Perks of Boquete:
- lush mountain town with some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen
- hiking trails
- Bambuda Castle
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As I drive away from my castle on a hill (queue Ed Sheehan), I see the sun rising over the mountains creating pink and purple clouds. Boquete was a beautiful long weekend excursion and a break from the hot hot heat of Bocas Del Toro.
During my recovery day yesterday, I walked into town and made a pit stop at Mi Jardín es Su Jardin, a free garden that contained a variety of beautiful flowers, plants, and streams. I walked through the garden slowly to enjoy all the different flowers… and also because my hips are still a mess from hiking.
For my entire time in Boquete, I decided to stay at Bambuda Castle. It’s the sister hostel to Bambuda Lodge in Bocas Del Toro and run by the same two Canadians. Bambuda castle is a modern day castle built by a man who wanted to remind his wife of her European home. He did not disappoint and literally built her a castle.
The highlight of this place is that for a hostel price, you feel like you’re at a mix of a spa and hotel – complete with a indoor pool and hot tub with adjacent bar. The wide porch looks out onto Volcan Baru where I caught stunning pink sunsets, usually accompanied by a nice breeze. Outside they have an outdoor patio with shuffle board, large grass area, and a rock climbing wall up one of the turrets. The staff are incredibly accommodating and friendly and helped me plan my excursions.
Dinners are prepared and made so everyone can eat together, which made it great to meet new arrivals and catch up with travellers about their day hikes and excursions.
Staying at Bambuda Castle made me feel like a princess on a backpackers budget. As I jump on the plane to meet Sean in Panama City, I’m thankful for my relaxing time in Boquete.
Tips for Boquete:
1. Plan a hike – but look into how challenging the options are
2. Stay at Bambuda Castle
3. Eat at Otto – a local Italian restaurant on the main strip
