Moving to Boquete
Your Complete Guide to Retiring and Living in Panama's Beautiful Mountain Paradise
Welcome to Boquete
Where spring-like weather meets adventure and retirement paradise
Location
Western Panama highlands, Chiriquí Province
2,600-4,000 ft elevation
Population
23,000 residents
20% expats
Climate
Spring-like year-round
70s-80s°F days
Perfect Climate
Year-Round Comfort
- •Daytime temperatures: 70s to low 80s°F
- •Nighttime temperatures: Above 60°F
- •No need for air conditioning or heating
- •Afternoon mists called "bajareque"
Seasons
Mid-December to mid-April
Mid-April to mid-December
Cost of Living
Monthly Budget
$1,403 - $2,600
Per month for comfortable living
30-40% lower cost of living compared to US/Canada
What You Get
- ✓Affordable healthcare and medical services
- ✓Low utility costs due to mild climate
- ✓Abundant fresh produce and coffee
- ✓Quality housing at reasonable prices
Pensionado Program Benefits
Panama's world-renowned retirement visa program offers exceptional discounts to retirees:
Healthcare & Services
- 15-20%off hospital visits and medical care
- 30%off bus, boat, and train fares
Travel & Entertainment
- 25%off domestic airline fares
- 50%off entertainment events
Lifestyle & Activities
Coffee Culture
World-renowned coffee farms and tours
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking, ziplining, and volcano exploration
Active Community
Clubs and organizations for every interest
Popular Activities
- • Coffee farm tours and tastings
- • Hiking trails and national parks
- • Birdwatching (over 900 species)
- • Ziplining adventures
- • Volcán Barú hiking
- • White water rafting
- • ATV and biking trails
- • Community theater (BCP)
- • Quilting and photography clubs
- • Charitable organizations
Location & Accessibility
Nearby Cities & Amenities
- David - 40 minutes away, commercial hub with shopping and services
- Beaches - One hour drive to Pacific coast beaches
- Panama City - Short domestic flight for international connections
Natural Attractions
- • Volcán Barú - Panama's only volcano and highest point
- • Caldera River - Crystal-clear mountain waters
- • Cloud forests - Lush biodiversity and hiking trails
- • Coffee plantations - Award-winning Geisha coffee region
Thriving Expat Community
Join a diverse international community from Canada, UK, Europe, Russia, and beyond. With 20% of the population being expats, you'll find a welcoming environment with established social networks, activities, and support systems.
Social Groups
Birders, hikers, quilters, photography, charitable groups
Easy to Connect
Making friends is easy with many networking opportunities
International Flavor
Restaurants and amenities from around the world
What Expats Say About Living in Boquete
"It is possible to live very comfortably in Boquete for $1500-2000 per month. Food, cleaning and gardening services, internet and cell phone services are at least half the price as the States."
— Expat Retiree
"Very active expat community, with several groups, birders, hikers, quilters, photography, charitable aid groups, you name it. Making friends in Boquete is really easy since there are so many opportunities to meet people."
— Community Member
"Be prepared to change your life. Leave behind all your pre conceived notions of how it should be... EVERYTHING is different, embrace it, learn from it, apply what you can to your life but don't come here with demands, strict ideals, uptight lifestyle."
— Long-time Resident
Cultural Adjustment & Practical Advice
What to Expect
- •Adjustment to "mañana" (tomorrow) attitude takes time and patience
- •Limited job opportunities for expats
- •Healthcare ranges from middle-rate to world class
- •Hospital Chiriquí in David (45 minutes) for medical care
Community Resources
- Tuesday Morning Informational and Networking Meeting
- Amigos de Animales (animal spay and neuter services)
- BCP Community Theater with regular performances
- Clubs for hiking, birding, quilting, and photography
The Key to Success
Expats who thrive in Boquete are those who embrace flexibility, adapt to a different pace of life, and approach cultural differences with openness and patience. The stunning natural beauty, perfect climate, and active community make it worthwhile for those willing to adjust their expectations and embrace a new way of living.