Travel log: Boquete

Trails on horseback and
mountain hot springs

By: Ursula Kiener Ford

The author enjoying
her horseback ride.

My most recent trip to Boquete was for both business and pleasure. I had three of my Florida State University friends along for a trip from Panama City to visit my insurance company’s Boquete offices. Being a Panamanian, I was excited to quickly get into a “tourist’s” state of mind. We arranged a horseback riding trip through Boquete Safari Tours.

A bright yellow safari-style truck was waiting to greet our group at the Plaza de los Establos on Boquete’s main street. I couldn’t wait to climb in and become a tourist in my own country! John was our guide. Originally from Boquete, he told us that he had lived in the United States (he speaks perfect English) and that he had been trained by IPAT. “I have the best job in the world.” he said, “I get to show people from all over the world just how beautiful Panama is every day.”

John told us that we were headed up towards Caldera, about 20 minutes from Bajo (lower) Boquete where the hot springs are.

One of the new-born
fillies along for the trip.

There are three pools with water that is 38, 40 and 43 degrees Celsius respectively. The road up to the hot springs was different than the last time I had been there, probably due to the controversial hydroelectric dam that has been proposed there.

Now high in the mountains, we got out of the safari truck and walked a short trail to meet Didimo, who takes care of the area and trains the horses. We mounted up and took a trail ride up even higher in the mountains. It reminded me of something out of a Lord of the Rings movie – just beautiful. Two of the horses had just given birth to adorable fillies, which followed us along with the friendly trail horses.

Soaking in the hot springs was very relaxing, so much so that we skipped the third leg of our tour (to go see the hieroglyphics) and stayed to float in the steaming pools with the sound of the rushing Caldera river nearby. When in Boquete, you can’t miss this experience! Visit www.boquetesafari.com.