ChecMark

Arrived in Boquete just after Christmas. Rented a house, while still in Canada, that's turned out to be a bit of a disaster. Although luckily I am in downtown area, I don't have a vehicle and have only managed one expensive tour guide trip ($25/hour) up into the hills. Contrary to all the posts I've read I'm not finding Boquete all that friendly. I've offered to buy lunch and pay gas to the few people I've met, but no takers. If you are in Boquete and willing to help a fellow gringo that would be awesome. Either way, check out Sandra and Joe's Amigos restaurant. Awesome food and great people (from Canada, of course). $5 for a bucket of 6 beers too!

MRWOOHOO

I think there is a couple things wrong with Boquete currently:
1. Actual local population has gotten pissed off by the Americans for building walled compounds in their town.
2. There is a problem with lack of water due to over building and no planning of infrastructure.
3. I think allot of Americans that did buy there are caught up in the subprime mess.
4. Over-speculation has jacked up the home prices and now they cannot sell.

It still is a beautiful area but if you really want to get the warm and fuzzy feeling move over to Volcan or Cerro Punta. It has the same beauty but not as many problems and the locals are still friendly. I would also suggest you make friends with the real locals.

Take Care

MRWOOHOO

Hey ChecMark, are you a retired person on a pension visa?

ChecMark

Hiya, Mister. At the moment I am neither. My house in Canada is still for sale and I am hoping to get into the reno business here, with a partner, whom I just met and, believe it or not, is from about a click away from me back in Westbank. Truly a small world.

Don't disagree with a bit of your advice. Having now met many more of the locals, along with many of the expats who hang out at Amigos, I am growing more comfortable with the area and the people. I take great pains to meet locals and always attempt the language, which they seem to appreciate. There just seems to be an attitude, which I'm told has resulted from "gringos" coming and paying like .25 cents a metre, then flipping for hugely inflated prices to othe gringos, that's upset the locals. This is changing though, as it's turning into a buyers' market recently. The greed factor seems to be diminishing and prices are getting more realistic. I still think Boquete is the undiscovered paradise.

trent

Hi,

If you are in Boquete, please stay far away from the Palmers Samuel and Myriam or you will seriously regret it, they are very crazy panamanians, that have a thing about poisoning, stalking, threatning, listening in and putting cameras in all of there casa´s that they rent to the gringo´s as well as the panamanian people, I am currently bringing charges against these nuts. They own the biggest store in the town Called Le Rena and they act as if they are normal, but they are far far away from normal. Please take some advice from me who lived in boquete for a few years, stear far away from them and anyone that they know.

trent

canadeh

Must be strange people in Boquete if you can't buy them gas and victuals. I will be coming from Ottawa next week and staying the month. Hope the offer to treat still holds!

canadeh

Boquete is Beautiful. Been here a week and the area is everything that was promised.Feed a toucan every morning from my hand. Banana trees in yard and the locals are friendly and welcoming. Ottawa, Canada has had two feet of snow since I left.

ChecMark

Hey Canada! Make sure to drop by Amigos and meet your fellow Canucks. Great food! Beer is six for $5. Some diff from Canada, eh? (Just had to get an "eh" in somewhere). Great place to mingle and play some pool.