Boquete, Panama
DESCRIPTION > ACCOMMODATION > ECO ADVENTURES > BODY WORK > FOOD > TRAVEL TO & FROM
The location: picturesque tropical mountain village
The allure: an oasis of serenity
The nature: abundant & colorful
The culture: joyful & kindhearted
Allow yourself to be swept away by the allure of Boquete. The charm of this location is most profoundly felt in its calming energy, breathtaking nature and picturesque landscapes. Boquete is nestled in a lush green forest sprinkled with a bouquet of color and an abundance of wildlife, waterfalls, flowing rivers, exotic birds, butterflies, hot springs and rainbows. In Boquete, there is always an orchestra of bird song and sounds of nature to remind you that you are part of something magical and alive. It has the power to activate a feeling of connectedness within you and all around you. It offers a lifestyle where you get to slow down and simply be with all that is, free of traffic and the noise of the hustle and bustle.
Woven with threads of tranquility, Boquete is also the ecotourism capital of outdoor adventure creating an exquisite blend that caters to the diverse desires of its residents and visitors that make it equally enticing for those in search of adventure. As you wonder the enchanting paths of town, the welcoming smiles of locals and a fusion of cultures can instantly captivate your heart and embody a sense of belonging that transcends borders. Boquete boasts a wonderful sense of community where shared experiences foster an inclusive atmosphere making forming friendships and connections an easeful endeavor. The vibrant expat community forms a harmonious mosaic of diverse backgrounds, unified by a bond rooted in their collective admiration for the town’s innate beauty and undeniable charm.
The myriad of activities offered are abundant, from hiking cloud-kissed volcanos or exploring the vast culinary scene present all around.
Activities in Boquete - hiking, whitewater rafting, birding, butterfly gardens, honey making tours, coffee tastings, chocolate tours, atv & scooter rentals, mountain biking, rock climbing, cycling, horseback riding, zip-lining, cooking classes, animal refugee center, culinary tours and much more!
Day Trip Adventures - sailing, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, cacao farm tours, swimming with bioluminescence, whale watching, baby turtle releases, manatee tours
Accommodation
Valle Escondido Wellness Resort
Welcome to Paradise
OUR LUXURY WELLNESS LOCATION
Nestled in nature, Valle Escondido Wellness Resort is the ultimate location to breathe, to be, to expand and live life to the fullest. Valle Escondido Wellness Resort has all the luxuries you desire to completely align and embody your true essence of health, joy and peace.
FEATURES
Full Service Holistic Spa & Salon
State of the Art Gym
Indoor heated pool & outdoor pool
Nature labyrinth next to a flowing river
Lava Rock Dry Sauna
Eucalyptus Steam Room
Meditation Fountain
Golf Course, Driving Range & Mini-golf
Tennis & Racquetball Courts
On-site organic gardens & greenhouses
Three restaurants with both casual & fine dining to cater to a variety of dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free cuisine.
Spiritual Center/Chapel
Lake with paddle boats
YOUR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
During your retreat, you will be hosted at Valle Escondido in the YiA International Penthouse Condo where you can feel right at home. Each guest will have their own private room, access to a fully stocked kitchen and gorgeous nature views.
Guests also have the option to explore other accommodation options both on or off property that best suit their needs and desires. Cost would depend on the selection of your choice. Whatever you need, we have you covered. Guests are also welcome to travel with loved ones and pets.
Please advise if you have any food or pet allergies prior to your arrival.
LA VIDA SPA
Supporting you to live your life with optimal health and well-being.
Allow us to caress and decompress you into a space of pure relaxation and rejuvenation. At La Vida we are here to pamper you and remind you of the serenity, well being and stillness that lies within you. La Vida offers a wide variety of treatments and packages to delight your bodies needs and desires. Join us to breathe, to be, and to deeply connect with the inner wisdom that flows through every cell of your very being. During your experience you will be hosted in a beautifully designed peaceful environment that is meticulously maintained for your comfort. All spa guests will also have access to robes, sandals, water infusions, teas & fruits.
SPA TREATMENTS
Massages - relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone massage, craniofacial, prenatal, couples massage, lymphatic drainage, sport massage, foot reflexology, watsu and physiotherapy
Wraps - volcanic clay, algae, water lily, anti-stress
Facials - deep cleaning, anti-aging, moisturizing, luminous vitamin c
Hands & Feet - manicure, pedicure, polish change
Waxing - eyebrows, lip, underarm, face, arms, legs & bikini
GYM SERVICES
Our state of the art gym has everything you need to stay in shape and support your fitness routine. We have a variety of free weights, weight machines, crossfit equipment and an elliptical, treadmill and stationary bike. You will also find mats, straps, exercise balls, kettleballs, TRX suspension training equipment and much more! We also offer personal training and group classes such as yoga, water aerobics and circuit training.
HAKUNA MATATA
At Hakuna Matata shop you will find a unique collection of timeless handmade treasures, a selection of delectable food & drinks, accessories, attire and much more.
DINING @ Valle Escondido Wellness Resort
Our restaurants offer a farm to table concept using nutrient dense products grown at La Vida Organica to ensure the highest quality ingredients free of pesticides using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponics techniques.
Sabor Escondido nestled next to a flowing river and surrounded by nature, Sabor Escondido offers an indoor & outdoor dining concept. The menu offers a plethora of options for all dietary needs and desires. The food is beautifully plated and designed to create an explosion of flavors in your mouth to keep you coming back for more.
La Cantina offers a more casual dining experience where you can indulge in delicious mouthwatering appetizers and delectable drinks.
Terra Lounge is a vegan and kosher friendly restaurant. It is an organic plant based culinary concept set in an environment that makes you feel like you are at home with a fireplace and library that hosts a selection of books to inspire health in mind, body and spirit.
Eco Adventures
Boquete is ecotourism and adventure travel capital of Panama, you name it, Boquete has it. For extreme adrenaline junkies you can go white water river rafting down the Chiriqui Viejo River, go rock climbing in Bajo Mono, fly through the jungle on the zip lines of Palo Alto or go waterfall repelling or cliff jumping at Canjilones Canyon.
For beach enthusiasts, consider a trip to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro to indulge in the relaxing chill Caribbean vibe, hop over to San Blas islands to experience the rich history & culture of the Kuna Indians, or go island hopping from Boca Chica where you can see and experience an abundance of sea life on Isla Coiba.
For coffee lovers, Boquete is home to the most expensive and best coffee in the world and a tour is a must. If you are up for a hike, Boquete has unbelievable trails for hikers of all levels. For a challenging trek and a chance to view the both oceans from Panama's highest point, hike and camp to the top of the Baru Volcano, or step into La Amistad National Park and walk the footpath of the Quetzals Trail. The abundance of lush rainforest, animals, and waterfalls will take your breath away.
For a relaxing afternoon, you can soak the day away in the natural hot springs of Caldera or go for a leisurely horseback ride through the rolling mountains with breathtaking views or go on a bird watching tour.
Body Work & Plant Medicine
Transformative self-care is abundant in Boquete. Along with Valle Escondido Wellness Resort, there are also a plethora of other spa options, natural doctors and body treatments. Please inform us what you are seeking and we will put you in contact with the right space or practitioner.
We also offer plant medicine consultations and can assist you in working with our specialty plant medicine shamans and experts.
Food in Boquete
The rich soil of Boquete produces a beautiful array of delicious locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, which are sold at the local farmers markets and grocery stores.
There are more restaurants per capita in Boquete than anywhere else in Panama! Whatever you crave, they have it!
Whether you desire an evening of fine dining or an inexpensive quick meal you can find fine dining featuring local and international cuisine including: Mexican, Italian, Jewish, Peruvian, American, Chinese, Argentinian, Japanese, and of course delicious Panamanian. It also hosts several adorable coffee and chocolate shops and an abundance of delicious bakeries.
Food is not included, but private catering is available upon request. The on-site penthouse condo has a full service kitchen and within walking distance of the center there are several grocery stores and restaurants. Many times the students cook and eat together both inside the resort and outside in the beautiful town.
The Rock, Outdoor Fire Pit to Roast Marshmallows!! On a gorgeous country road.
Sugar & Spice, Salads, Soups, & Sandwiches, Baked Goods, WiFi.
Panamonte Romantic Dinner by Fireplace, WiFi.
Unido Amazing Coffee, Waffles & Breakfast all day with WiFi.
The Perfect Pair Coffee & Chocolate Cozy and delicious with comfy upstairs seating & WiFi.
Kotowa Beautiful View of Boquete town.
Valle Escondido This restuarant is fine dining with local and organic foods.
Traveling To & From Boquete
Before you travel
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has two blank pages in it for stamps
Make sure you have checked with the Panamanian Embassy on the appropriate visa procedures for your home country and any visas you may need along the way in your travels to Panama.
Tell your bank about your international travel plans to avoid account freezes
Send us your emergency contact information
Arriving by Plane
The closest airport to Boquete is Enrique Malek airport in David (DAV), which is an hour flight from Panama City, Panama. Transfer to and from the airport are available upon request for the cost of $45. It is a 45 minute ride to the retreat location.
There are two airlines that fly from Panama City to David, Copa & Air Panama. If you arrive to Panama City at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and are flying to David with Air Panama, you will need to take a taxi to Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC), which is around 25- 45 minutes away depending on the time of day and may take additional time if traffic is backed up. If you are flying Copa, you will fly out of the same airport. You should allow at least 3 hours between landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and getting to Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC) or bus station because of customs, immigration, and the journey within Panama City.
Eight major US cities offer direct, cheap, daily flights to Panama City: Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Orlando. You can also fly directly from Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, and other locations around Europe.
Panama City, Panama and San Jose, Costa Rica are the same distance from Boquete, so we suggest to check prices for both locations, but be aware that flights to David from San Jose are less frequent and usually route through Panama City. If you plan to take the bus, San Jose could be the cheaper option.
A taxi from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to a hotel in Panama City center should cost around 25 to 35 USD.
Arriving by Bus
From Panama City or San Jose to Boquete it is approximately six to eight hours by bus or car.
From David to Boquete it is approximately 45 to 60 minutes by bus, taxi, or a shuttle.
If you want to take a bus to David from Panama City, you first have to take a taxi from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or from your hotel in Panama City to Albrook bus terminal.
Busses depart Panama City to David almost every hour, so you do not have to pre-book your journey. The only dates when you will not be able to easily catch a bus is when it is a Panamanian National Holiday. The first bus departs everyday at 6:00 a.m. and the last one departs at 3:00 a.m.
Arriving by Car or Private Shuttle
You may also rent a car in Panama City and drive to Boquete. This is a good option for those who feel comfortable driving in other countries, but may be overwhelming to drivers who are not familiar in driving in foreign countries.
YiA can arrange private shuttles from your arrival airport in Panama City directly to Boquete for 450 USD. You will walk off the flight and have your very own bi-lingual tour guide waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. No taxis, no airport transfers, no hassles. And, you can make stops along the way whenever you would like! To book a transfer, contact us today.
BIRD & WILDLIFE TOURS
Jason Lara Tours is the top rated tour guide in Boquete! Check out his website to see a variety of tours.