Boquete
Encyclopedia
Boquete is a small town on the Caldera River
, tucked into the green mountain highlands of Panama
, in western-most Chiriquí Province
, about 60 km. from the border with Costa Rica
. Because of its altitude, some 1,200 metres above sea level, its climate is cooler than that of the lowlands. Its scenic location, temperature, and natural environment make it extremely popular with Panamanians, and attracts tourists from all over the world.
In Spanish, the word Boquete means 'gap or opening'. It was through this gap that curious gold seekers trekked, looking for a cheaper and quicker way to the Pacific. Farmers began settling the region near the end of the 19th Century. By the early 20th century, several villages had been populated: Lino, Quiel, Bajo Mono, Los Naranjos, and Bajo Boquete, which now is the districts' town center.
Boquete was created on April 11, 1911. The head of the district was initially Lino, but it was moved soon after to Bajo Boquete. For many years, the district had three "corregimientos" (townships): Bajo Boquete, Caldera and Palmira. In 1998, the "corregimientos" of Alto Boquete, Jaramillo, and Los Naranjos were created.
In addition to tourism, its main industry remains agriculture, especially the growing of coffee beans.
In separate action, a group of expatriates in Boquete came together in 2005 to form a performing theater group, which was named Boquete Community Players (BCP). BCP was formalized legally in 2007 through the creation of a not-for-profit foundation. BCP opened the community's first performance venue in November 2009 with the grand opening of a refurbished restaurant and bar in the center of Boquete alongside the Caldera River. The mission of BCP is to sponsor, produce, and promote artistic events to enhance appreciation for and understanding of the arts, and to promote a cohesive sense of community.
, a dormant volcano and, at 3,475 meters, the tallest point of land in Panama. Hikers enjoy a relatively easy hike up and over the volcano, along the Sendero de los Quetzales, which runs from Boquete up to Cerro Punta and Volcan, on the other side of the volcano. Boquete is well known for its coffee, judged to be among the finest in the world. The Caldera River
runs through the town, a river that has shaped much of its form.
More recently, Boquete has become the second home to many North American and European retirees. Some 14% of its population are of foreign origin, according to La Prensa, a national newspaper. Ex-pats are attracted by the comfortable climate, excellent potable water, and clean air, by the tranquility, and by Panama's relatively low cost of living.
Caldera River
The Caldera River is a river of Panama. It passes through the town of Boquete and flows through the Volcán Barú National Park in Chiriquí Province. It flooded its banks in November , 2008. It caused extensive damage to infrastructure and many roads had to be repaired.-External links:** Boquete...
, tucked into the green mountain highlands of Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, in western-most Chiriquí Province
Chiriquí Province
Chiriquí is a province of Panama, it is located on the western coast of Panama, and it is also the second most developed province in the country, after the Panamá Province. Its capital is the city of David. It has a total area of 6,490.9 km², with a population of 416,873 as of the year 2010...
, about 60 km. from the border with Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Costa Rica , officially the Republic of Costa Rica is a multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east....
. Because of its altitude, some 1,200 metres above sea level, its climate is cooler than that of the lowlands. Its scenic location, temperature, and natural environment make it extremely popular with Panamanians, and attracts tourists from all over the world.
History
Boquete was created on April 11, 1911. The head of the district was initially Lino, but it was moved soon after to Bajo Boquete. For many years, the district had three "corregimientos" (townships): Bajo Boquete, Caldera and Palmira. In 1998, the "corregimientos" of Alto Boquete, Jaramillo, and Los Naranjos were created.
In addition to tourism, its main industry remains agriculture, especially the growing of coffee beans.
The Arts
Boquete boasts a very lively music and arts scene. The annual Boquete Jazz Festival was founded in 2007 being the second largest jazz festival in the country after the Panama City Jazz Festival. Having been renamed Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival the 2012 festival will take place on the first weekend of March 2012.In separate action, a group of expatriates in Boquete came together in 2005 to form a performing theater group, which was named Boquete Community Players (BCP). BCP was formalized legally in 2007 through the creation of a not-for-profit foundation. BCP opened the community's first performance venue in November 2009 with the grand opening of a refurbished restaurant and bar in the center of Boquete alongside the Caldera River. The mission of BCP is to sponsor, produce, and promote artistic events to enhance appreciation for and understanding of the arts, and to promote a cohesive sense of community.
Nature
Some of its landmarks include nearby Volcán BarúVolcán Barú
The Volcán Barú is the tallest mountain in Panama and is high. It lies about 35 km off the border of Costa Rica....
, a dormant volcano and, at 3,475 meters, the tallest point of land in Panama. Hikers enjoy a relatively easy hike up and over the volcano, along the Sendero de los Quetzales, which runs from Boquete up to Cerro Punta and Volcan, on the other side of the volcano. Boquete is well known for its coffee, judged to be among the finest in the world. The Caldera River
Caldera River
The Caldera River is a river of Panama. It passes through the town of Boquete and flows through the Volcán Barú National Park in Chiriquí Province. It flooded its banks in November , 2008. It caused extensive damage to infrastructure and many roads had to be repaired.-External links:** Boquete...
runs through the town, a river that has shaped much of its form.
Demographics
The district of Boquete has approximately 19,000 inhabitants (2008).