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Central America Panama Chiriquí Boquete The Orchid Expo

Overview

The Orchid Expo

The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

The Orchid Expo is an annual event in Boquete that takes place at the Flower and Coffee Fairgrounds around Easter time. Orchid lovers around the world have formed associations and clubs to collect and cultivate these exquisite flowers, which exist in thousands of varieties. More than just a chance to show off their beauty, the expo raises awareness of the threat to orchid plants by excessive logging. Plant exhibits, local handicrafts, conferences and cultural presentations are all part of the Expo.

Useful Information

Opening hours: The Expo takes place in March or April

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Coffee Plantation Visit

Coffee Plantation Visit

Boquete has become one of the most important coffee growing regions in the world with 1600 independent coffee producers and more than 25 companies that process coffee. Boquete, produces the best and most expensive coffee in the world, the Arabic Geisha (Gesha). Besides Geisha, Boquete boasts a wide variety of beans that have won international awards. Here visitors can leisurely sample tasting menus, modeled after Napa Valley wine tours, at coffee plantations. Finca Lerida Hotel & Coffee Plantation: Alto Quiel, Bajo Boquete +507 720 1111

Canopy Tour (Zip Line)

Canopy Tour (Zip Line)

The Canopy Tour takes you on a zip line of 3 kilometers in total length, divided into 12 different zip line cables. This is a tour traversing a cloud forest of century-old trees and waterfalls, where at any time you may encounter fog and the gentle rain locals call bajareque. Boquete Outdoor Adventures:

Bird Watching

Bird Watching

Bird watching is one of Boquete’s main attractions with over 900 species of birds present in the area. This is the most accessible region of Chiriqui’s highlands where the beautiful Quetzal bird can be seen thanks to the conservation of the forest and the aguacatillo tree that provides the Quetzal with its favorite fruit.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

“El Gunko” is what the indigenous people of the area call the strange and appealing volcanic stone formation in Boquete. It is 13.1 meters high and, apart from its unique beauty, offers the perfect conditions for a fast and easy climb for every nature lover. For those new to rock climbing, different routes are possible, with regard to physical abilities and age. Boquete Rock Climbing School

The Lost Waterfalls Hike

The Lost Waterfalls Hike

On a half day hike up the mountains in the rainforest of Chiriqui, one can see three beautiful waterfalls, as well as birds, orchids, plants, flowers and animals that are typical of the tropical rainforest. This hike has a moderate degree of difficulty that requires the participant to be physically fit, and includes some long ascents.

Chorcha Monkey Reserve

Chorcha Monkey Reserve

Visit the famous Chorcha Monkey Reserve, with amazing howler monkeys in an indigenous community environment. Enjoy the beauty of these intelligent monkeys as you find yourself surrounded by nature - an unforgettable experience.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Cross rivers and small streams, encounter beautiful landscapes and admire the Baru Volcano from a very special perspective. Some guided tours include visiting a lookout point with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and serene valleys blanketed by lush rainforests. From there you will be able to see the Pacific Ocean, Chiriqui’s lowlands and the Baru Volcano, all at the same time. Some say the rainforest scenery is the main attraction of a horseback riding tour in Caldera. Multiple local companies offer organized tours, one of them is Panama Pathfinders:

Cloud Forest Safari

Cloud Forest Safari

The Cloud Forest Safari is either a hiking or Jeep tour that explores the highlands surrounding Boquete. You’ll see white water rivers, cascading waterfalls, and all the exotic and beautiful foliage of the cloud forest. You may even spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal on a short hike among the trees. Highlights may include a coffee plantation, an herb garden, and roadside stands where indigenous Panamanians sell their hand-made crafts.

Golf

Golf

A world class golf course awaits you in the Chiriqui highlands. Designed by J. Michael Poellot, this 18- hole championship course is part of Lucero Golf & Country Club, just outside of Boquete. Bring your friends and teem up for an exceptional round of golf amid stunning surroundings. Green fees vary depending on the season and include golf cart rental, and packages are available. Ask for details at your hotel reception desk.

The Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival

The Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival

The event is a fantastic opportunity for visitors from abroad and from Panama to truly appreciate the agricultural importance of Chiriqui. Last year, over 35,000 flowers were displayed at the fair, including orchids from Australia, Japan, the United States, Costa Rica and, of course, Panama. While flowers are the main attraction at the fair, local agricultural produce is also showcased, including potatoes, strawberries, cabbage, and lettuce. The most important of all the produce is the coffee, which is “cupped” or tasted here by local experts. Without a doubt, the Boquete Flower Festival is one of Panama’s most popular rural events, receiving around 100,000 visitors during its ten days, and with the income generated from the fair hovering around the $2 million mark, it is extremely important to the area from an economical point of view.

The Orchid Expo

The Orchid Expo

The Orchid Expo is an annual event in Boquete that takes place at the Flower and Coffee Fairgrounds around Easter time. Orchid lovers around the world have formed associations and clubs to collect and cultivate these exquisite flowers, which exist in thousands of varieties. More than just a chance to show off their beauty, the expo raises awareness of the threat to orchid plants by excessive logging. Plant exhibits, local handicrafts, conferences and cultural presentations are all part of the Expo.

Boquete Brewing Company

Boquete Brewing Company

This hipster fixture is an unlikely, yet pleasantly surprising find in Boquete. Six varieties of beer brewed in-house are complemented by international additions, and there is even a food truck on site. The microbrewery also offers guided tours, and you can sample the beers before deciding on a specific one.

The Rock Restaurant Boquete

The Rock Restaurant Boquete

The little town of Boquete offers a good selection of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Since Boquete is an agricultural town, chefs have access to the freshest organic vegetables and herbs. One praiseworthy local restaurant, The Rock, is located on the banks of the Palo Alto River, just outside of central Boquete. The large windows allow for fantastic views up the valley, and the fireplace seating area is a cosy spot at night. "Food without pretences" is their motto, and the menu focuses on locally available produce and meats. Steaks and ribs are cooked to perfection and may be accompanied by artisan beers made exclusively for the restaurant or the perfect wine. Thursday is All-You-Can-Eat Rib Night. If you are in Boquete, a meal at The Rock is a must.

Mike’s Global Grill

Mike’s Global Grill

Mike’s Global Grill prepares Asian, American and International food, pours local and imported beers, and features American football on big-screen TVs. Gaining popularity with locals, expats, and tourists alike, Mike’s has the right international mix. It hosts live music performances every week, and they occasionally have “open mic” night on Fridays.

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