Fiestas Patrias en Boquete – part 2!

by with No Comment NewsPanama Travel

If it seems like I just wrote a post on Patriotic happenings in Boquete…it’s because I did! There not one – but two – independence celebrations in Panama in November. This time around, we are celebrating independence from Spain.

There are a number of events and parades taking place all weekend. Here are some of the highlights:

Friday November 26
Inauguration of the pedestrian sidewalk in downtown Boquete. This one’s a bit controversial: a number of parking spots were lost to the walkway and – for the time being – there’s not much to see when you stroll around the square. But nevertheless – it will be celebrated! There will be performances and fireworks. As of 2:00 pm this afternoon, they were still laying down parts of the sidewalk.

Saturday, November 27
2:00 p.m. – Horse Parade through Boquete’s main street. Watch where you walk!
7:00 p.m. – Torch Parade that starts at the Los Naranjos Gym and ends at the Boquete Fire Station

Sunday, November 28
8:00 a.m. – Ceremony commemorating Panama’s independence from Spain. Takes place in front of the municipal building, across from the central park. School bands, folkloric presentations from Veraguas Province and more.
1:00 p.m. – Parade!

There is also a disco set up across Cabanas on the Feria road. Lots of bass-pumping action Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Every conceivable street meat available, washed down with an ice cold cerveza.

Traveling in Panama next week? Yellow Alert: Heightened Inefficiency due to Fiestas Patrias

by with No Comment NewsPanama Travel

This serves as a quick heads up to anyone visiting Panama in November, or for those newly settled here: November is the month of Patriotic Holidays. Independence Day. Flag day. Recovery day. Another Independence Day. It’s noisier than usual, less productive than usual, more crowded than usual.

If you’re prepared, you’ll navigate the holidays and enjoy what they have to offer (parades, parties and great photo ops). Remember: book your regional airline tickets in advance. Get to the station early if you are traveling by bus. Avoid driving in Panama City (you’ll be fine in Boquete). And keep this schedule handy:

November 1 & 2: regular hours for banks, businesses
November 3: Independence Day (from Colombia). Banks, government offices and most businesses closed (exceptions: most restaurants, tour providers). Limited taxi service in Boquete*
November 4: Flag Day. Banks, government offices and most businesses closed (exceptions: most restaurants, tour providers). Limited taxi service in Boquete*
November 5: Random Party Day. Banks, government offices and most businesses closed (exceptions: most restaurants, tour providers). Limited taxi service in Boquete*
November 6: Recovery Day. Limited hours for banks (usually 8am – noon), government offices closed, businesses open, taxi service mostly back to normal (except early morning, which is dedicated to hangover nursing)*
November 10 & 29: Banks, government offices closed
November 28: Independence Day (it’s Spain this time). Heavy on parades.

*This refers to yellow taxis. Our preferred taxi service, which does airport runs, tours, trips to Almirante etc., is available throughout the holidays

Boquete Mountain Safari

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Boquete Mountain Safari is always measuring, adjusting and listening to feedback to get their tour mix just right. Guest favourites include the Wildlife/Hiking tour ($40 for half day) Caldera Hot Springs with Horseback Riding ($50 for 5 hours) and the Cloud Forest Safari 4×4 jeep tour ($35 for half day) The guides are excellent – knowledgeable and friendly.

Many people ask me if it’s necessary to hire a guide for hiking. I think it’s a really good idea if you’ve got limited time and want to see as much as possible. These guys know how to call down birds, take you to the best trails and give you a mini-tour of surrounding areas on the way to the trails.

And a new feature for Boquete Mountain Safari: ‘add a coffee tasting to your tour’…
Add a coffee tour to the Cloud Forest Safari, Wildlife Hike or Horseback Riding and it’s only $50- $55 per person for a five-hour tour. Awesome value and expertise!

We organize tours for our guests at no additional charge – it’s a complimentary service and most tours pick up at the hotel! Send us an email if you’d like more information! 

November Holidays in Panama

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November is holiday-heavy in Panama. Great if you live and work here, but potentially disruptive if you are not prepared. Keep these dates handy if you plan to visit.

Monday, November 2: All Souls Day (Day of the Dead). No loud music, no alcohol sales. Banks open.
Tuesday, November 3: Celebration of the Separation of Panama from Colombia.
Wednesday, November 4: Flag Day (Dia de la Bandera).
Thursday, November 5: Colon Day (the city, not the organ).
Tuesday, November 10: Celebration of the Uprising in Los Santos. Los Santos declared independence from Spain first, prompting Panama City to act and declare formal separation on….
November 28, Saturday: Celebration of Panama’s Independence from Spain.

On November 3, 4, 5, 10 and 28: Banks and public and private offices closed. Grocery stores open. Roads may be blocked for parades–keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Las Olas Playa Barqueta Chiriqui Panama Beach

Boquete is the perfect home base!

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Did you know that the Pacific Ocean is only an hour and a half away from Boquete?

Boquete is a beautiful mountain town known for its natural beauty, perfect climate, wildlife, coffee, adventure and great people. But did you also know that Boquete is the perfect home base for day trips in Chiriqui?

Las Olas Playa Barqueta Chiriqui Panama Beach
Las Olas, just an hour and a half away from Boquete!

Explore this beautiful province and return back to Boquete in the evening, to enjoy the best restaurants and our cooler, less humid climate.


Day trip options: Volcan, Cerro Punta, Caldera, Las Lajas beach and Las Olas beach.

We’d be happy to help you plan day trips from Boquete–just ask!

Blue Gray Tanager Boquete Panama bird

Enjoy breakfast with the birds!

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Every morning, we are joined by a variety of birds, including Tanagers (flame-coloured, blue gray, Passerini’s), Honeycreepers, Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds and more. While guests enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast, the birds dine alongside them, feasting on a mouth-watering selection of fruits.

Blue Gray Tanager Boquete Panama bird
Voted ‘Number One Breakfast’ by the birds of Boquete!

Breakfast with the Birds is one of the many experiences that will make your stay at Boquete Garden Inn a memorable one.

Here’s what our guests had to say:

“A haven for birds…we counted at least 30 different species.” “We especially enjoyed the mornings – fantastic coffee in a garden setting surrounded by birds, butterflies and flowers!”

Photo was taken in April 2009 by one of our guests, Håkan Cedlöf. He also provided the photo of the flame-coloured Tanager on our home page gallery. Thanks Håkan!