I planned my visit to Boquete during its busiest festival of the year… La Feria de las Flores y del Cafe (aka the Boquete Cofee and Flower Fair)!
Each January the streets of this mountain town are flooded with thousands of tourists. Not just Panamanians like to visit the cute, little hillside town of Boquete, visitors from all over the world come here to taste the coffee and observe that flower galore.
Because of the swarming crowds I unfortunately was bound to shift from accommodation a couple of times. But this also had a plus side… now I was able to check out several backpacking, budget options for you! The ones below I considered the best.
Agaseke Lodge
I simply loved everything about this relaxed lodge. Laury the owner – a Panamanian from Bocas del Toro – was the best host ever. She was kind and very helpful and loved to think along regarding itineraries. Plus I liked that I was staying with a local in here, rather than a an expat’s place. Her daughter and nephew were giggling and running around the lodge all day long, quite cute.
Agaseke Lodge has a really big garden in the front and in the back and an awesome veranda, with space for everyone. ↓ The location of the lodge was at the western side of town. It felt secluded and at the same time it was only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the main square (although you have to conquer a little hill..).
The wifi signal was strong in here and I was able to get coffee all morning long. The dorm (six beds) was quite simple and could have been a little bigger, but there were a lot of lockers and extension leads on the end of each bunk for charging. Moreover (I know this is just sheer luck) all of my fellow backpackers were nice and laid-back people. Everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed vibe.
I’d absolutely book this place again for my next visit and felt sad to leave it.
Dorms from $13,- USD, excl. breakfast ($5,- USD – with coffee, toast, eggs, pancakes, yoghurt)
Buena Vista
Nearby the Agaseke Lodge, Hotel Buena Vista is the cheapest option in this list. Moreover, I’ve placed this lodging second because of its super relaxing vibe, outdoor communal areas and gorgeously designed garden. Everything just feels in ‘flow’ in here. Maybe in line with all of this, all the guests seemed to be practising yoga, which is understandable with this garden as a playground. ↓
Again, this lodge is in a quiet part of the city, yet close to the center. Staff is friendly, the kitchen is well-equipped and there are some cute cats around that’ll keep you company while you’re relaxing. Everything felt pretty clean in here and dorms only counted 4 beds (which was the best deal I’ve seen in Boquete!)
The only disadvantage in here is the wifi, it’s not the most reliable one in town. Luckily you can enjoy a rosy sunset in return… there’s a reason why the place has is named Buena Vista!
Dorms from $12,50 USD, excl. breakfast
Bambuda Castle
This is quite a special place, mainly because of its quirky amenities. Although the nouveau riche Bambuda Castle is located on a hill quite a bit outside of town, you might want to check it out – if only during the day. I already stayed at the beautifully located Bambuda Lodge in Bocas del Toro and was therefore eager to try out this other location in Boquete as well.
It did not disappoint. It’s especially the building itself – the uniqueness of the castle -, the many hangout areas and the view on the floral landscapes and surrounding mountains that is superb. Moreover the showers are spacious, there’s a jacuzzi, a solar heated pool, superfast wifi, an outdoor rock-climbing wall, a foosball table, punching bag (okay?), tv-room with Netflix. So a lot of stuff you don’t see everyday. Sounds almost like a resort right?
Unfortunately the 10-person dorm felt a bid cramped. With just one less bunkbed I think it would be much more relaxed for everyone. If you’re travelling as a couple, staying in one of the ‘hobbit-like’ domes probably will be great fun! There are also cheaper doubles and you can even stay in one of the two towers.
Just like Bambuda Lodge they offer family style dinners in here, so you sit with all the other guests around the tables which makes it easy to connect with people and look for fellow hikers.
Do note that this place in general attracts more of a younger crowd, like beginner 20. Nevertheless I saw all sorts of travellers and ages walking around and I noises turned down from 11 pm onwards.
Dorms from $14,- USD, excl. breakfast (many options from $4,- USD onwards)
Garden Hostel
I was a bit sceptical at first about staying in this hostel, but it turned out to be quite awesome. Dorms, kitchen and common rooms (with sofas and a big reading section) were clean and comfy and its location was super central.
The best feature however was its garden… it is big with many funny nooks and crannies. Noting the downtown location of the hostel I thought this was quite special. ↓
I saw some sweet dogs and cats running around and you’re allowed to bring your own pets in here too, which felt like a huge plus to me. Like any of the other hostels above, Garden Hostel can arrange tours for you if you like.
Dorms from $15,- USD, excl. breakfast
Here’s where to find that fantastic four:
