Cool Breezes, Cloud Forests & Coffee Bliss

After a sun-soaked stretch in Bocas del Toro, the heat was starting to get to us — and by "us", I mostly mean my poor face, which was not only battling an infection but also getting thoroughly sunburnt. So, in true travelling family fashion, we packed our bags (again), said goodbye to the Caribbean, and headed for higher ground.

Next stop: Boquete.

From Island to Mountains – A Six-Hour Shift in Scenery

The journey from Bocas del Toro to Boquete took around six hours all up — a boat across choppy waters followed by winding mountain roads in a shuttle van. We watched palm trees fade into pine-covered hills, and the air shifted from sticky to crisp. It was exactly what we needed.

By the time we arrived, we could feel the difference straight away: cooler air, mountain views, and a slower pace that invited us to exhale for the first time in days.

Why Boquete Stole Our Hearts

I have to say — Boquete became one of my favourite places in Panama. It had that perfect balance of adventure, calm, and charm, without the chaos of the city or the intensity of the coast. The temperatures were ideal, especially after the tropical heat of Bocas. It did rain most afternoons (classic mountain weather), but the morning sunshine made up for it.

One of the first things we noticed? So many expats live here — mostly retirees enjoying the peaceful lifestyle. And honestly, I could see why. With open green parks, walking trails, manicured gardens, and flowers blooming around every corner, it just felt… easy.

Also — the coffee. Let’s not underestimate the joy of walking past four different cafés on one street. Tilly and I became obsessed with coffee frappes. Like, dangerously so. We had to start budgeting for them. Worth it.

Adventure on Two Wheels

Boquete is a fantastic place to get active, and one of the highlights for us was mountain biking as a family. We rented bikes and headed off through trails and back roads, passing through cloud forests, spotting tropical birds, and even glimpsing some bright green lizards scurrying by.

There’s something about being on bikes that gives you that feeling of freedom — especially when you’re travelling long-term. It felt good to move, explore, and laugh together, especially after some slower days before.

A Home in the Hills

We found an absolute gem of a house just outside the town, nestled near the coffee fincas (plantations) — far enough from the bustle, but close enough to dip into town when needed.

The house was honestly stunning. Thoughtfully designed, full of light, and surrounded by parrots in the palm treesevery morning. Tilly had her own room with an ensuite and a desk, which made it her favourite accommodation of the whole trip. She even asked if we could "just stay here forever."

And — this was a first — we had a bathtub in the bedroom, with a huge window overlooking the mountains. Total luxury! One evening I soaked in the tub while the rain tapped gently on the glass. Little moments like that make the journey extra sweet.

Helping Out at a Wildlife Rescue Park

One of the most rewarding experiences we had in Boquete was spending time helping out at a local wildlife rescue centre. The park takes in injured and orphaned animals — monkeys, birds, coatis, and more — and gives them a safe place to recover or live peacefully.

We spent a few days there building new dens and enclosures, which was such a hands-on and heart-filling experience. Tilly loved getting involved, especially when the monkeys curiously watched us work from the trees nearby. It was a beautiful reminder of how much good can come from community efforts — and how important it is to teach our kids to give back while we explore the world.

Exploring Hot Springs, Canyons & Waterfalls

Since Boquete is pretty spread out, we hired a car for a few days (and yes — this is a must-do here). Public transport is limited, and there’s just too much to see beyond the town itself.

We ventured out to natural hot springs, swam in rivers, and explored canyons with cliff jumps. Watching Tilly gather all her courage and leap off a rock into the water was one of those proud parenting moments. She was buzzing all day.

And then there was the waterfall. Joe and I hiked through misty trails and finally came upon the biggest, most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen. It felt sacred. Peaceful. Magical, even. One of those rare places where time stands still.

The Sweetest Surprise: Strawberry Season! 🍓

To our absolute delight, we arrived in Boquete during strawberry season. Yes, strawberries in the mountains! There are a couple of small cafes just outside town that serve locally grown berries — and we fell head over heels for both of them.

Fresh strawberry smoothies, waffles, cakes, and bowls of berries so sweet they tasted like candy. Tilly topped hers with almost an entire tub of Nutella, and had zero regrets. Neither did we. It’s easily one of the best food discoveries of our time in Panama.

A Quick Detour (That Didn’t Quite Deliver)

We did try to mix things up with a trip to Boca Chica on the Pacific Coast, thinking we might get a new beach fix — but unfortunately, it was a bit of a flop. The coastline was underwhelming, the town felt empty, and unless you take a boat out to one of the islands, there’s not much to see.

It might’ve been the wrong time of year… or just not our vibe. Either way, we didn’t stay long. Instead, we went back to Boquete, where everything felt just right.

Panama, You’ve Surprised Us

All up, we spent four weeks in Panama — two in Boquete — and I really started falling in love with the country. The people, the pace, the mix of landscapes, and the endless nature-based adventures were exactly what we needed after months of Central American heat and hustle.

Just when we started to settle in and imagine ourselves staying longer… we felt that pull again. Time to move. This time, a big one — into South America.

I felt a little sadness leaving Boquete. But mostly, I felt grateful. This mountain town gave us so much more than cool weather and coffee — it gave us peace, energy, and a reminder of why we travel in the first place.

🌿 Boquete Top Tips & Fun Facts for Travelling Families

🌦️ Weather Watch: Boquete has a "spring all year" climate — cool in the mornings, rain in the afternoons. Bring layers and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

🚗 Hire a Car: Exploring the waterfalls, hot springs, and canyons is way easier with your own wheels. Public transport is limited, especially for families.

☕ Coffee Lovers, Rejoice: Boquete is one of the top coffee-producing regions in Panama. Visit a finca or just taste your way through town — coffee frappes are a must!

🌿 Family-Friendly Fun:

Bike riding through the countryside
Swimming at Caldera Hot Springs
Rock jumping at Los Cangilones Canyon
Hiking to Cascada San Ramón or The Lost Waterfalls Trail

🛏️ Stay Outside of Town: For peace and nature, look for places near the coffee farms just outside Boquete. Stunning views and early morning birdsong included.

🌸 Did You Know? Boquete hosts a Flower and Coffee Festival every January, attracting thousands of visitors with its blooms and brews.

Final Thoughts

Travelling full-time with kids comes with highs and lows — and this leg of the journey had both. But that’s what makes it real. A little sunburn and a skin infection won’t overshadow the waterfalls, the family bike rides, the morning parrots, and the courage found on the edge of a canyon.

Boquete gave us everything we needed — and more.

We’ll be back. But for now, it’s time to keep moving.

The unicorn suitcases are still going strong 💪

– Smiths On Tour

Boquete, Panama

Cool Breezes, Cloud Forests & Coffee Bliss