About the ride from Bocas del Toro to Boquete
Leave the islands of Bocas del Toro and return to Panama's mainland to discover the jungle and volcanic magic surrounding Boquete.
Located 124 miles (200 kilometers) away by road, Boquete is a must-visit for anyone exploring Panama. You'll quickly fall in love with its luscious rainforests and abundant wildlife.
You'll have to take a two-pronged approach to reach your destination. The first leg involves a ferry ride from Isla Colon, passing other gorgeous islands, and the second leg is a minivan ride winding through the rainforests to Boquete. The total journey time is around five hours.
What is Boquete like?
Boquete is nestled in a mountain valley, surrounded by epic scenery, including vast farms, jungles teeming with wildlife, cloud forests, and the Baru Volcano.
The area offers a relaxed lifestyle and ambiance, making you feel chilled out as soon as you cross its borders.
Thanks to the lush rainforest, Boquete enjoys a cooler temperature than the hotter regions of Bocas del Toro and Panama City.
The town is quaint, mostly built around a few plazas and main streets, but the area's leading treasures encircle the city in seemingly unending nature.
Five unique activities in Boquete
Boquete is full of incredible activities to make your trip memorable.
Keep these attractions at the top of your itinerary:
Take in the views at the Boquete Mirador lookout. To reach this spot, take a 30-minute hike and stop at one of the local coffee shops.
Conquer the Hanging Bridges Hike. Boquete, like most destinations in Panama, is filled with incredible hiking routes. The Hanging Bridges route is one of the most popular thanks to the crisscrossing bridges that suspend you in the treetops. On this incredible hike, you'll walk through the skyline and deep into the forest.
Go bird-watching. The elusive quetzal bird is considered one of the top ten birds to see in your lifetime. Take the Los Quetzales hiking trail for your best chance at spotting one in the wild.
Swim in a slot canyon. The Los Cangilones de Gualaca in Ciriqui is a 45-minute drive from Boquete. Here, you can swim, cliff jump, and sunbathe on the side of the river canyon. It's a truly unique experience.
Hike the Baru Volcano. Book a guided tour to reach the 11,398-foot (3473-meter) peak in time for sunrise. If you don't want to hike, you can take a 4x4 to the top and enjoy a picnic when you arrive.
How do I get from Bocas del Toro to Boquete?
To get from Bocas del Toro to Boquete, you can take a minivan and ferry combination.
Minivan and ferry
To travel by minivan and ferry, you'll take a ferry from the port of Bocas del Toro, on Isla Colon, for 90 minutes to Puerto Almirante.
From here, you'll meet your air-conditioned minivan, which will take you the rest of the way to Boquete. The driver can drop you off at your chosen hotel in Boquete.
The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, making the total journey time just over five hours.
Ticket prices for the combined van and ferry start at $30, and you can expect air-conditioning, reclining seats, and possibly a TV on the van.
You'll have a luggage allowance of one bag (44-55 lbs/20-25 kg, depending on the operator), and you can bring a surfboard for an extra charge. Select these when checking out to secure your reservation.
Services depart throughout the morning, but there are no services in the evening, so plan your transfer for during the day.
Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes early to find the correct departure point and to load your luggage.
The best things about the journey from Bocas del Toro to Boquete
The best thing about traveling from Bocas del Toro to Boquete is the stunning views of the jungle-rich landscapes.
Departing from Bocas del Toro, you'll hop back to the mainland, passing numerous beautiful islands before arriving on the tree-lined coastline.
Like many destinations all over Central America, Panama is blessed with endless greenery. So, en route to Boquete, you'll pass through verdant rainforest. Keep an eye on the window to watch the world go by; you may even see some wildlife on the way.
When is the best time to visit Boquete?
The best time to visit Boquete is during Panama's dry season, from mid-December to mid-April. These months provide cool, dry weather, perfect for adventurous activities like hiking into the jungle and visiting waterfalls.
Temperatures during the dry and wet season typically stay around 75-95°F (20-35°C), so you'll enjoy hot weather whenever you book your visit.
However, hotel prices and airfares can increase during these months. So, if you want to save some cash and enjoy the city with fewer fellow tourists, book during the rainy season, which starts in mid-April. Aim to visit earlier in the wet season when there is less rainfall.
To see the city truly come to life, visit during mid-January when the Flower and Coffee Festival takes over to showcase the region's traditional dancing and rich produce.
How many days should I spend in Boquete?
You don't need much time in Boquete if you're on a tight timeline. Two to three days is enough time to visit the main sites and get a feel for the city's culture.
However, if you have spare time, you should stay longer. There is so much to do in and around Boquete, and it's the perfect launching pad to discover Panama's incredible natural beauty.
Where should I go after Boquete?
When you can drag yourself away from the luscious natural landscapes in and around Boquete, head to David, the capital of Chiriqui Province in western Panama. Here, you can immerse yourself in colonial architecture, learn about the country's fascinating history in various museums, and dive into the mangrove-filled Playa Barqueta Wildlife Refuge — you can see turtles here, too!
Alternatively, trek east to discover Panama City, the country's capital. The modern city overlooks the man-made Panama Canal and is famous for its colonial-era landmarks and numerous plazas. Grab a drink and sit waterside to watch the ships traversing the canal, a key shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Lastly, if you're ready to leave Panama, head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Costa Rica for a stunning beachside adventure.
