Tierras Altas: The Agrarian Heart of Panamá

Go up to the paradise of agriculture and countryside tourism. Tierras Altas is located in the west of the country, in the province of Chiriquí. It is a mountainous region of volcanic soil and forested landscape at 1,384 meters above sea level. In addition to spectacular views, its geographical position and altitude have created perfect conditions for planting, harvesting and livestock.

Tierras Altas produces 80% of the vegetables consumed in the entire country. This has to do with its cool temperatures 12ºC - 25ºC (53ºF - 77ºF) and soil nutrients.

Cerro Punta

These conditions have made it possible to plant fruits foreign to the region. Who would have thought we would have domestic strawberries? In Cerro Punta you can see them growing, along with tomatoes, cucumbers and others, in hydroponic and greenhouse crops.

Tierras Altas is synonymous with coffee. Pass through Volcán, where one of the most exclusive coffees in the world, Geisha, is grown. Learn about that and the more than 10 varietals that grow in the region. The harvest season is from December to March, only there you will be able to see the artisanal harvesting process, very important for the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous groups that live in the Highlands.

The rest of the year, you can still visit the plantations, do tastings and learn about the other fruit trees that help coffee grow in the shade and are home to birds of all kinds. On the farms, you can also see other processes, such as honey, take cacao tours, and learn about medicinal herbs.

Take advantage of your days in Volcán to bring out your adventurous side and do river rafting, rappelling or canopy. Keep in mind that the weather is cool, but also variable and it can rain at any time. Wear several layers of clothing to stay dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Tierras Altas is famous for its flowers and orchids, which grow wild on the trees of the Volcán Barú National Park. You can see them flowering, especially in the months of July to October while hiking or wildlife watching.

Cerro Macho

If walking isn't your thing, don't worry, you can also see cultivations of more than 2,000 species of orchids in the Cerro Punta botanical gardens, including the national flower, the Holy Spirit flower.

Tierras Altas is more than crops, you will be surprised by the fauna and livestock activities that you can experience firsthand. You visit the Cerro Punta Haras to ride horses, learn about the breeding and training of thoroughbred and race horses.

If you go with children, contact farms are your plan. In them, you can feed the goats, milk cows, feed trout in the lake and learn with expert guides who live on the farm.

Wait for the guides' instructions before coming into contact with any animal. Remember, also, that a farm animal is not the same as a wild animal, do not touch or feed these.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with rural life, there is nothing better than agrotourism in Tierras Altas, in the Province of Chiriqui. Visit the open-door haciendas to learn about country life, where and how the food that reaches our table is grown. Walk through fields, gardens, and stables. Spend time with farm animals and thoroughbred horses, harvest your own crops and taste the produce of our lands. Here are some of the places that can give you an insight into Panamanian country life.