Boquete: The Highland Gem of Panama

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dees-kool-peh/loh syen-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Long before the arrival of Spanish explorers, the region that is now Boquete was inhabited by indigenous tribes, particularly the Ngäbe-Buglé people. These communities thrived in the lush, fertile lands, cultivating crops and living in harmony with nature. Evidence of their presence can still be found in the form of pottery shards and petroglyphs scattered throughout the area.

During the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, bringing with them new agricultural practices and European culture. The fertile lands of Boquete were soon recognized for their potential, and the area became a part of the larger Spanish colonial empire. Despite the Spanish influence, the region remained relatively isolated due to its rugged terrain.

Boquete was officially founded on April 11, 1911. The name 'Boquete' means 'gap' or 'opening' in Spanish, referring to the natural pass in the mountains that leads to the town. The town was established by a mix of local indigenous people and European immigrants, primarily from Switzerland and Sweden, who were attracted by the region's agricultural potential.

The early 20th century saw Boquete transform into a coffee-growing powerhouse. The region’s unique microclimate and rich volcanic soil made it ideal for cultivating high-quality coffee. Boquete’s coffee soon gained international acclaim, with local farms winning numerous awards. The annual Boquete Coffee & Flower Festival, which started in the 1950s, celebrates this rich coffee heritage and attracts visitors from around the world.

The construction of the Pan-American Highway in the 1930s and 1940s significantly impacted Boquete. The highway improved access to the area, bringing an influx of tourists and new residents. This development helped to diversify the local economy, which until then had been predominantly agricultural.

In recent decades, Boquete has become a popular destination for eco-tourism and expatriates. The town's stunning natural beauty, with its cloud forests, waterfalls, and volcanoes, along with its mild climate, attracts visitors year-round. A growing number of retirees from North America and Europe have made Boquete their home, further enriching the local culture.

Boquete is located in the Chiriquí Province of Panama. The nearest international airport is Enrique Malek International Airport in David, approximately 45 kilometers away. From David, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle service to reach Boquete. The journey typically takes around 1 hour by road. There are also bus services available from David to Boquete, providing a budget-friendly option.

Boquete is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby areas. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding regions at your own pace. Additionally, bicycle rentals are available for those who prefer an eco-friendly way to get around.

The official currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD). US Dollars are widely accepted, and there is no need to exchange currency if you have USD. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Boquete, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in David before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Boquete is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Boquete, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Boquete. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The Boquete Health and Social Services (Boquete Health and Social Services (BHH) also provide assistance to tourists in need of medical care.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Hola.' Smiling is also a sign of friendliness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Boquete like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Panamanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the coffee plantations, as Boquete is known for its high-quality coffee. For a unique experience, take a hike to the Boquete Tree Trek for stunning views and a canopy tour. Additionally, participating in local festivals and events can provide deeper insight into the community's vibrant culture.