Exploring the Most Popular Expat Town in Panama

Another typical retirement community comprised mostly of North American expats . . . golf carts, fancy resorts, high-end dining . . . in a foreign country that’s “Americanized” because it has many of the conveniences of home . . .

NOT!

That description might be what some people expect Boquete, Panama to be like.  However, look a little deeper and you’ll see another side of this popular town. 

Making First Impressions

First impressions are how we perceive someone or something in the first few minutes.  It is the first few moments where we quickly form an opinion about what we’re seeing for the first time. 

As an example, my overall first impression of Florence, Italy was that it is an amazing city.  Let me explain how I got that opinion:

Immediately after deboarding our train at the Santa Maria Novella station, we were enveloped in sunset-hued Tuscan architecture.  Our suitcases drug noisily behind us on the centuries-old, cobbled streets where Michelangelo and DaVinci used to walk.  Determined to get to our hotel after a long day of travel, we resisted the amazing smells of freshly baked pizzas coming from cafes and restaurants along the way.   

But then, . . . ahead of us . . . an architectural masterpiece of massive proportions.  With its recognizable red dome that stands head and shoulders over other buildings in the area, we knew it must be the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, one of the most famous buildings in all of Italy.    We changed our minds and found a coffee shop with a perfect view of the magnificent Duomo . . . to savor a cappuccino . . . and the moment.  

Yes, those were my first impressions of the city, and those feelings have lasted for more than a decade.  We love Florence and we visit the city every chance we get!

But this article isn’t about my first impression of a city in Italy; it’s about my first impression of a small town in the highlands of Panama. 

First Impressions of Boquete

At first glance, Boquete seems to be a rough-around-the-edges sort of place.  A place that’s content in its own “skin” and doesn’t need to dress up for the influx of visitors and expats who come here. 

Why would I think this?  Because, even if the town does have its flaws, it is a happenin’ place.  If appearance is any clue at all, I’d venture to say that this town is even somewhat overgrown. 

But that’s just one of my first impressions.  Let me go on . . .

Arriving in Boquete was like entering a small tropical resort town during the summer season.  People are out and about enjoying the amazing balmy weather that Boquete is known for.  A premium spot to take it all in would be any number of little patio restaurants we pass along the way. 

A few blocks later, I notice that many of the local shops have beach and casual wear displayed in the store windows.  We also pass several recreational touring vehicles taking people to the coffee plantations, hanging bridges, or to go ziplining.

I’ve never stayed in a hostel before, however, when we drove past the Villa Alejandro, it looked amazing. We might want to try it the next time we’re in town. 

We continued through town and drove past retail shops, several restaurants, the library, the park, and a couple of banks.  Both sides of the street have commercial and residential buildings, so one can assume that zoning issues are, perhaps, non-existent.    

One thing that Boquete doesn’t lack for is restaurants.  The number — and variety — of eateries is impressive.  We went past Panamanian-style restaurants, Japanese eateries, several breakfast places, coffee houses, and a couple of sandwich shops.    

As we continued our drive through town, I noticed several women’s clothing and shoe stores.  I’m already thinking that I might have to check them out.  

Our Stay at the Garden Inn

For the first several nights that we were in Boquete, we stayed at the Garden Inn.  Just as beautiful as the pictures on its website, it is located at the bottom of the highlands area about a mile and a half from the center of town.  The landscaping is immaculate with gardens full of tropical flowers and a creek that lulls you to sleep at night.  More like a botanical garden, the property also has bougainvillea, banana trees, numerous types of palms, delicate orchids, and a lot more plants than I know the names of.  As you might assume, this paradise is where many species of birds call home. 

The hillsides surrounding the Garden Inn are lush and every shade of green.  Coffee trees with their shiny leaves are laden with high-quality beans that range in color from deep forest green to bright orangey-red.  Ferns, palms, and hearty hard wood trees, the clear blue sky, and fluffy white clouds complete this peaceful setting.    

Temperatures in Boquete were noticeably cooler and much more pleasant that those in the city of David.  However, temperatures at the Garden Inn were even cooler than Boquete’s because of the higher elevations.  There’s almost always a breeze, and there’s not a lot of humidity as I was expecting.

More First Impressions – Boquete’s Flaws

Every place has its negatives, but to me one of the disadvantages of Boquete is getting there.  If you’re coming in from the US or Canada, scheduling almost necessitates an overnight stay in Panama City and then flying out the next day on a regional plane.  If you plan to rent a car or take a bus from Panama City, it is about a six-hour drive.  Either way, it takes time to get to Boquete.    

But an actual negative of Boquete as is common to a lot of Panama is that infrastructure is noticeably rustic.  Just driving through town, I saw that pedestrians walked along the sides of the busy roads.  But after a closer look, it was easy to see that there are few sidewalks in town, or, if they exist, have uneven elevations, missing sections of concrete, no handrails, steep stairs, or deep holes where trees or plants used to be. 

Another example of inconvenient infrastructure that’s common in many parts of Panama is that hot water is not always where we Americans like to think hot water should be available.  Like the kitchen sink.  We stayed in two places during our week here, and neither of them had hot water in the kitchen. 

So, are these flaws/disadvantages dealbreakers for me?  Not in the least!  To me, these details are part of the experience of travelling and I could learn to live with the differences. 

Which brings me back to my first example . . .

When I look back on my first impressions of Florence, I could also bring up negative points about that city’s infrastructure.  And not only the infrastructure, but I also know that it is an expensive city, and that traffic is continually snarled.  But I still love Florence!

As Americans, we are very blessed to live in such a beautiful and progressive country.  One might even say that we are spoiled, however, it is important that our fortune does not cloud our appreciation for the differences that other cultures enjoy. We are used to having things that many countries don’t have access to.  That doesn’t mean that their country has a diminished worth or that it’s not a “decent” place.  It just means that their standards are not necessarily the same as ours, and yet many times the people are more content and happier. 

Yes, first impressions are part of getting to know a place.  But with time, you might find that the imperfections are what give a place its own personality.