Chiriqui

Chiriqui Province

The most south western province of Panama, bordering with Costa Rica on the west, Bocas del Toro to the north and Veraguas to the east. The province has full exposure to the Pacific Ocean to the south via the Gulf of Chiriqui. The province has gained world wide fame for its real estate, due to the consistent mountain like climate in the highlands and the real estate opportunities.

Parts of Chiriqui include the Comarco Ngobe Bugle – an indigenous native Indian politically autonomous provincial area. The provincial capital of the province is David, located centrally towards the coast, this serves as a commercial centre for the province and is surrounded by the picturesque Chiriqui highlands. The province was discovered in 1519 and officially established in 1849.

Cerro Punta in Chiriqui is considered the highest altitude city in Panama and is mostly inhabited by native Indians, nearby areas include Vocal and Bambito – the forests and scenery have been compared to an Alpine like paradise. The province is home to over 400,000 Panamanians of various descent. The most well known areas include Boquete, in the highlands with a mild mountain like climate and surrounded by flower and coffee plantation – a very popular retirement destination due to security, climate, infrastructure and low cost of living.

The province is highly recommended for many tours and activities, where one can go white water rafting or kayaking, as well as jungle and cloud forest adventures which offers tremendous views of the environment and wildlife. The Macho de Mante canyon in the highlands, with the thick vegetation offers the most avid of bird watchers an opportunity to view and appreciate the bountiful species of birds in this area.

The Baru Volcano is also located in this province, and being the highest peak in Panama, it is said that both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are visible from the peak. Chiriqui’s National Marine Park encompasses several uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui, where the abundant vegetation is home to a variety of multicolored parakeets and parrots, monkeys and an abundance of green and black frogs.

For the water sports lovers and sports fisherman, the beaches and islands offer an endless source of activity. For the big game fisherman, the world famous Hannibal Bank is ideal for the chance of hooking that elusive marlin and sail fish. The surfing at Isla Montuosa, Silva de Afuera and Silva de Adentro offer magnificent swells and breaks for all surfing visitors. The beaches close to David are also noted for the surf swells, as well as numerous snorkeling and scuba diving sites. The more famous beaches in this area are Playa Las Lajas, la Barqueta and Punta Burica.

Chiriqui Province offers a range of diverse locations and climates, from the dense cloud forests to the pristine Pacific Islands, there is a venue or destination to sort everyone’s tastes, preferences and budgets.

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