Essential Visitor Information
Boquete is a magical mountain town known for its nature, cool weather, and relaxed pace. Here you’ll find beautiful surroundings, good kosher food, and a warm Jewish community centered around Chabad Boquete.
Table of Contents
- Where Is Boquete
- Trip Tips for Getting to Boquete
- Kosher In Boquete
- Shabbat at Chabad Boquete
- Rooms at Chabad Boquete
- Weather & Clothing
- Women's Mikvah in Boquete
Where Is Boquete
- Where Is Boquete & How to Get There
- Boquete is in the Chiriquí Highlands of western Panama, near the city of David, about 250–270 miles (≈400+ km) west of Panama City.
- Panama City → David (flight): ~45 minutes
- Panama City → Boquete (drive): ~5.5–6.5 hours
- David → Boquete (drive): ~45–60 minutes (≈35 miles / 55 km)
- Tocumen International Airport (PTY) — Panama’s main international hub Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (PAC / Albrook) — Domestic flights in Panama City
- Airport closest to Boquete: Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) — Airport in David, closest to Boquete
- Multiple daily flights from Panama City to David
- Flight time ~ 45 minutes
- Common carriers: Copa Airlines , Air Panama (schedules vary)
- Domestic flights from Panama City PTY to David usually depart around: • Morning: ~7:45 or 8:45 AM • Afternoon: ~4:00 PM
- Flight time is just about 45 minutes.
- Panama City → Boquete by car or bus: ~6 hours
- David → Boquete by car / shuttle: ~45–60 min
- Flying to David and transferring to Boquete is the fastest way to arrive.
- Overland options (bus/shuttle) are available.
- Check airline schedules for exact flight times.
Trip Tips for Getting to Boquete
- Boquete does not have direct international flights, but getting here is still easy with a short domestic connection. It's also a great opportunity for a short visit to Panama City
- Using Panama City as a Stopover
- Catch an early international flight, spending a few hours or one even one night in Panama City before flying to David Airport (the closet to Boquete).
- Visit the Panama Canal
- Walk around Casco Viejo (Old City)
- Enjoy a proper meal before heading inland
- Recommended Kosher restaurant in Panama City
- Lula (Casco Viejo)
- This breaks up travel and makes the trip feel much easier.
- Many visitors combine destinations:
- Boquete + Bocas del Toro
- Boquete → Bocas: ~3 hours by shuttle or car
- Mountains first, beaches after
Kosher In Boquete
Welcome to your Kosher-friendly mountain paradise.
Dairy: Morton’s Bakehouse & Café (near the center of town)
- Morton’s is a kosher dairy café run by Chabad Boquete, located in a 100-year-old building. All proceeds directly support the local Chabad community.
- The food is homemade, fresh, and simple, with an emphasis on quality ingredients.
- What you’ll findFreshly baked bread and pastries
- Homemade pastas and dairy dishes
- Salads, light meals, and bakery aroma
- Coffee and baked goods throughout the day
- Important hoursKitchen closes at 4:00 PM
- Café closes at 6:00 PM
- Great for day tripsMorton’s also prepares sandwiches and packed meals that are perfect for:
- Road trips around Boquete
- Just ask in advance so they can prepare it properly.
Meat: Kosher Dinner & Take-Away (By Reservation) at Chabad Boquete
- For dinner or take-away meals, Chabad Boquete offers kosher catering by advance reservation.
- This is the best option if:
- You’re arriving late
- You want meals waiting for you
- You’re hosting Shabbat or a group dinner
- Reservations are required and can be arranged through the official catering link.
Shabbat at Chabad Boquete
You've hiked enough, now you deserve a rest!
Shabbat in Boquete (at Chabad)
- Chabad Boquete hosts a full Shabbat experience every week, open to everyone.
- Friday night and Shabbat morning prayers
- Warm communal Shabbat meals
- A welcoming mix of locals, expats, travelers, and visitors from Panama City and abroad
- Shabbat in Boquete regularly brings together:
- American and international travelers
- Jewish expats living in Panama
- Visitors passing through Boquete for nature, hiking, or relaxation
- There is no pressure and no background required — everyone is welcome.
- Reservations Shabbat meals and participation require advance reservation so proper preparations can be made.
- Please reserve ahead of time through our Shabbat Reservation page.
Rooms at Chabad Boquete
Comfortable accommodations from Chabad Boquete, perfect for your stay during the week or Shabbat.
Hotel Stay from Chabad Boquete
- Enjoy comfortable and convenient accommodations from Chabad Boquete, located just steps away from our activities and services.
- Weeknights: $75 per night (fixed rate)
- Friday & Saturday night stay: $120 total
- 4 rooms with 4 beds each
- 1 room with 2 beds
- Baby crib available for $5 extra
- Private bathroom in every room
- Air conditioning included
- Book your stay with Chabad Boquete here
Weather & Clothing
- Boquete is cooler than most of Panama thanks to its mountain climate and high elevation
- Daytime temperatures are usually mild
- Evenings can feel chilly
- Rain is common, especially in the afternoons, it's wise to start your day early
Women's Mikvah in Boquete
he Women Mikvah at Chabad Boquete is ready to serve you
Women Mikvah from Chabad Boquete
- The women's Mikvah is operational, please make your reservation minimum 24 hours in advance to allow us to serve you better.
- Standard: $30
- Supporter: $100