The province of Chiriquí in Panama is a scenic paradise known not only for its beauty but also for being the setting for the Coffee Circuit. This unique attraction attracts both national and international tourists. This area, encompassing the districts of Boquete, Tierras Altas, Gualaca, and Renacimiento, offers visitors an intimate look at the coffee production process, from beginning to final product. By interacting with local farmers and tasting some of the best coffee at altitudes of 800 to 2000 meters, tourists are immersed in an authentic experience amidst some of the country’s most impressive natural attractions.
What is the Panama Coffee Circuit?
The Panama Coffee Circuit is a comprehensive tour that crosses the highlands of the province of Chiriquí, where coffee cultivation is deeply rooted in local culture. This unique circuit links 33 agritourism farms, each offering a different perspective on coffee production, from planting and harvesting to processing and tasting. It is an immersive experience that takes visitors through the life cycle of coffee beans, including premium varieties like Obata and the internationally famous Geisha.
The Coffee Circuit, which encompasses four districts (Renacimiento, Tierras Altas, Boquete, and Hornito) and sixteen municipalities, is set against the backdrop of lush volcanic soil and a temperate, misty climate ideal for growing coffee. As tourists navigate these regions, they learn about the relationship between nature and agriculture that produces some of the best coffee beans in the world. This experience leaves visitors with a deep understanding and appreciation for the process behind their cup of coffee amidst the beauty of western Panama.
Coffee Tour
The Panama Coffee Circuit brings together a variety of farms, each with its unique story and approach to coffee cultivation. These farms are united by their dedication to producing some of the highest-quality coffee in the world, and they often specialize in high-altitude varieties that benefit from the region’s rich volcanic soil and ideal microclimates. Below, we present some of them.
1. Boquete📍
Boquete is not just any town; it is a sanctuary located within the misty Chiriquí Highlands, offering a climate as refreshing as its main product: coffee. The region’s cooler temperatures and fertile volcanic soil encourage the growth of some of the best coffees in the world. Boquete’s coffee farms are not just agricultural sites but destinations that offer serene views of the valley and an opportunity to connect with the land that provides us with this precious beverage.
Farms
Altieri Special Coffee
Invites visitors on a multifaceted journey through coffee culture with experiences like Geney Boy tastings, where history and cultivation meet the palate, and Mimas Table, which offers a deep dive into the nuances of coffee with a complete memory. These curated sessions range from brief educational tours to luxurious explorations, leaving guests with a greater appreciation for specialty coffee and the intricate processes behind each cup.
Don Pachi Estate
Operating since 1873, Don Pachi Estate provides insight into the cultivation of Panama’s coffee. The estate offers educational tours about coffee production, from selecting beans to roasting, all set at an ideal altitude for growing high-quality coffee.
Arabica Farm Coffee
Established in 2006, Cafeto Arabica Farm is focused on quality and environmental sustainability. Spanning 12 hectares, the farm leverages its unique microclimate to grow exceptional coffee. It introduces visitors to modern, eco-friendly farming methods.
Mamecillo Estate
Founded by Rolando Chamorro in 2012, Finca Mamecillo is a young farm dedicated to quality coffee. Focused on the Catuai and Geisha varieties, the farm offers a look into innovative practices in coffee cultivation within a beautiful highland setting.
Cafelandia Estate
At Finca Cafelandia, visitors can immerse themselves in the essence of coffee culture amidst its 28 hectares of lush, coffee-rich land. As they engage in unique agrotourism experiences, guests witness the meticulous journey of diverse coffee varieties like the owners’ favored Pacamara from bean to brew. This 1932-founded farm not only strives to produce top-quality coffee but also to enhance the lives of its workers and enrich its guests’ understanding of coffee craftsmanship.
Finca La Milagrosa
Finca La Milagrosa has transformed from cattle farming to coffee cultivation since 1981. The farm offers tours focusing on their coffee and provides a natural retreat for visitors.
Princess Janca; Arco Iris Estate
Housing a history that spans back to a former president, Finca Arco Iris is a landmark in Panama’s coffee industry. Committed to excellent coffee production and environmental sustainability, this farm is a beacon for coffee connoisseurs and historians.
Tree Trek Boquete
At Kotowa Río Cristal Estate, visitors can enjoy a unique multi-sensory experience. Nestled at high altitudes beside La Amistad International Park, the estate offers not just a traditional coffee tour but also the rare chance to witness the brewing process of Panama’s only tea plantation, taste rums aged in onsite cava, and explore the biodiversity through hanging bridges and bird watching, with a chance to spot the elusive quetzal while sipping on their award-winning Geisha coffee. This estate is a confluence of nature, adventure, and the art of coffee making.
Hacienda Belina:
Hacienda Belina offers a uniquely personal and cozy experience. With Mr. Hector recounting childhood tales and Ms. Linda showcasing her de ella self-designed environment, the farm allows for an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle and soul of Chiriquí’s coffee cultivation. The planned inclusion of culinary classes, emphasizing local produce and farm-to-table principles,
Lérida Estate
With roots that intertwine with the Panama Canal’s history, Finca Lérida is an estate that marries the beauty of Boquete with the craft of coffee farming. Visitors can delve into a rich narrative that celebrates both historical innovation and the art of coffee cultivation.
Elida Estate
Since 1918, Elida Estate has been producing coffee in Alto Quiel. The farm offers tours that educate visitors about coffee history and farming practices. It also provides a tasting experience that may include their notable Geisha variety.
2. Tierras Altas 📍
The newest district in Western Chiriquí, it is an area with a total of opportunities and attractions. With five locations under its wing, it offers diverse natural, cultural, social, and productive experiences. Visitors can explore this lush region and participate in its growth, delighting in local cuisine, hospitality, tourism, and commerce.
Farms
Maru Geisha Farm (Casa Grande Bambito)
Specializing in Geisha coffee, Maru Geisha Farm invites enthusiasts to explore its 15-hectare plantation. The farm is an ode to the renowned Geisha variety, providing an educational and sensory journey through its cultivation and production.
Bambito Estate Coffee
Bambito Estate offers an educational journey through its coffee production process with three tours. Visitors can learn about coffee growing, processing, and tasting at this farm, which combines tradition with modern milling and quality testing techniques.
Janson Estate
Janson Estate has been synonymous with quality coffee since 1946. Visitors to the farm can learn about coffee production, enjoy the local climate, and taste their specialty coffee, including the renowned Janson Geisha.
Ceriana Finca, Café, and Deli
Ceriana offers an agritourism experience, highlighting coffee production and various nature-based activities. Established in 2000 in Tierras Altas, the farm presents tours that explore its biodiversity and agritourism potential.
Finca Nueva Switzerland Hermanos Lara
Rooted in European heritage, Finca Nueva Switzerland represents the Swiss influence in Panama. Visitors can experience a blend of European tradition and Panamanian coffee farming, reflecting the rich cultural legacy of its founders.
3. Hornito📍
Hornito stands out in the Panama Coffee Circuit as a natural treasure, recognized mainly by the impressive Fortuna Forest Reserve. This lush area is not only ecologically significant. Still, it is also home to Panama’s vital energy source, the Fortuna Hydroelectric Plant. Hornito is very popular for its large number of rivers and waterfalls that offer picturesque views. These natural water features are not just a pleasure to look at; They provide perfect settings for family outings.
El Horizonte Resort Hotel & Spa.
They are located in an environment where the climate remains comfortable at 75ºF (23ºC) all year round. The architecture of the hotel itself is designed with luxurious rooms to maximize the stunning views and take advantage of the abundance of natural light. For those eager to explore, the resort offers horseback riding and leisurely morning walks. Culinary delights await at The Cloud Forest restaurant, where diners can enjoy an international menu while taking in panoramic views of the skyline.
4. Renacimiento📍
Known for its cool climates and lush surroundings, it offers a natural sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts and nature lovers. As you explore Renacimiento, the charming suspension bridges invite you to the crystal-clear water adventure.
Farms
Eleta Coffee
Café de Eleta has been growing Arabica coffee since 1995, focusing on varieties like Bourbon and Catuaí. The farm uses eco-friendly mills and is situated next to the biodiverse La Amistad International Park, providing visitors a glimpse into sustainable coffee cultivation.
Salmor Estate
At Finca Salmor, the Saldaña family legacy extends across 500 hectares, where guests can participate in sensory walks through verdant coffee fields and witness the entire cycle of premium milk production. This farm displays a harmonious combination of agriculture and technology to protect its pristine forests and promote water conservation through tree replanting efforts.
La Llorona Estate
Finca La Llorona is a biodiversity sanctuary that offers a variety of agro-ecotourism activities. Visitors can explore coffee plantations with a focus on future sustainability; the estate is a bastion of ecological practices, aspiring to the cultivation of organic coffee amidst its rich natural and archaeological heritage.
Don Kchiro Estate
Don Kchiro Estate offers an immersive agritourism experience. Here, guests can stroll along floral trails, participate in the coffee life cycle from seedbed to tasting, and conclude their visit with a traditional Creole sancocho.
Conclusion
The Panama Coffee Circuit promises an unforgettable trip that captivates the senses and enriches the soul. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where the lush tapestry of nature’s beauty is intertwined with the warm spirit of Panamanian hospitality. Every step through the Chiriquí highlands is another step toward understanding the deep connection between the land and its bounty. Visitors don’t just leave with memories; They carry a new appreciation for the art of brewing coffee and the resilience of human collaboration. To experience the Coffee Circuit is to participate in a legacy of tradition and innovation, which makes it an essential destination for anyone looking to connect with the essence of Panamanian coffee truly.