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LIVE AND INVEST IN PANAMA
WORLD’S #1 RETIREMENT HAVEN
IN THE AMERICAS
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Boquete is one of the most famous retirement havens in the world.
Located in Chiriquí Province, this charming small town features a large and well-established expat community, almost perfect weather, and lush green surroundings.
If you’re looking to relocate someplace surrounded by nature, with spring-like weather, a large expat community, and a place where you can try your hand at growing your own fruits and veggies, Boquete is worth your attention.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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From Panama City, the quickest route is a flight from Tocumen International Airport to Enrique Malek International Airport in David. The flight lasts about 40 minutes and costs about $120 round-trip with Copa Airlines or about $40 one-way with Wingo.
Once in David, you can travel to Boquete by taxi, car, or bus. The buses to Boquete leave from Terminales David Panamá (David’s main bus terminal) and cost about $2. The trip takes about an hour. Taxis can be trickier as some drivers will overcharge foreigners, and their driving can be unreliable. If you decide to take a taxi, don’t let them charge you more than $30.
You can rent a car right outside the airport. In the parking lot there’s an office building that houses Budget, Alamo, Hertz, and others. Prices vary depending on the model and brand of the car.
The roads in Chiriquí can be rough—full of potholes, speed bumps, and other hazards—you should always drive a larger car with four wheel drive when venturing outside Panama City. If driving, you’ll follow Route Vía Boquete for 28 miles (46 kms). From the airport, use Route 15 (toward David) to access Vía Boquete. It should take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes to reach the center of Bajo Boquete.
The drive from Panama City is long, taking about six to seven hours, but the route is easy.
Simply cross the Bridge of the Americas and follow the Pan-American Highway until you reach David. Then, follow Route Vía Boquete.
It’s also possible to reach Boquete from Panama City via public transport although this makes for the longest trip by far. Expect to spend about nine hours on a bus. Your journey begins at the Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte (National Transportation Terminal) in Albrook. There, you’ll buy a bus ticket to David for about $10 (for a retiree) or $18 (general).
When you reach the terminal in David, you’ll then transfer to a separate bus to Boquete.
One of Boquete’s strongest selling points is its affordability. It’s true that it isn’t the bargain it used to be some 15 years ago but compared to the rising cost of living in North America, Boquete offers retirees a chance to stretch their retirement dollars further without sacrificing quality of life.
Housing is a significant expense for most retirees, and Boquete provides options to suit a variety of budgets.
Rentals are a popular choice for newcomers, with furnished one-bedroom homes available for $800 per month.
For those looking to buy, property prices range widely depending on location and amenities. A modest two-bedroom home can cost about $150,000, while luxury properties in gated communities like Valle Escondido run from $350,000 and up.
Daily expenses are equally manageable. Groceries, particularly locally grown produce, are inexpensive. The Tuesday Market and Mercado Artesanal where local farmers have stands offer everything from ripe avocados to organic honey at a fraction of North American prices.
Dining out is also a treat for the budget-conscious, with meals at local restaurants averaging $5 to $15. If you’d like to dine somewhere a bit fancier, expect your meal to go up to about $30 per person.
Health care, another major concern for retirees, is both high-quality and affordable in Panama. Routine doctor visits often cost between $20 to $40, and many expats opt for private health insurance, which is cheaper than in the United States. Prescription medications are generally available at lower prices, and pharmacies often stock generic equivalents of popular drugs.
Here’s a sample monthly budget:
Boquete’s natural beauty and vibrant culture mean there’s no shortage of activities to fill your days, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a coffee enthusiast, or someone looking to relax and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere.
Here’s a deeper dive into the highlights:
For nature lovers, Boquete’s trails are a must.
The moderate hike is perfect for spotting wildlife like monkeys, butterflies, and tropical birds. Each waterfall offers a tranquil setting for photos or just soaking in the beauty of nature.
Birdwatchers flock here to catch a glimpse of Panama’s iconic bird, the elusive resplendent quetzal.
Boquete is a world-renowned coffee destination, producing some of the finest beans, including the highly sought-after Geisha variety.
For adrenaline junkies, Boquete delivers with plenty of high-energy activities.
The Caldera Hot Springs provide a peaceful retreat where you can unwind in natural pools heated by geothermal activity. Located just a short drive from Boquete, these springs are surrounded by lush greenery, making them an excellent spot for relaxation after a day of hiking or sightseeing.
In Caldera, you’ll also find several beautiful waterfalls, each offering a unique experience. Jawakta (though you may come across different spellings of the name) is popular. For an entrance fee of $5, you’ll gain access to this stunning spot, featuring a majestic waterfall that cascades into two natural pools.
It’s an ideal place to unwind, whether you’re visiting with kids, your dogs, or simply looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Boquete’s calendar is packed with vibrant events that showcase its culture and community spirit.
If you’re looking to unwind, Boquete has plenty to offer:
Boquete truly has something for everyone, from active adventurers to those seeking a more laid-back experience. Whether you’re exploring its scenic trails, sipping world-class coffee, or simply relaxing in the mountain air, the town offers countless ways to make your time memorable.
Expats account for about 25% of Boquete’s population and come from all regions of Europe, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. They’re a well-connected group, hosting regular meetups and activities.
When moving to Boquete, the first thing you should do is join the Boquete Community Group Facebook page.
Here, you can ask questions, request recommendations, discover opportunities, events, and clubs, and stay up to date with the foreign community.
Boquete’s infrastructure is outstanding. Internet quality is excellent in town, though there are certain areas of the district without wires or towers.
The road between David and Boquete is in good condition and so are the streets around the town of Boquete.
Public transportation in Boquete is limited to taxis and small buses. You’ll likely want a car for convenience and comfort.
Bajo Boquete is very walkable. It’s certainly more pedestrian-friendly than the city. Drivers here yield to pedestrians and drive slower and more courteously than in other areas.
Clínica Especializada del Dr. Chen is private clinic and the preferred choice among expats. Another private option is the Policlínica de Boquete.
A general appointment at a private clinic will cost between $20 and $50.
Boquete’s clinics are reliable for regular check-ups, minor emergencies and wounds, suturing, and other conditions that don’t require surgery or specialized care.
For serious emergencies, specialized care, and treatments for any underlying or preexisting conditions, seek care in David (about 45 minutes away).
Boquete also has public and private dentists. You’ll pay $20 to $25 for a cleaning at a private clinic and around $40 for a filling or other specialized treatment.
When in Boquete, use the same precautions you would anywhere…
Don’t leave your house unlocked.
Keep valuables out of sight.
Do stay alert and aware.
That said, Boquete is a safe and peaceful town. Violent crime is essentially unheard of, and offenses are limited to random petty thefts.
When hiking in Boquete, choose trails that are clearly marked and don’t stray off them—it’s easy to get lost in the jungle and this poses a real danger. It’s best to always take another person with you.
During the dry season, fires—both wildfires and controlled burns—sometimes occur and fill the air with smoke. The fire risk is greatest from January to April.
Boquete’s climate is one of its biggest draws. Perched at an altitude of about 3,900 feet, the town enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round.
Daily temperatures typically range from 65°F to 75°F, making it a haven for those looking to escape extreme heat or bitter cold.
The dry season, known locally as “verano,” runs from December to April and is characterized by clear skies, sunshine, and heavy winds. It’s the ideal time for outdoor activities, from hiking and zip-lining to exploring the region’s many coffee plantations. The rainy season, or “invierno,” lasts from May to November.
While heavy afternoon rains are common, mornings are often clear, providing plenty of opportunities to get out and about.
The cooler evenings are a delight, with many residents enjoying fireside chats or curling up with a good book and a steaming cup of hot chocolate or tea.
Due to the high altitude, the sun is intense here and you can save yourself from painful sunburns by always applying sunblock and wearing a cap when outside.
Boquete’s climate is mild and severe weather events are rare. Flooding and fires are possibilities, and seismic tremors do occur, although not often.
Chiriquí has more seismic activity than the rest of Panama, but the tremors are small and nondestructive.
Panama is well outside the hurricane belt and while the rain from nearby storms may pelt us, that’s the extent of it.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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Boquete is the only destination in Panama where you can thrive with no Spanish. Almost everyone working in the service industry—in hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, grocery stores, etc.—speaks English proficiently.
The only time it’s truly necessary to speak Spanish here is if you’re having housework done. Many gardeners, maids, plumbers, and handymen don’t speak English.
Of course, it’s a good idea to learn at least basic Spanish as a sign of respect for the local culture. You can learn Spanish through local freelance teachers. You can contact them via the Boquete Community Group Facebook page.
No, the nearest movie theaters are in David, around a 30-minute drive away. English-speaking movies in Panama generally have Spanish subtitles or will be dubbed in Spanish. You can buy your tickets and reserve your seats online. A ticket will cost around $5.
The Boquete Tuesday Market is held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Tapout area across from the Feria de las Flores fairgrounds.
Boquete Community Market is held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Amigos de Animales Building in Alto Boquete.
Yes, at Lucero Golf and Country Club there is a par-72, 18-hole championship course designed by renowned designer J. Michael Poellot and at Quebrada Grande Country Club there is a 9-hole course.
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