Panama's western city of Boquete, just 30 minutes from David, the capital of Panama's Chiriquí Province, is nestled among the country's most mountainous region. Situated between the Caldera River, which lies to the east, and Baru Volcano to it's west, Boquete enjoys a comfortable climate ideal for outdoor adventure seekers - rafting, hiking, mountain biking, birding, etc. In addition, the combination of cool, brisk temperatures and rich, fertile land has created an ideal setting for floral exportation and coffee growing; three of Panama's most famous coffee companies are situated in this province, Cafe Duran, Cafe Suttón, and Cafe Ruíz. Boquete is certain to become one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, as the proximity to the airport in David and countless local excursions are special to the region.
The climate is considered nearly perfect. Temperatures range between 16° and 26° Centigrade (60° and 80° Fahrenheit) all year round. There is no need for heating nor air conditioning. For further information on the weather of Boquete click here. There are two basic seasons: the dry season (December through April) and the rainy season (May through November). Even in the rainy season, the mornings are clear and sunny, with rains generally starting in the early afternoon. Being only 9 degrees North of the equator, daylight hours vary little, with the sun rising and setting about the same time year round: 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.
As previously mentioned, there are several micro-climates in and around Boquete. These will be described in terms of the surrounding area and their relations ship to Bajo Boquete (ie, the downtown area). For example, Alto Lino and Palo Alto tend to receive frequent 'Bajareque' primarily due to their location just to the North of Bajo Boquete. This is because the fine mist associated with the 'Bajareque' comes across the mountains from the Caribbean to the North. The further South one travels, the less frequently 'Bajareque' is experienced. On the other hand, Alto Boquete to the South of Bajo Boquete, tends to receive lots of wind during the dry season due to its open exposure from the North. Also, those parts of Jaramillo, East of Bajo Boquete, having West facing slopes, tend to be very windy. A close study of the trees in windy areas reveals that they lean to the South and are denuded of branches on their Northern side. Volcancito to the Southwest of Bajo Boquete and certain parts of Jaramillo to the Southeast tend to experience less 'Bajareque' and wind then other areas. This is because they are further South and have protective ridges sheltering them from the strong North winds. During the rainy season, the rain comes from the Pacific (ie, South) and, therefore, areas further South may experience a greater period of rain than areas further North. Rain during the rainy season tends to be much heavier than the 'Bajareque', but of shorter duration. Many of these climatic phenomenon are not fully appreciated until one has spent a full year living in Boquete.
Las Vistas is located to the Southeast of Bajo Boquete in Alto Jaramillo and, therefore, is less susceptible to the 'Bajareque'. Also, the terrain slopes to the South with higher elevations to the North which serve to block the strong winds that blow during the dry season. Las Vistas is located at a somewhat higher altitude than Bajo Boquete which means that temperatures will typically run a few degrees cooler. A topographical map of Boquete, and surrounding areas is shown here with 'Las Vistas of Boquete' indicated in blue. Coupled with the views of the Pacific and proximity to town, Las Vistas represents a near ideal combination of location and micro-climate.