River and Ocean Kayaking:
Chiriqui's protected gulf are ideal for fast, long distance, ocean kayaking. in boquete, because of the many rivers running off the volcano, the river kayaking can be very fast, class v; or beginner level, if you are trying it for the first time.
Quetzal Trail-Volcan Baru National Park:
Quetzal Trail-Volcan Baru National Park: Within the Volcan Baru National Park, Boquete, is perhaps the most famous hiking trail in all of Panama. Visitors come from all over the world to have an opportunity to see the Resplendent Quetzal. Although the trail is easy enough to hike by yourself, unless you are an experienced birder, it is difficult to spot a Quetzal.
Hiking:
] there are many hiking trails in boquete; some in the national parks, and some off the beaten path. most are accessible and easy enough to traverse with out a guide. however, due to the density of some of the rainforests, staying on the designated trail is recommended, if you donât have a guide. to increase your chance of actually seeing wildlife, birds, or quetzalâs, hiring a guide is recommended.
Surfing:
The best area for surfing in the chiriqui province is the morro negrito area. some say it has the best surfing in panama. there is a big island, with smaller waves, and a little island with big waves.
Coffee Adventure Tours:
Panama has now become synonymous with some of the best coffee in the world. it has always been a coffee producing region. you can visit a coffee estate for a tasting and explanation of the coffee process. you can visit a single estate or a tour of multiple estates, like a wine tour.
Sport Fishing:
The gulf of chiriqui boasts some of the best sport fishing in the world. species include yellow fin tuna, black marlin, blue marlin, roosterfish, pacific sailfish, dorado, amberjack, red snapper, wahoo, and many more. because of the abundance of fish in the gulf, there are also a lot of boat charters, and places to stay. try the upscale- propiedad de paradise fishing lodge on isla paridas. if you are wanting to fish offshore near hannibal bank or isla montuosa they have a lodge overlooking the pacific right in front of isla gamez. or one of the other islands filled with wildlife and special eco- cala mia or upscale- the soon to be built resort at isla palenque accommodations. the main departure points for excellent fishing are the port of pedregal and the fishing town of boca chica. from there boat to the many uninhabited islands dotting this pristine gulf.
Volcan Baru National Park
Is in panama's northern most region. the park is 35,000 acres/14,325 hectares in size, and panama's highest peak at 11,401 feet/3,475 meters. the volcano has been dormant for over 600 years; but with the bubbling hot springs and frequent seismic activity, it might not be entirely extinct. you can climb the baru from the boquete side, which is an all day event; or you can camp overnight near the ranger station, and watch the sunrise. dress in layers, as the higher you go, temperatures will change dramatically. the famous sendero de los quetzales trailquetzal trailpasses through the lower slopes of the volcan baru.
Rock Climbing
The best rock climbing is in the chiriqui province, in the highlands of boquete. the basaltic rock was formed after the last volcano eruption. cesar melendez has developed over 30 routes, from beginner to advanced. he is also pioneering 'bouldering'; climbing rocks while suspended over the river.
Swimming:
Less than an hour's drive outside of david are fantastic beaches, if you know where to go. the islands in the gulf of chiriqui have miles of white, beige or volcanic zebra-striped beaches. many of these islands are uninhabited and full of wildlife. the gulf is known for world-class sportfishing and has been well known by expats and backpackers for years.
Birding:
See the resplendent quetzal and other birds of panama. gudes, maps and tours available.
Caldera Hot Springs:
Even though the volcano has been dormant for over 600 years, there are still thermal springs bubbling up around it. the chiriqui province has several areas with active springs. in volcan, on the northern side of the volcan baru, about 30 minutes from town, there are several springs; however, due to the mineral content, there is a slight sulphur smell. in the boquete region there are several hot springs to choose from. a local land owner in caldera has started to develop his bubbling spring no sulphur smell, and hopes to make it more like a 'spa'. however, it is not that easy to access yet; 4 wheel drive is required.
River Rafting
World class white water rafting can be found on the chagres river, 1 to 2 hours from panama city; in the chiriqui province, on the rio chiriqui viejo; and the rio grande, cocle province. there is usually enough water to paddle year around. however, the highest water level is in november, at the end of the rainy season, and the lowest water level is in may, at the end of the dry season. class i to class v rapids can be found in panama. the classes are based upon panamanian classifications. during the rainy season, the panama class iiiâs are easily comparable to u.s. class ivs.
Boating:
Since the gulf of chiriqui is loaded with fish and wildlife, there are also many small and large boat charters to cruise you around. if you are not in to fishing, but you are more of an explorer, the boats will take you to the islands, for swimming, snorkeling, or just wildlife exploration.
Horseback Riding:
Horses are a way of life in panama. it is not unusual to look out the window of your casita, and have a horse looking back. horseback riding in panama is mostly western horses and western saddles. privately owned horses can vary from quarter horse to a mix of columbian or peruvian paso. by breeding the two, you get a larger horse, than the traditional paso fino, with the smooth and lovely gait of the paso. there are two great areas for riding: on the beaches of bocas del toro near dolphin bay' and in mountains of boquete.
Jungle Safari Chorcha-Alouatta Lodge
Near the chorcha mesa, off the panamerican highwayabout 20 minutes out of david, is a private eco-preserve. this is a jungle camp on coastal mountain ,overlooking chiriqui gulf and islands. overnight in a jungle hammock surrounded by monkeys and birds; nature trails, boat rides in lagoon, orchid hunting, fishing and gourmet meals. this is also the location for the release of some of the rescued wildlife from paradise garden rescue,boquete.