At a time when global tourism prioritizes authentic experiences, connection with nature, and sustainable travel, Chiriqui province is establishing itself as one of Latin America’s most highly recommended nature destinations.
International Recognition
Major international recognition came with its inclusion in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2025” list—featuring the world’s top regions to visit—compiled by one of the globe’s most influential travel guides. The publication highlighted Chiriqui for combining nature, culture, gastronomy, and sustainability in a single destination, a distinction that continues to boost its international profile throughout 2026.
A Wide Range of Activities
Few regions in Latin America offer such great diversity within such short distances. On a single trip, visitors can climb the Baru Volcano—Panama’s highest peak at 3,475 meters above sea level—and hike cloud forest trails inhabited by the majestic resplendent quetzal. They can discover waterfalls and mountain rivers, visit estates producing the prestigious Geisha coffee, and, within just a few hours, sail among the islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui—a true paradise on Panama’s Pacific coast.
Protected Areas of Great Natural Value
Much of this natural heritage is safeguarded by a significant conservation system. Volcan Baru National Park protects the high-altitude forests surrounding this towering peak in Chiriqui; La Amistad International Park—shared with Costa Rica and designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve—protects one of Mesoamerica’s most biodiverse ecosystems. And the Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park preserves over twenty islands, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, as well as waters visited annually by humpback whales, dolphins, and various sea turtle species. These are complemented by the Fortuna Forest Reserve, renowned for its cloud forests and its importance for water conservation and birdwatching, and the Playa La Barqueta Agricola Wildlife Refuge, one of the key sea turtle nesting sites on Panama’s Pacific coast.
A Global Benchmark for Specialty Coffee
The province is also internationally recognized as the birthplace of Panamanian Geisha coffee, considered one of the finest and most exclusive varieties in the world. In Boquete and Tierras Altas, coffee estates offer tours where visitors can learn about the production process and taste coffees that have fetched record prices at international auctions, establishing Panama as a global leader in specialty coffee.
Activities Connecting with Nature and Communities
For those seeking outdoor thrills, Chiriqui offers hiking, rafting, mountain biking, canopy tours, sport fishing, birdwatching, and agritourism experiences. These activities complement a tourism offering increasingly valued by travelers who wish to connect with nature and local communities. Nature, adventure, culture, and sustainability converge in a region that continues to captivate visitors from around the globe and reaffirms its status as one of Latin America’s premier natural destinations.
