Coffee–The Pride of Panamá

In the western part of Panamá is a hidden gem of a region that will amaze all visitors. Located at the foothills of the Baru volcano, the highest point in the country, the Highlands are home to the farms that produce the world’s most valuable coffee—Geisha. Although this is the most famous, there are other high-quality varieties, such as Typica, Bourbon, Pacamara, Catuay and Caturra, which are also grown in the area and have given it a reputation as a mecca for lovers of good coffee. This region has a fascinating history that brings together indigenous communities, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking nature: Chiriqui.

For centuries, members of indigenous communities have worked for the coffee industry in the region, as harvesters, roasters, and tour guides, to name a few. Recently, joint initiatives of the public sector and Non-Governmental Organizations have been born to support their ventures as independent coffee farmers.

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Tierras Altas

The Chiriqui highlands are an unmatched destination for travelers who love craft food and beverages. Thanks to the rich volcanic soil that the Baru volcano provides and the winds from the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding in the valley, the climate creates a land where spring never ends with temperatures usually between 13°C (55°F) and 24°C (75°F) year round. This climate is ideal for farming, giving both the entire country and local restaurants and cafes amazing coffee and delicious fresh produce to put on their tables for you to indulge.

The mild temperatures will also give you the opportunity to experience the region to its fullest at any time of the year. Whether you want to hike, river raft, camp, or spend some time in one of the best bird-watching destinations in the Central American region, the Chiriqui highlands are a playground for all sorts of adventures.

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Every year an International Best of Panamá Tasting is observed with judges taking part from Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States. The competition is stiff and all the plantations work very hard to produce a champion brew. This year the Geisha coffees grown in Panamá scored almost perfect ratings.

If you’re visiting in January, you won’t want to miss the Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival. It is well worth attending and attracts both nationals and tourists by the thousands. The ten-day celebration is held at the local fairgrounds and is beautifully orchestrated and boasts coffee tastings and demonstrations of the sowing and harvesting procedures. A fantastic array of elaborate flower gardens will take your breath away, while the coffee tastings will invigorate the senses. During the festival, the entire town of Boquete exudes a joyous sense of festive ambiance you won’t find anywhere else. Myriad culinary booths are available as well as many bars, nightclubs, and lounges.

If you cannot visit the area during these events, there are a large number of spaces where tastings are offered throughout the year, from cafes that work with artisanal micro-producers, small farms, to large factories.

When you visit, you will introduce your taste buds to the finest coffee in the world and gain a new appreciation for this aromatic beverage. And if you’re ever missing the flavors once you’re back home, several of the larger plantations will ship their coffee directly to your door.

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