7 Reasons Why I Love Boquete, Panama

A serene mountain landscape featuring a manicured garden, colorful flowers, and white outdoor chairs overlooking a forested valley beneath a bright blue sky.

I’d spent years in Panama before finally making it to Boquete. Given its reputation as the World’s #1 Place to Retire in 2026, I was curious to see whether it would live up to the hype…

It did.

Nestled in the highlands of Chiriquí Province, Boquete feels like a completely different country compared with the rest of Panama. After spending time here, I can see why so many people fall in love with it.

Here are my top reasons why.

1. The climate is perfect

After the heat and humidity of Panama City and the beach, Boquete was a breath of fresh air. Located in the highlands, it has a consistent spring-like temperature, making it comfortable to spend time outdoors all year.

The temperature also enables all the lush greenery that surrounds Boquete and allows it to grow the coffee and flowers that this region is so famous for.

2. The setting is spectacular

Boquete is surrounded by rolling green, vibrant flowers, and dramatic mountain scenery

Boquete is surrounded by rolling green, vibrant flowers, and dramatic mountain scenery. Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak, towers above town.

You can explore the countryside on a hike or simply enjoy the view from a café terrace. Either way, nature is front and center.

3. There’s always an outdoor adventure waiting

Boquete is set up for all kinds of outdoor activities: hiking, trekking, white-water rafting, rappelling, mountain climbing, hot springs, birdwatching, and more are in easy reach.

4. The food scene is top notch

I wasn’t expecting such a diverse and high-quality restaurant scene in Boquete. From the Italian dishes 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.

5. The coffee culture is fantastic

A cozy covered patio with cushioned seating overlooks a small stream, lush banana trees, and misty mountain scenery, creating a peaceful tropical retreat.

Boquete produces some of the world’s most sought-after coffee, and the local café scene reflects that. Coffee is everywhere you go, whether it’s the coffee plants that blanket the hillsides, the smell of coffee from the numerous cafés that line the main street, or the many coffee tours and experiences you can join.

6. The community is friendly

Boquete offers a welcoming atmosphere. It’s home to Panama’s most established expat community, English is widely spoken, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet people. Whether it’s the local library, community theater, or one of the many social groups, newcomers quickly find their place.

An open-air artisan market shaded by large trees, with colorful vendor stalls, shoppers browsing local goods, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere.

The Tuesday Boquete Community Market is a great example. Locals and expats gather to browse crafts, artisan food, and homemade treats while catching up with friends and neighbors.

7. It offers a peaceful lifestyle without feeling isolated

Life moves at a relaxed pace, surrounded by nature and fresh mountain air. Yet there’s still plenty happening in Boquete, including yearly events like the Flower Festival, which attracts thousands of people.

Everyday entertainment includes the restaurants, the cafés, shopping, community events, and cultural activities. There’s always something to do. It’s peaceful without feeling sleepy.

A Luxury Mountain Resort That Stands Out

A modern luxury resort with landscaped gardens, a serene pool lounge, and mountain views, offering an elegant retreat in a scenic hillside setting.

About 15 minutes outside central Boquete, one of Panama’s most respected and established developers is building a high-end Alpine-style resort… the perfect complement to Boquete’s cool climate and misty mountain peaks.

The design is simple and elegant, incorporating natural materials that blend with the Boquete aesthetic. And the views are spectacular…

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from a modern balcony overlooking lush greenery, rolling hills, and a vibrant blue sky. A peaceful setting perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.

It includes 5-star amenities: 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.

Unlike anything else I’ve seen in Panama, this project is sure to attract renters. It’s projecting $20k+ in rental income each year, alongside appreciation. Plus, tourism is on the rise in Panama, up 7% in 2025. This resort is ideally positioned to serve demand from the booming ecotourism market.

The project is rapidly taking shape. Phases I and II are nearly sold out…

Right now, we have early access to Phase III, meaning you can get the pick of the best units starting from just $221k.

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