The Chiriquí Lowlands:
Gulf of Chiriquí
Much of Panamá’s “bests” lie in the Pacific Ocean’s Gulf of Chiriquí. Numerous archipelagos star the gulf with islands and reefs, including Central America’s largest island, Coiba Island. This area is home to the richest mangroves and rarest pelagic marine species in the world. Lonely Planet Panamá calls the Gulf an undisputed gem. It has a reputation as a world-class sport fishing destination, as evidenced by Saltwater Fisherman Magazine, which named it the best place in the world for catching the Black Marlin in their April 2009 issue. The Moon handbook on Panamá says the Gulf of Chiriquí is so large and species-rich some consider it a small sea. Well known among insiders for its boating, sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, the unspoiled and largely undiscovered coastal and marine environments in the area rival the best on the Pacific coasts of Central America and Mexico.Boca Chica
Located 32 miles from David is the main jumping off point for the islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí, including Boca Brava and Isla Palenque. Boca Chica sits on the Pacific coast just North West of the islands that make up Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí. Long a little fishing village, Boca Chica moves to a slow tempo, housing tourists and big game fishermen in a few quaint, family-owned inns, including Gone Fishing Panamá and Seagull Cove Lodge. Plans to develop a large resort with a Jack Nicklaus golf course are underway at the nearby Playa Grande. A short boat ride away lies Cala Mia, which offers 11 bungalows on Boca Brava. Just past Boca Brava is Isla Palenque, where a boutique eco-resort development plans to break ground early next year.Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí
The PNMGC consists of the archipelago of islands, including the main island, Isla Parida. Established in 1994, the park is known for its green iguanas, humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, multiple species of sea turtles and giant rays. Several tours visit the islands from resorts and tour companies. There is camping available on the main island, Parida, but most travelers stay on Boca Brava or Boca Chica.Coiba National Marine Park
Frequently referred to as the Galapagos Islands of Central America, Coiba National Marine Park is composed of the island of Coiba and 37 surrounding islands and islets, all of which are about 30 miles off the Panamánian coast. Isla Coiba is the largest island in Central America, and before it became a national park had a far graver history. From 1919 to 2004 this island was used as a penal colony and housed some of the most dangerous criminals in Panamá. Known as Panamá’s Devil’s Island, the penal colony was closed in 2004 by the Panamánian government, and turned into the largest marine park in Central America. UNESCO has named Coiba National Marine Park a World Heritage Site, identifying more than 800 marine species in the waters surrounding the park. Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have proclaimed Coiba an unparalleled destination for discovering new species. Rachel Collin, a Smithsonian project coordinator said, "It's hard to imagine, while snorkeling around a tropical island that's [so close to] the United States, that half the animals you see are unknown to science.” Its unique location protects it from the damaging winds and other effects of El Niño, making it able to sustain the uninterrupted evolution of new marine species including whale and tiger sharks, sperm whales, sea turtles, angel rays and giant schools of fish. It is also the last refuge for a number of threatened terrestrial animals such as the crested eagle and several sub-species of howler monkey, agouti and possum. The park is gaining a fine reputation for being what the Moon travel book calls a “Garden of Eden” touting the second largest coral reef in the Pacific. Though its remote nature has helped to preserve this gem, it also serves to deter visitors. It is about an hour long boat ride from the coastal town of Santa Catalina, but most commonly travelers rely on tour operators to reach the island. This journey is negligible, however, compared to the things you’ll get to see and do on the island.The Chiriquí Highlands: There is plenty of adventure to be had in the rolling mountains of Chiriquí’s highlands. Travelers can venture down the Chiriquí River for the best kayaking in the country or they can meander up the mountains for bird watching or horseback riding.
Boquete
Currently a hot spot for nature-lovers is the established ecotourism destination and charming mountain town of Boquete. Over the last five years, this Alpine-esque mountain town has emerged as an ideal retirement area for North Americans, making the AARP's "top places to retire" list, making the area a hotspot for both tourists and those looking to purchase second homes.The Chiriquí (Viejo) River
The best white-water kayaking and rafting in the country. Luckily for enthusiasts, the spot is relatively undiscovered, so no fighting over space here. Several rafting companies in the area offer Class II- Class V tours with rides ranging from 2-6 hours. These trips can cost anywhere from $85- $150 usually providing a lunch during the trip.Unfortunately as of June 2010 there are at least 11 hydroelectric projects being planned or in the process of bring built on the Chiriqui Viejo river.
Volcan Barú
The jagged, lush green mountains of Chiriquí rise to the top of Volcan Barú, Panamá's largest volcano. This highest point in the country sits to the west of Boquete, bordered by Cerro Punta to the north. The volcano lies in a national park, and the summit can be reached by hiking along a very rugged road. Beginner and advanced hikers have much to do on the dormant volcano with hikes up to 90˚ to its 3,474m high peak. With over 900 species of birds in Panamá it is no surprise that avid bird watchers too visit yearly to spot the ever elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other of Panamá’s beautiful avian species. The mountain is also the only place in the world to catch a glimpse of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean at the same time, although clear days can be difficult to come by. Your best chance for clear weather is in the middle of the Central American summer, January or February. Boquete and Cerro Punta both make good bases for visiting the park.Coffee Plantations
In the lush highlands to the north, visitors may choose a relaxing and educational journey to one of the area’s coffee plantations which are dotted all over Chiriquí’s highland cloud forests. Because of the rich volcanic soil and high altitudes, this area produces some of the most flavorful Arabica coffee in the world.La Amistad International Park
Located near Cerro Punta, about 45 miles outside of David and 9 miles north of Volcan Barú, this park is actually shared and jointly managed with neighboring Costa Rica. While the majority of the Panamanian side of the park is in Bocas Del Toro, the small percentage that is in the Chiriquí Province is more easily accessible. La Amistad is home to the majority of endangered animals that call Panamá home. Frommer’s noted that in 1990 UNESCO named the park a World Heritage Site noticing that it is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the Americas. There are good hiking trails around the park for all ranges of ability. Entrance to the park costs $3.50, and it is open from 7:45am-4pm.