Boquete,also called the Valley of Flowers and of Eternal Spring, located in the high regions of the Panamanian province of Chiriqui, is beginning to feel the footsteps of a giant,which without doubt will transform not just its appearance but also its way of life – residential tourism.Only three years after our first special about this area,the small population made up of country people,indigenous inhabitants and other residents who live in the traditional tranquility and routine offered by village life,are also beginning to feel something like the“gold rush.”

Foreigners can always be seen in the streets:curious tourists who have come to see this village characterized by colored flowers and orchids,the variety of vegetables and aromatic coffee which is cultivated on its mountain slopes.The difference is that now many of them have come to stay and others have come with aspirations to do the same.This comes as no surprise,if we see that Panama,and particularly this area,is valued -according to the American Assoication of Retired Persons (AARP)-among the four best overseas places to live.Even though at first sight Boquete may still appear to be a small village,it is also true that it is turning into a focus for the attention of many people.

There are several residential construction projects under way which reflect the fact that residential tourism is starting to have an important impact on the local economy,above all in regard to the properties that will provide their future owners with a high standard of living that many of them could probably never achieve in their own countries.

For example,one of these that has just started construction covers almost 300 hectares,with an 18 hole golf course and a hotel with luxury villas;another covers an area of 160 hectares which is being developed in stages;others,in addition to providing homes,also incorporate an equestrian club,and others,although smaller,are still significant and will turn the dreams of more than one foreigner into reality:the ability to live in luxury at relatively accessible prices.

But what is it that attracts foreigners,and why do they think that Boquete is so special a place as to encourage them to embark on the adventure of considering it for their new home?The answers we have received are very varied:for most,the climate and scenery are the most important factors.For others,the overriding tranquility and friendliness of the inhabitants is what counts most;not to forget the taxation benefits available to retirees and investors.It is surprising to see that many young people are also putting down roots throughout the area.

Both Europeans and North Americans agree that the main reason for emigrating to Boquete is to escape the harsh winters for this beautiful location with a spring climate,and to be able to enjoy life,at least for a few months of the year,in a kinder climate,and to enjoy things that in their own countries they could never imagine because of the high cost.The peaceful surroundings enable them to enjoy many open air activities such as golf,tennis,pony trekking,walks,river rafting, and canopy rides,to mention only a few.The more romantic among them talk about the starry nights,which they can never see because of the pollution of their native cities.Some of them mention that the sound of the rivers and streams that cross the valley make them feel more relaxed,and others love to get up in the morning to the sound of parrots calling.

All of this is a long way from the monster that most of them come from:the huge metropolis with its stressful rhythm and city sounds that end up breaking the soul of even the most determined.Anyone that cannot find peace surrounded by the scenery,rivers and mountains filled with bird songs,will not find it anywhere.Just by opening the bedroom window,you can breath fresh,restoring air,as well as the aroma, which is typical of places immersed in nature.Isn ’t this what most people are looking for?

The famous gold rush left its imprint in Panama with the emergence of cities such as Colon,which at its peak harvested the prosperity of all who walked its streets.Now it seems that the rush manifests itself in looking for a nest that will provide a good quality of life and Boquete offers everything needed for this dream to be realized.

Founded on 11th April 1911,Boquete welcomed its first inhabitants from other districts,but also from places much further away such as Switzerland,Yugoslavia, Sweden,Germany and North America.

The architecture of some of the houses reflects remnants of the residents who expressed touches of their countries of origin in their new homes.The abundant flora and fauna makes this a region much visited by naturalists,especially by bird watchers:for example many people come here in the hope of catching a glimpse of the elusive quetzal with its magnificent reds and emerald greens (more than 40 species have been recorded).The sound of bird song is the orchestra,which you can hear like a subtle backdrop throughout almost the whole of Panama.Pretty and varied,they fly from branch to branch,fertilizing the fruit that abound throughout the region.

The fine rain characteristic of the area keeps a constant level of humidity that encourages the growth of any type of cuttings or seed.Higher up,onions,carrots,potatoes,lettuce,tomatoes are grown,together with the abundant coffee that adorns the mountainsides surrounding this valley.Important advances have been made in the region in order to bring together farming and technology allowing the production of the highest category of coffee:gourmet.Many coffee farms also organize tourist visits,which allow them to see the farm and the whole process from harvest to the final preparation,finishing with a tasting of the exquisite end product.In the area of horticulture,hydroponic cultivation is also becoming established,demonstrating that little by little,the value and benefit of the soil itself is beginning to be recognized.

Whether you travel on the main road through the village or in the surrounding areas,you will always find country people and Guaymi Indians, reminding you that this area is one where working the land takes precedence over all other activities.

Its wildlife is privileged (in many places you will see signs warning that “Hunting is Prohibited ”).While the exuberant flora clothes the landscape with lilies,sea lavenders,agapanthus,margaritas,hibiscus,hydrangea,anturios,roses,carnations,sunflowers and orchids,offering a fascinating, multicolored spectacle.These gave rise to the celebrations of the Flower and Coffee Fair (in January),and the Orchid Festival (in April).

Restaurants can now be found in the village,which offer a variety of fine foods,from Latin America,Italy,Peru and Mexico among other countries.

Sitting in a café enjoying the variety of smells and flavors is part of Boquete ’s culture.In the surrounding area,various hostels and small and medium sized hotels offer an excellent choice of accommodation,to satisfy the tastes of even the most demanding. To sum up,Boquete is literally “IN ” and is without doubt a place that will enjoy exponential development..We want to be the voice of all those who in one way or another come to us to transmit the concerns of the current inhabitants and which must be taken into account by all those who are interested in this pot of gold.

Boquete and its environs are a privileged place,but have delicate surroundings and a fragile economy.For this reason,in the desire to obtain the greatest economic benefit from each square meter,it is important to avoid laying waste to what for many has become a heavenly way of life.Hand in hand with speculation comes the urgent need,at any price, to stop those who have a moderate or large purchasing power from raising expectations among the local inhabitants that they will receive tips higher than the normally accepted level,or from paying prices that are not normal in the region.Sooner or later this will have repercussions on the sensitive pockets of the local people,who at the end of the day will have to bear the burden of rapid and unnecessary inflation,such as happened in Costa Rica.To sum up, we mustn ’t forget why some build and others want to settle here:a peaceful life at an accessible cost, in the middle of an abundance of natural beauty.