“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 their coffee on the premises and serve it in their dining room. Be sure to try it if you eat here.
💡 PRO TIP: Boquete can get chilly, so pack for typical mountain weather. Bring socks, long-sleeved shirts, and a sweater or jacket along.
Thanks to the drizzle, we couldn't have breakfast outdoors on the porch. But they gave us a table right next to the window so we could still watch birds land and eat the treats the owners left for them.
It took quite a while to finish eating, because we kept getting up to take photos of the ones we'd never seen before! 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 birdwatching walk. Bird lovers from around the globe don't mind flying here and paying professional guides this kind of money to increase their chances of seeing the elusive quetzal and the many other birds unique to this province.
As for us, we felt that $150 was more than we wanted to spend, so we passed on the chance. After all, there were dozens of bird species right outside our window!
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 beneficial to do nothing at all.
Our take
Finca Lerida was a comfortable stay in a local place, and their restaurant served tasty food. It is ideal for birdwatchers and people who enjoy peace and quiet or need to detox from electronics.
But if you need to stay in touch with the outside world, you need to be prepared. We had no mobile signal, and the rooms lacked Wi-Fi and a TV.
