Lovers of coffee and paradisiacal destinations will find the ideal destination in Panama. The country allows the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to meet, combining cultural diversity, leisure, history and unique flavors. Coffee cultivation has added another essential route to the destination. Seeing the beans up close, understanding how the harvest works, witnessing the moment of roasting and, at the end of the tour, drinking a special coffee extracted by the producer himself are the main attractions on the farms, adding a gastronomic and sensory experience to tourists. who visit
the region.
Panama's coffee culture focuses on the production of specialty coffees, making a visit to the country with a coffee itinerary a truly unique experience. The options are diverse, from visits to regions with large coffee plantations (including accommodation on farms) to coffee tours.
"Tourism has been identified as a fundamental pillar of the economic development of Panama, which allows the increase and distribution of the wealth of the Panamanian population through the growth of the national economy, the generation of jobs, the increase in income and the well-being of Panamanians," says Fernando Fondevilla, CEO of Promtur, the organization that promotes tourism in the country.
The country follows a Sustainable Plan and has great respect for the local indigenous Ngäbe and Buglé communities, closely involved in the coffee industry. Panama is also the birthplace of the iconic Geisha, known as the most valuable and highest quality coffee in the world.
Tourism with a coffee flavor
The itinerary of a coffee lover in Panama cannot miss visiting Tierras Altas (located at the foot of the Barú volcano, the highest point in the country, where the Geisha is produced); Boquete (the oldest and best-known region of Panama, where the coffee industry began in the 20th century and which today brings together the largest number of farms in the "Coffee Circuit") and Renacimiento (the smallest of the three regions, but with abundant crops that feed on the nearby active volcano).
Tourists can live the complete experience of a coffee plantation through the Coffee Circuit, developed by the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and the Competitiveness Center of the Western Region (CECOMRO), with impressive farms in each region that They open their doors to welcome visitors. The farms
offer accommodation, tastings and tours to see the evolution of coffee from plantation to cup.
Panamanian cities also offer bustling coffee shops, which can be found on every corner of Panama City and on the streets of Boquete, serving local blends and the famous Geisha variety. It is also possible to wander through different tasting rooms and enjoy the day and night coffees.
To complete the agenda, visitors can also visit La Amistad International Park, with more than 600 species of birds; visit the Ngäbe and Buglé peoples or climb the highest peak in Panama, the Barú volcano, to witness views of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the only place in the world where you can see two oceans.
With so many unique attractions, this country of just 75,500 square meters received 1.9 million tourists in 2022. That figure has been left behind, since by the end of this year, the Panama Tourism Authority expects 2.3 million people Visit the country to live this incredible experience.
Discover 3 coffee farms that offer unique tourist experiences
Finca Lerida (Boquete): This place was the first farm to export Panamanian coffee to Germany in 1929. Visitors can see all aspects of the coffee production process up close and even stay overnight.
Finca Don Lara (Tierras Altas): Those who visit the farm receive a guided tour by the owner of the different plantations and have the opportunity to learn about the varieties of coffee available in the region and, depending on the season, they can participate in the harvest in
the own farm.
Finca Café Eleta (Renacimiento): A tip is to take a guided tour of the farm and taste coffee specialties in the vicinity of the La Amistad International Park (PILA), a World Heritage Site and known for its rich and abundant biodiversity.
Tips for travelers
The best time to carry out coffee-related activities is during the harvest season, from December to March; In any case, any time of year is good to live this experience since the climate and temperature
are pleasant.
When planning your trip, check to see if Panama hosts any coffee-related events or festivals;
Show respect and understanding for local indigenous communities and their cultural heritage;
Support sustainable coffee practices and green initiatives in the
region.