CHANGING THE WORLD ALWAYS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Boquete
Located 3,900ft over sea level, Boquete is a small town of Panamá. Founded in 1911, this destination is growing in popularity among European and Asian visitors. Known as “the valley of flowers”, the city is also renowned for its coffee which is considered as one of the finest in the whole world. The inactive Barú Volcano offers a majestic view and the diverse wildlife makes you believe you are in a real paradise! The fresh air of the mountains is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking or rafting. Safety and a low cost of living also make this city one of the best destinations or places to live in the world. In this friendly community, it is easy to interact with local people and learn Spanish while you talk about their culture.
Small town atmosphere and mountain living: the perfect combination for any visitor. If you want a balance of relax and adventure Boquete is your BEST option!
Mountain views: Barú Volcano is the highest point in Panamá and there you can see both, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at the same time. Be careful: It is tough to climb especially if you are not a trained person.
Nature: There are more than 40 bird species to observe in the city. The flora is abundant and diverse: the Fair of Flowers and the Orchid Fair are two typical celebrations of this city. El Explorador is an important botanical garden that also has thermal waters. Inside the National parks, you can take guided tours to discover strange and wild species.
Activities: Rafting, hiking, kayaking, canopy and climbing are some of the most extreme sports you can practice. Valle Escondido is a popular resort with a great scene for golf lovers. Hiking the Quetzal Trail (home of the rare Resplendent Quetzal) is an interesting option for the most adventurous visitors
Coffee: Since it is the main star of the city, there are a lot of places where you can have a cup of Panama´s gourmet coffee. The famous “Geisha Coffee”, which grows on the volcano slopes, is sold for U$S 130 a pound.
Because of its altitude, the climate is cooler than in the lowlands. The temperature ranges from 16° to 28° Celsius. The dry season is from December to April and the rainy season from May to November.
You can arrive by air from Panamá or Costa Rica. Also there are several bus services from Panamá. By car the trip from Panamá city may take you 7 hours. Also you can rent a car (with or without a driver) for a very low cost. Once you arrived, the city is easy to explore on foot.
Coffee: Strong as the spirit of these people, it is the symbol of the city.
Eco-tourism: Abundant natural resources give us plenty opportunities to explore and discover amazing things.
Low-costs and Safety: Moderate prices and a secure way of living makes this destination perfect for visitors.
TESTIMONIALS
''I spent three weeks studying Spanish in Boquete this summer and loved it. Class sizes were small and the instruction and facilities were great. Widad was a great instructor. She was very patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. The school was so accommodating that I was even able to take my 6-year-old niece with me, who also took classes. Fantastic experience!'' Spanish course. Maya M, USA
''My time in Boquete, Panama, has been awesome! First I took five weeks of Spanish lessons and after that I volunteered at a local social project. The school has always helped me with all of my questions and wishes and especially the office staff was always friendly and helpful. Among the tours I took, I can expecially recomemend the trip to the Chiriqui Golf and the Little Canyons - that was a lot of fun! Teachers and staff have always been friendly. I hope everybody's experience will be as good as mine! Thanks everybody!'' Spanish course. Philip E., Germany
''I returned last summer to Boquete and the language school for the second time. While I enjoyed my initial time at the school and learned some, I learned so much more during my second stay (which was only two weeks compared to a month!) I contribute this both my choice to have private lessons and to the excellent teaching of my teacher, Ivonne Ayala. She was patient, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, funny and had an amazingly positive attitude every day! She is a true professional and a skilled teacher. I hope to return to Boquete this next summer and continue my private studies with her.'' Spanish course. Sonia L., USA
''My trip to Panama was not in vain. My home stay was awesome! The family was very kind and inviting. I especially loved the food. Im sure I gained a few pounds.
The teachers at the school were very friendly. I developed friendships with a lot of new people from all around the world! I went on a few tours but I loved horseback riding and the Natural Jacuzzi tours more! The views were very beautiful! Everyone was helpful around the school and the community. I'm taking another trip next year because I really enjoyed my time!'' Spanish course. Dama C., Bahamas
