Stories and guides from Boquete expats
Boquete area churches include English-language services at Boquete Bible Fellowship and Hillside Church, traditional Catholic masses at San Juan Bautista downtown, and diverse denominations serving Panama's international highlands community.
Boquete Hospice & Health provides free portable oxygen concentrator lending (no rental fees) at 1,200 meters elevation where oxygen levels are 12-15% lower than sea level. Contact +507 6781-9250 with doctor prescription for 3-month loans. Alternative purchasing options available in David, 45 minutes away.
Both TIGO and Mas Móvil work in Boquete, but coverage varies by location due to mountainous terrain. TIGO offers free international roaming and established infrastructure, while Mas Móvil provides cheaper plans and reliable fiber internet.
US expats in Panama have 5 mobile options: Google Voice + local SIM ($28/month), AT&T Day Pass ($10/day), Verizon Ultimate, Magic Jack, or Mas Movil ($15-20/month).
Prostate procedures in Panama's Chiriquí region cost $4,700 for TURP at Hospital Chiriquí with excellent outcomes from US-trained urologists. Multiple expats report successful BPH treatment at 60-75% lower costs than US prices.
While Boquete lacks a formal cigar club, El Oasis Hotel features a rum room and cigar lounge. Quality cigars available at Boquete Cigars Company and Boqueteando Market. Highland climate ideal for storage.
Tropigas in Boquete is delivered Tuesdays and Fridays to locations including Mini Super Gómez (Alto Boquete), Terpel stations, and Puma Shogun (Dolega). Stock sells out quickly after deliveries—here's where to find it and when to shop.
Quality apples in Boquete are found at Romero and Super Barú supermarkets, stocking imported varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith from the US and Chile. For better selection, expats often make the 45-minute trip to David's larger stores including PriceSmart and El Rey.
MRI scans at Hospital Chiriquí in David cost approximately $850 USD standard, or $500 USD with jubilado card (40% discount). Modern equipment and quality imaging just 45 minutes from Boquete.
US Medicare Advantage plans work at Panama hospitals (Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriqui) for emergencies only. Pre-registration takes 5 minutes and prevents costly upfront payments and year-long reimbursement delays.
Learn how to perfectly pan fry fresh yellowfin tuna from Boquete's Tuesday Market with expert tips from local expats: sear 5 seconds per side over high heat, keep the center pink, and use simple seasonings.
David-Boquete has 2 top surgeons: Dr. Caballero (visits Boquete weekly, exceptional care) and Dra. Injurain at Mae Lewis, both 50-70% cheaper than US procedures.
Boquete offers 3 options for minor procedures: Mae Lewis Clinic (walk-in until 11 PM, $20-50), MINSA Emergency (24/7), and doctors like Dr. Gomez and Dr. Tuer.
Boquete hosts regular expat gatherings throughout the week, with Tuesday Market at Tap Out (9 AM-12 PM) being the largest event. The social calendar includes trivia nights, Friday hangouts, and special events.
Boquete has 3 gym options: Istmo Fitness ($40/month, premier facility), San Francisco Plaza Gym ($3/visit, no commitment), and The Haven, plus Pipeline/Quetzal trails.
Boquete's bug situation varies dramatically by location and elevation, with residents above 1,400 meters reporting virtually no no-see-ums. Highland climate creates fewer insect issues than coastal Panama.
Yes, Mae Lewis Boquete offers X-ray and ultrasound services for ~$22 with jubilado discount, same-day results. CSS clinic alternative costs ~$25 maximum.
Valle Escondido has 7+ nail options: Del Rio Salon outside VE gates (+507 6632-3000), downtown I Style (+507 6478-0760), mobile Ikeya Hagen (+507 6205-0937).
In Boquete, Panama, dispose of Christmas trees by burning them on January 6th (Three Kings Day), creating your own bonfire, or replanting living trees. No municipal pickup service exists.
Lost Waterfalls Trail: Boquete's best hike. 3 waterfalls with swimming pools, 3-4 hrs, moderate. $10 entry. Go with guide—hidden trailhead. Best Dec-April.
