Is the Panamonte Inn really Panama's oldest hotel?

Yes. The original building was constructed in 1914 by Joseph Wright as the 'Wright Hotel' with 5 rooms. The Elliot family acquired it in 1946 and renamed it Panamonte. It has over 110 years of continuous history and has hosted figures including Charles Lindbergh, Richard Nixon, Ingrid Bergman and Sean Connery.

Is there a pool at the hotel?

There is no pool, and in Boquete you won't miss it. The average temperature is 20°C with cool nights down to 16°C — the perfect climate for the fireplace bar, century-old gardens and outdoor activities. A pool doesn't fit the hotel's mountain character.

How to get to Boquete from Panama City?

Two options: (1) AirPanama flight from Albrook Airport to David (~45 min, ~$100–150 one-way) + taxi or bus David–Boquete (37 km, 45–60 min). Total door-to-door: ~3 hours. (2) Bus from Albrook Terminal to David (~7–8 hours, ~$15–20) + local bus to Boquete ($2, 1 hour). Total: ~9–10 hours. Most travelers prefer the flight if the budget allows.

When is the best time to see the Resplendent Quetzal?

The best season is December to May (dry season). The quetzal is most active and visible during nesting months (January–April). The Quetzal Trail, 15 minutes from the hotel, is Panama's best viewing spot. Recommended to start at dawn with a local guide ($45–75 per person).

Is the breakfast coffee really Geisha?

T'ACH Café serves Chiriquí high-altitude coffees in specialty preparations (V60, Chemex, French press), including local Geisha varieties from Boquete. Panamanian Geisha coffee was sold at over $1,000 per pound in 2019, and Boquete is its origin. You can enjoy it here for a fraction of that price.

Is climbing Volcán Barú difficult?

Yes — it's a long and demanding ascent to ~3,475 meters. Most excursions depart at night (between 1–3 AM) to reach the summit at sunrise. A guide is recommended ($75–85) and warm clothing (temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing). The reward: on clear days, you can simultaneously see both the Pacific and the Caribbean — the only peak in the world from which this is possible.

Is the Panamonte Inn really Panama's oldest hotel?

Yes. The original building was constructed in 1914 by Joseph Wright as the 'Wright Hotel' with 5 rooms. The Elliot family acquired it in 1946 and renamed it Panamonte. It has over 110 years of continuous history and has hosted figures including Charles Lindbergh, Richard Nixon, Ingrid Bergman and Sean Connery.

Is there a pool at the hotel?

There is no pool, and in Boquete you won't miss it. The average temperature is 20°C with cool nights down to 16°C — the perfect climate for the fireplace bar, century-old gardens and outdoor activities. A pool doesn't fit the hotel's mountain character.

How to get to Boquete from Panama City?

Two options: (1) AirPanama flight from Albrook Airport to David (~45 min, ~$100–150 one-way) + taxi or bus David–Boquete (37 km, 45–60 min). Total door-to-door: ~3 hours. (2) Bus from Albrook Terminal to David (~7–8 hours, ~$15–20) + local bus to Boquete ($2, 1 hour). Total: ~9–10 hours. Most travelers prefer the flight if the budget allows.

When is the best time to see the Resplendent Quetzal?

The best season is December to May (dry season). The quetzal is most active and visible during nesting months (January–April). The Quetzal Trail, 15 minutes from the hotel, is Panama's best viewing spot. Recommended to start at dawn with a local guide ($45–75 per person).

Is the breakfast coffee really Geisha?

T'ACH Café serves Chiriquí high-altitude coffees in specialty preparations (V60, Chemex, French press), including local Geisha varieties from Boquete. Panamanian Geisha coffee was sold at over $1,000 per pound in 2019, and Boquete is its origin. You can enjoy it here for a fraction of that price.

Is climbing Volcán Barú difficult?

Yes — it's a long and demanding ascent to ~3,475 meters. Most excursions depart at night (between 1–3 AM) to reach the summit at sunrise. A guide is recommended ($75–85) and warm clothing (temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing). The reward: on clear days, you can simultaneously see both the Pacific and the Caribbean — the only peak in the world from which this is possible.

★★★★

Panamonte Inn & Spa

Avenida 11 de Abril, Boquete, Chiriquí

From B/.150/nightBook on Booking.com →

Quick Facts

🕐

Check-in

2:00 PM

🕑

Check-out

12:00 PM

🐾

Pets

Check directly with the hotel

👧

Kids

Welcome — historic family atmosphere

🏊

Pool

📶

WiFi

Free

🅿️

Parking

Available

❄️

A/C

🍳

Breakfast

Included

🏋️

Gym

💆

Spa

Yes

Location

Address: Avenida 11 de Abril, Boquete, Chiriquí, Panamá

Area: Centro de Boquete

Boquete is a mountain town at 1,200 meters altitude in Chiriquí, named one of the world's best retirement destinations by International Living. The average temperature is 20°C year-round — perfect for escaping Panama City's heat. It's the world capital of Panama Geisha coffee (the most expensive coffee in the world, sold at over $1,000/lb in 2019), the starting point for climbing Volcán Barú (3,475 m, Panama's highest peak) and home to over 3,000 expats from 30 countries. Distance from Boquete to Panama City is about 8 hours by bus or 45 minutes by flight to David plus one hour by taxi.

Distances

✈️ Tocumen Airport	~500 km · 7–8 h by bus or flight to David (40 min) + taxi
✈️ Albrook (domestic)	AirPanama flight to David: ~45 min · from David, 37 km by taxi
🚕 Taxi from Tocumen	Taxi David–Boquete: B/.25–35 · Bus: B/.2

How to get there

🚕 Taxi: Available at the airport, approx. Taxi David–Boquete: B/.25–35 · Bus: B/.2
🚗 Uber: App available in Panama, usually more affordable
🚌 Transfer: Check with the hotel for transfer service

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Rooms

Habitaciones Históricas

B/.150–200/night

📐 28 m²🛏 Double or twin beds🪟 Views of the century-old gardens and Boquete mountains

Restored period décorWiFiOriginal 1914 historic atmosphereGarden views

Garden Terrace

B/.180–240/night

📐 35 m²🛏 King or double beds🪟 Terrace with garden and mountain views

Private terraceGarden viewsWiFiBuilt in 2009 in harmony with natural surroundings

Junior Suite

B/.220–300/night

📐 45 m²🛏 King bed · Terrace🪟 Panoramic terrace with views of Boquete and Volcán Barú

Large terracePanoramic viewsWiFiSeparate sitting area

Master Suite

B/.300–450/night

📐 60 m²🛏 King bed · Full suite🪟 Privileged views of Boquete gardens and mountains

Honeymoon favoriteMaximum space and privacyTerraceWiFi

Facilities

🏊

Pools

No pool — the cool mountain climate (16–25°C) makes it unnecessary

🍽️

Restaurants

T'ACH Restaurant (contemporary Panamanian cuisine, Chef Charlie Collins) · T'ACH Café (high-altitude coffees, breakfasts, 7 AM–6 PM)

🍹

Bars

El Salto Bar (craft cocktails with fireplace) · Outdoor Fire Pit social area

💆

Spa

Spa available (services by reservation — check with hotel)

🏋️

Gym

Not available

👶

Kids Club

No formal Kids Club — historic family atmosphere, gardens suitable for children

💼

Business Center

Event and wedding venues (10–400 guests) in historic gardens

🏖️

Beach Access

No beach access — mountain hotel at 1,200 m altitude

Nearby Attractions

🌿

8 km

Sendero Los Quetzales

Nature

Panama's most famous trail: 9.6 km through cloud forest around Volcán Barú. Named after the Resplendent Quetzal, one of Central America's most sought-after birds. Best season: December–May.

🚗 15 min by car

🌿

12 km

Volcán Barú

Nature

Panama's highest peak at 3,475 m. The only summit in the world from which, on clear days, you can simultaneously see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The ascent is demanding — a guide is recommended.

🚗 25 min by car

🏛️

5 km

Tours de Café Geisha

Culture

Boquete's Geisha coffee is the world's most expensive: sold at over $1,000/lb in 2019. Hacienda La Esmeralda, Finca Lerida and Café Ruiz offer guided tours with tasting for $30–35. Essential for any coffee lover.

🚗 10 min by car

🌿

10 km

Rafting en Río Chiriquí

Nature

Class II to V rapids depending on the section. The Chiriquí River offers one of Central America's best rafting experiences, with shuttle from Boquete. Price: $65–100 per person.

🚗 15 min by car

🌿

6 km

Cascadas Escondidas (Lost Waterfalls)

Nature

8 km trail with three spectacular waterfalls in the jungle. Easy access from Boquete with a minimal entry fee. Perfect for a relaxed morning trekking.

🚗 12 min by car

🏛️

1 km

Feria de las Flores y del Café

Culture

Annual 10-day festival in January celebrating the coffee harvest and Chiriquí flowers. The most important event of the year in Boquete, with exhibitions, competitions and local gastronomy. Hotel prices rise — book in advance.

🚗 5 min by car

Dining

🍽️ Hotel restaurants

T'ACH Restaurant

Breakfast 7–10:30 AM · Lunch 12–3 PM · Dinner 6–10:30 PM

Contemporary Panamanian fine dining with ancestral ingredients

Chef Charlie Collins' restaurant, named 'father of Panamanian gastronomy' by CNN en Español. The name T'ACH comes from the indigenous Emberá-Wounaan language. Collins served as judge on Top Chef Panama (4 seasons) and cooked for 3,000 guests at the Canal expansion inauguration (2016). Signature dishes: Doña Inga's Swedish Pancakes (century-old recipe), Panamonte Squash Cream, Dry-aged Chiricano Angus Fillet.

T'ACH Café

7 AM–6 PM daily

Specialty coffee · Breakfasts · Pastry

Serves Chiriquí high-altitude coffees in V60, Chemex and French press, including local Geisha varieties. The perfect place to start the day before heading out to explore Boquete.

Bar El Salto

3 PM–11 PM

Craft cocktails · Fireplace atmosphere

Boquete's most special bar: artisan cocktails by a fireplace, essential on cool mountain evenings. Also offers 'Fireside Dinner' experiences for groups of 6–8 guests.

📍 Nearby restaurants

Café Ruiz

Specialty coffee, Panamanian breakfast · B/.5–15 p.p.

5 min

Boquete Brewing Company

Craft beer, pub food · B/.10–22 p.p.

8 min

Restaurante El Explorador

International, river views · B/.12–25 p.p.

10 min

Mercado del Martes (Tuesday Market)

Farmers' market, local cuisine · B/.3–10 p.p.

8 min

Who is this hotel for?

👨‍👩‍👧Families

Ample gardens and tranquil atmosphere ideal for families. T'ACH restaurant has options for all ages. No pool or Kids Club, but Boquete offers unique natural activities for children: bird watching, gentle hiking, coffee farm visits.

💑Couples

Boquete's most romantic hotel. The honeymoon-favorite Master Suite, fireplace bar on cool mountain evenings, 'Night Under the Stars' under the century-old mango tree and T'ACH restaurant create a unique experience. Perfect for couples' getaways and marriage proposals.

💼Business

Event facilities accommodate 10–400 guests for weddings, corporate retreats and celebrations. Not an urban business hotel, but ideal for company retreats combining work with nature activities.

🎒Solo Travelers

Boquete is perfect for solo travelers: well-marked hiking trails, guided coffee tours and a very active expat community with weekly events (Tuesday Morning Market). El Salto bar by the fireplace is a natural meeting point.

👥Groups

Capacity for weddings and events up to 400 guests in historic gardens. Option to rent the entire hotel for groups. Ideal for retreats, weddings and large family celebrations.

Seasonal Prices

Season	Months	Approx. price
🌤️ Low	May–November (rainy season — clear mornings, afternoon rain)	B/.150–250/night
☀️ High	December–April (dry season) · January: Coffee & Flower Festival	B/.200–450/night

💡 Booking tip

Book at least 4 weeks in advance for January (Flower Festival) and December–April. The Master Suite and Junior Suites sell out first. In rainy season (May–Nov), mornings are usually clear — perfect for the Quetzal Trail — and prices drop 20–30%. The AirPanama Albrook–David flight (~45 min, ~$100–150) is the most comfortable option from Panama City.

Reviews

9.2

out of 10

Exceptional

2,140 verified reviews

Location

9.3

Cleanliness

9.4

Service

9.5

Value for money

8.8

What guests say

“Dinner at T'ACH by the fireplace was the best meal I had in all of Panama. Chef Charlie Collins is an artist. And having breakfast with Doña Inga's 110-year-old pancakes... that's unforgettable.”

— María G. · TripAdvisor · February 2025

“The hotel has something magical about it. To think that Ingrid Bergman sat in the same garden, that Lindbergh stayed here... It's the only hotel in Panama with that living history. And the morning Geisha coffee is out of this world.”

— James T. · Booking.com · January 2025

“Four days in the Master Suite for our honeymoon. Cool Boquete nights by the bar fireplace, the Quetzal Trail at dawn — exactly what we needed after wedding stress.”

— Sofía & Rodrigo · Google · March 2025

Frequently asked questions

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