete, the property sits within a country club, surrounded by natural beauty with views of Volcán Barú.
The concept evokes a high-end Alpine resort—a perfect complement to Boquete’s cool climate and misty mountain peaks.
It’s unlike anything else currently available in Panama.
Residents or renters will enjoy a suite of 5-star amenities, including a private pool, multiple hot tubs, a restaurant, fire pits, reading nooks, and social areas. There are even plans for an on-site medical center down the line.
The resort overlooks an equestrian center and wider country club grounds, adding to the sense of space and tranquility.
Phases I And II Are Nearly Sold Out…
The project is rapidly taking shape. I toured Phase I, which is nearly complete and sold out, with only three units still available during my visit.
Construction crews were hard at work, bringing together a beautiful multi-story building with high-quality materials and attention to detail.
I saw the model apartment, which features the same furniture and appliances included in the furnishing package. The design is simple and elegant, incorporating natural materials that blend with the Boquete aesthetic.
And the views from these apartments are spectacular…
The team behind this development is now preparing to break ground on Phase II, which is already almost sold out.
Phase III Opening Now With Exclusive Pricing
Next comes Phase III, where we’ve secured early access and an exclusive starting price of just $202k.
Phase III condos include:
- Smaller 47-square-meter one-bedroom units—ideal for investors, fully furnished and ready to generate income from day one.
- Larger two-bedroom-plus-studio residences offering generous living space—perfect as a personal getaway or high-yield rental property.
Each property comes fully furnished and includes a high-spec kitchen—a benefit worth thousands of dollars.
Rental income is projected at up to $20,000+ a year net, once the resort is up and running, with estimated returns of 13% to 17%, depending on the unit and financing structure.
Those projections are conservative when you consider that nearby hotels are renting suites for $270 to $472 a night.
Tourism is on the rise in Panama, up 7% in 2025, and this resort is ideally positioned to serve demand from the booming ecotourism market.
Best of all, ownership can be completely hands-off thanks to the developer’s professional rental management team.
Own A Slice Of Boquete’s Mountain Paradise
After spending time in Boquete, it’s easy to see why it was crowned the world’s top retirement destination for 2026.
The cool mountain air… the cafés and restaurants… the international community… the spectacular natural setting…
It’s the kind of place people visit for a week and then start wondering how they can stay forever.
This new luxury mountain resort offers a rare chance to own a piece of that lifestyle—while also benefiting from the rising demand for high-end accommodation in one of Panama’s most desirable destinations.
If you’d like full details on this opportunity, click here now to learn more.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Property Alert