Head of Province:  David
Population:83,300 inhabitants (2004) in David. 368,790 in Chiriqui.
Surface:8,653.23 km²
Coastal Area:Pacific ocean
Major Islands: Sevilla, Boca Brava, Parida island.

Chiriqui is located on the southwest extreme of the republic. Its borders are in the north with Bocas del Toro, the Pacific Ocean on the south, Veraguas on the east and the neighbouring country of Costa Rica on the west.

The natural landscape of Chiriqui encompass coastal plains to steep mountains of which the highest is the Volcan Baru (Baru volcano) at 3475 meters high. The highlands are of volcanic origin and occupy most of the territory along the continental divide (it serves as border with Bocas del Toro). The towns in the highland such as Boquete, Volcan and Cerro Punta (to name a few) enjoy a mild climate. Rainfall is abundant in those areas. Its climate makes Chiriqui one of the most productive regions in the country. There they produce some of the best oranges and coffee, as well as strawberry in Cerro Punta. Cattle and farms are also very abundant in this province.

The word "Chiriqui" means "Valley of the Moon" in Guaymi language. Chiriqui is a lovely province with a diversified landscape, from the white sandy beaches on the coast through the plains up to the green mountain forests. There is something for everyone in Chiriqui.

David. The head of the province is the third largest in Panama. The town center is known as Barrio Bolivar and there stands the St. Joseph Cathedral. It is a colonial neighbourhood where the main attractions are the Jose de Obaldia History and Art Museum. José de Obaldía was the founder of Chiriquí The Museum is open Mon-Sat. from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. David is the home of the Feria Internacional de San Jose, a one-week cultural and agricultural fair.

Native Habitants

Chiriqui is the home of the Ngöbe-Bugle indians. This tribe was formerly known as Guaymi indians. They are concentrated in the "Comarca Ngöbe-Bugle" (territory) which extends from Chiriqui to Bocas del Toro.

The Guaymi indians are Panama's best known indian tribe after the Kunas of San Blas, with the central mountain range (cordillera) as their homeland. The easiest place to meet the Guaymis is at the town on Tole a short distance off the Panamerican Highway. There you can find the chaquira a wide necklace woven with strings of fine, colourful beads. The "Nahua" is the native dress of the Guaymi women.

Exploring by car

If you chose to drive to David it will take you about 8 hours. From David the best way to explore the province would be by car.

By Public Transport - Bus Terminals

It is very easy to go to Chiriqui by public transport. You can take the regular scheduled buses ($10.60 o/w, 7 hours ride) at the Terminal Metropolitano or the express line (about $15 o/w) which takes about 5.5 hours. These arrive to the main square in David. The normal buses (not TransChiri) make several stops along the way to drop passengers. There are all sort of public transport in David.

• Transporte (express) Panama-David 774-8017 (David)
• PadaFront (regular bus service) 775-8913 (David), 225-3690 (Panama)

You may also chose to fly to David, you will be there in about 1 hour or so. The two internal airlines flying to David are Mapiex and AeroPerlas. The ticket costs around $57 one way.

Cruises, Boat trips, To the Islands

There are no cruises or tourist havens in Chiriqui. You can however take boat trips to certain islands.

Hotels, Pensions, Bed & Breakfast

They should advertise here ;)

Coastal Areas - Beaches

Most popular beaches are Las Lajas and La Barqueta although Chiriqui like the rest of the Panamanian provinces has an extensive coastal area. Las Lajas is about one hour drive from David (70 kms. east of David) following the Interamerican road.

Sports

The most likely sport adventurous tourist choose would be river rafting. In Chiriqui the Chiriqui River and the Chiriqui Viejo river are ideal for this sport. These are about one hour drive from David. Both of these rivers have their origin in the Baru volcano. Best season for river rafting on the Chiriqui river is May to December (rainy season), the rest of the year you are reportedly better off at teh Chiriqui Viejo river.

Villas and Resorts in the Area

Recommended side-trips

If you want to escape the warm/heat of David (or anywhere else in the province) you can make side trips to the towns of Volcan, Boquete and Cerro Punta. If you prefer to stay on the plains then maybe a trip to Paso Canoas, the border with Costa Rica, would be a mildly interesting alternative. And for those fit to do it, climbing the Volcan Baru might be an interesting adventure, just imagine being able to see both the Caribbean sea and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day!.

Boquete. the home of the annual Flower and Coffee Fair at the end of January/beginning of February. Boquete is a pleasant little town in the mountains some 473 kms from Panama city (about 33 from David, 45 minute ride), it has an ideal weather, not cold nor hot. Although there isn't really much to do, you can hike in and around the town enjoying nature, the Caldera river, the cliff of hexagonal basalt formations, the fine rain "bajareque". Every weekend the Guaymis come from surrounding regions to sell their products as the market square. To drive to Boquete take the right when leaving David and then left at the intersection with the gas stations (not to miss, just follow the signs). Another suggestion would be to visit a coffee plantation.

As a producer of coffee Boquete holds the 1st place with the best grain quality in the republic. The cultivation of flowers, fruits and a variety of garden produce stand out as one of the principal sources of labour for the people of Boquete. The town of Boquete was founded on April 11th, 1911 and is currently known as a popular place where foreign people retire. The facilities are fantastic and property prices are growing rapidly (unfortunately).

Caldera. This town is southeast of Boquete and is known for its thermal pools with the healing properties of their waters, specially for those who suffer of rheuma.

Volcan is located on the skirts of the Baru Volcano. This quiet but beautiful town is the perfect place for those visitors who enjoy engaging in long strolls, visiting gardens, fruit plantations or just enjoy the cheer beauty of its nature. I personally have nice memories of short yearly holidays in this town. To drive to Volcan take the left when leaving David, then follow the Panamerican Highway some 30 kms. on the direction to Costa Rica/Paso Canoas, then make a right as soon as you reach the town of La Concepcion. Follow the signs and you won't get lost. From Volcan you can go farther up and visit the town of Bambito. There are also 3-day hiking trips to the top of Volcan Baru.

Sitio Barriles is an interesting archeological site near Volcan which is worth your visit. Best of all it is free but show some kindness and leave a small donation to help them keep up with their work.

Bambito A few kilometers from Volcan, up the road to Cerro Punta you can visit Bambito with it's nice, comfortable hotel (with many facilities) and some cozy cabins you can rent to spend a few days relaxing (very relaxing!) away from the city life. In Bambito you can stroll along the road following the river and visit the Trout Farm near the Hotel Bambito. If you still feel like you want to climb higher (and you will) then you should head up to Cerro Punta, your next stop along the road.

Cerro Punta has a nice mild highland climate where you can enjoy nature, flower plantations and the extensive farms that characterize the work-ground of the province. Cerro Punta is 1970 metres above sea level with temperatures ranging from 10-15 Celsius. About 80% of the land products are produced in Cerro Punta. Flower exports is another source of income for the region. Here you can find the best cattle, sheeps and thoroughbreeds of the country. From Cerro Punta you may visit the Volcan Baru National Park and the La Amistad National Park.

La Amistad National Park also known as PILA has a total of 207,000 hectares between Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, most of it in the latter. It has been declared a World Patrimony for Mankind by UNESCO due to the great importance it has for the preservation of biodiversity in Panama and the American continent. Here you can find the largest number of species of large animals, among which the jaguar. It also has a great variety of birds including the Quetzal. It is a humid tropical forest and probably one of the last remaining primary forests of Central America with 7 of the 12 life zones necessary to sustain the principal land ecosystems.

Local Events

• Volcan, Boquete, Cerro Punta and Sitio Barriles

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And some links of interest:

• Chiriqui