“Please take me to Boquete,” our daughter begged, “I’ve heard how nice it is.”
How could we say no? Especially since we’d heard friends rave about a boutique hotel-cum-coffee plantation there. It sounded like someone at Hotel Finca Lerida was a pro at making the most of Boquete’s special climate. Their beautifully landscaped grounds hold everything from English garden flowers to lush, tropical plants.
Coffee tours
Panama is known for its coffee, and Boquete has a phenomenal climate for growing it.
If you’d like to see how they grow coffee in Panama, Finca Lerida offers tours. They grow and roast it on the premises and serve it in their dining room, so if you eat here you can try their coffee.
Had it not been drizzling we’d have breakfasted outdoors on the porch. Our table was right next to the window though, so we could still watch birds land and eat the treats the owners left for them. The meals took quite a while because we kept getting up to take photos of the ones we’d never seen before. I wish I knew what they all were; they were so pretty. (If you know what these birds are, PLEASE tell us in the comments.)
Birdwatching
As soon as we checked in, we asked about hiring a guide for a morning bird watching walk. Bird lovers from around the globe don’t mind flying here and paying professional guides kind of money to increase their chances of seeing the elusive quetzal and the many other birds unique to this province.
But $150 sounded like more than we wanted to spend, so we passed on the chance. After all, there were dozens of kinds of birds right outside our window!
Tip: If you’re a birdwatcher who wants to make the most of the opportunity, it’s definitely worth hiring a professional guide.
Hiking in the highlands
As soon as Dan learned that the finca has forested trails for its guests, he wanted to take his camera into the woods. He invited us to join him but we declined; the heavy clouds, cool air and mist put us more in the mood for an afternoon snooze.
Liz took one look at the hammock on the porch and headed outside with a blanket, while I was left alone in the snug quiet of our room. I bundled myself up into another blanket and promptly fell asleep on the bed.
Sometimes it’s good to do nothing at all.
Our take
Finca Lerida was a comfortable stay in a local place and their restaurant served good food. It is ideal for birdwatchers and people who enjoy peace and quiet or need to detox from electronics.
On the other hand, if you need to stay in touch with the office, you should know that we could get NO signal for our phones and the rooms don’t have Wi-Fi or TV. Be prepared for that if you visit.
You can check availability here.
Tip: Boquete can get chilly, so pack for typical mountain weather. Bring socks, long-sleeved shirts, and a sweater or jacket along.
