Natural Parks, Archaeological Mysteries and Much More
Chiriquí is a tourist destination for all types of travelers due to its magical diversity of experiences. David is the Capital of this province that has kilometers of beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Chiriqui, mountainous regions full of forrest and the Baru Volcano largest in Panama. From sugar cane and rice fields near the Pacific, to the mountainous areas of exuberant jungles.
Cerro Punta
Located at 2,000 meters above sea level, it is the highest town in Chiriqui and is located in a small valley formed by a mountain range that runs from Costa Rica to Panama known as Talamanca, which is part of the International Friendship Park (PILA) and the Baru Volcano.
Activities:
The first thing that visitors can do is enjoy the cold temperatures that fluctuate between 10º and 20º C, a privileged climate especially at night and during rainy season. Another mandatory activity is to try the gastronomy that is made with fresh products from the region. This is due to the fact that Cerro Punta is the most productive agricultural area in the country.
One of the activities that converge with the above is to visit the Agro-Tourism farms in the area. Finca Dracula has a private botanical garden specialized in the cultivation and conservation of more than 2,000 species of orchids. Another farm to visit is Haras Cerro Punta, a farm dedicated to the breeding of racehorses and thoroughbreds. Visitors can take tours to see the facilities of the farm and where they can take pictures with the horses.
Where to stay:
The area has a large number of hotels where it is possible to enjoy nature and the cold mountain climate. Most of the agro-tourism farms also have comfortable facilities to accommodate visitors who want to take tours or enjoy all the nature they offer.
Where to eat:
Each Guest can sample culinary delights from talented chefs who use all their creativity to create unique dining experiences.
How to get:
By car this destination is 1 hour and 25 minutes from David, taking the Pan-American highway to the town of Concepción. From this town you drive up the road until you reach Cerro Punta.
Volcan Baru
This place is the highest point in the country, and at 3,474 meters high, it is the only place in the world where you can see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time during clear-sky days. The volcano and its surroundings are home to five different ecosystems thanks to a combination of mountainous rainforest regions, as well as the aftermath of volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago.
Activities:
For some years now, one of the most sought-after experiences has been the tours to learn about the entire process involved in producing Geisha coffee, one of the most expensive varieties in the world and recognized worldwide. These tours take the visitor to discover the lands, the crops, the people in charge of ensuring that this coffee reaches the highest standards, up to tastings of the various varieties that are harvested in this region.
However, there is an activity that represents visiting this volcano, and that is going to the peak. With seven craters, it has several hiking trails with different types of difficulty. It is possible to make the epic trek to the top of the volcano through the town of Volcan, a hike that can last up to 8 hours roundtrip. However, there is a tour that only takes 30 minutes via ATVs leaving from the mountain town of Boquete. An easier way to reach the top.
Where to stay:
In the Baru Volcano is The Oasis farm among others where it is possible to enjoy agro-tourism activities and impressive views. At the top of the volcano, it is possible to camp and enjoy a night closer to the stars.
Where to eat:
There are different places to eat along the road to the Volcano, including Agro-Tourism farms in the area.
How to get:
From the City of David, it takes just over two hours to drive to the Baru Volcano taking the road to the town of Boquete.
Los Cangilones
A natural canyon that has formed over thousands of years. An epic place in Chiriqui to go with family or friends, a geological formation created by the ocean during the formation of Panama. In 2010 this natural destination was selected as the wonder of Chiriqui.
Activities:
Definitely the most popular activity in this natural destination is swimming in this natural canyon or diving (taking precautions) to enjoy these waters on a hot day.
Another activity is to have a barbecue with due precautions and always leaving the area clean. You can also walk in the surroundings and discover the beautiful views and nature that surrounds Los Cangilones.
Where to stay:
In this area there are no places to spend the night, however the Gualaca sector has several places to stay and being just over 40 minutes from the city of David, it is the ideal place for a day trip.
Where to eat:
This area does not have restaurants, therefore it is necessary to bring what you want to eat when visiting this place. Of course, on days when there is a large influx of visitors, the locals in the area sell food and drinks, also in the surroundings there are multiple places that offer local Panamanian food.
How to get:
By car it takes about 42 minutes from David taking the Panamerican highway to the entrance of the Via to Gualaca to the left (coming from David). From there, continue straight ahead, following the indications for the road that leads to Los Cangilones. It is also possible to arrive by bus from the David bus terminal taking a bus with a route to Gualaca.
Sitio Barriles
The name of this site is due to the fact that in 1947 carved rocks that looked like barrels were found. Today it has a museum where you can see the findings made more than 70 years ago about a society that lived between 300 and 600 AD and that was completely buried during the eruption of the Baru Volcano.
Activities:
Visit the archaeological museum where it is possible to find crafts from different cultures, including the Maya. There is also a statue of a cacique carried by subjects, huacas, ceramics in high and low relief, petroglyphs in which a map that shows the Baru Volcano and another volcano stands out. Other objects that can be observed are carved stones in the shape of spheres, ceramics, funerary urns, food urns, utensils, spearheads metates to crush food.
Curiosities:
In this site you can witness how a stream of water that springs from the earth begins its journey towards the Atlantic slope. A strange phenomenon of magnetism since in Chiriqui all the currents flow towards the Pacific.
Where to stay:
Being on a private farm, this place does not have lodging, however, in the surroundings of Volcan there are a variety of hotels.
Where to eat:
This site does not have restaurants, but it is possible to visit a variety of restaurants within minutes of the area.
How to get:
From the City of David by car it is 1 hour and 15 minutes, traveling along the Pan-American highway to the Concepción town and from there go up the main road to the town of Volcan and from there follow the indications. Now, if the lodging is in Tierras Altas, it will be very close to this site with a story with many mysteries to unveil.
Boca Chica
This quiet and peaceful town has panoramic views of the beauties of the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine Park. Known as the door to the marine beauties of this gulf, Boca Chica has a family atmosphere and many activities to do.
Activities:
Since it is located on the coast, you can enjoy a picnic on the beach, go snorkelling or fishing. You can also explore the nearby beaches by boat from one island to another, read in the shade of a palm tree or bathe in the relaxing waters of the Pacific. From Boca Chica you can take tours to the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park, famous for its green iguana, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and the arrival of humpback whales between the months of July and October.
Where to stay:
This town has an excellent variety of hotels, most of which offer views of the sea.
Where to eat:
Being a fishing village, the culinary offer is focused on seafood and fish. They also have local and international style food.
How to get:
By car this destination is 1 hour and 10 minutes from David, on the Pan-American highway until turning right on highway 407 that leads directly to the main street of Boca Chica.
