Panama West

Panama West is one of the most interesting parts of the Republic of Panama. It entices its visitors with a beauty that is as spectacular as it is diverse. From highlands, a volcano, rainforests, beaches and islands, it has it all. It would be a good idea to plan your holiday and save more than just a few days for this area.

Panama has become one of the most popular destinations for international travelers. And while most people may associate it with the Panama Canal and its beautiful islands and beaches, there is more to the country. Plan a visit to Panama West to discover a side to the country that is often hidden from tourists.
 
The Western part of Panama is roughly divided into two by the Cordillera Central Mountains that carry on till Costa Rica. Much of the northern area in this region is undeveloped and holds a beauty that only land untouched by human development can hold. It is sparsely occupied in areas by indigenous tribes. To the South of the mountains lies the ‘el interior’, the agricultural heartland. This part of Panama West is mostly under agriculture and heavily populated. 
 
Places of Interest
In the Western most part of the Panama, bordering Costa Rica are the Chiriqui Highlands. If you truly want to discover the beauty in the diverse landforms in Panama then do visit this region. You can take a flight into David, the capital of the province.
 
Many travelers have come here on holiday and settled down in a land they love and care for. The Volcano Baru lies here and is also the highest peak in the country. It is not surprisingly a frequent haunt for the people of Panama, when they want to get away from the heat to the cool environs here.
 
The land here is rich in minerals and anything that grows in it seems to flourish. Here you will find the mountainside full of orange trees and coffee plantations that produce some of the finest coffee in the world. The towns of Cerro Punta and Boquete are good tourist destinations. You can make them your base when you want to explore the Chiriqui Highlands. If you are planning a visit, time it so you can be here for the coffee harvesting season, which is in January. The towns also have their annual flower festivals at the same time.
 
Activities
Besides discovering the rugged and rustic beauty of the region you can also plan to take a tour of the coffee plantations. A hike into the cloud forests is quite literally a dream come true for nature lovers and avid bird watchers. This region is home to some unique birds such as the Black Faced Solitaire. This bird makes a sound like that of chimes. The forests are also home to wildlife such as Puma and the Tapir. Your trek up the mountains will take you through orchid covered trees and those laden with one of the world’s most nutritious fruit, the avocado.
 
Another great way to see remote parts of the region, that you would otherwise miss, is on a raft. The Chiriqui Highlands offer terrific white water rafting, for both beginners as well as experts. The rivers here have Class III and class IV rapids and promise you an experience of a lifetime. There are plenty of professional rafting companies here and you can plan on a day long trip or opt for a multiple day rafting expedition.
 
Another area in Panama West that you shouldn’t miss is Bocas del Toro archipelago. It is home to some indigenous groups and offers a natural beauty unlike any other. The islands here are teeming in marine life as well as have large species of flora and fauna for you to discover. Many of the islands are protected under the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos and a visit is recommended.

Article Tags: Panama West, Chiriqui Highlands

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