>It has been a few years now, but I know that I stayed at a 5-star hotel in or near Boquete. It was absolutely amazing and very inexpensive. We visited many small farms and gardens and also a horse ranch with miniature horses. I also remember a lion in a cage but that was on the way up the mountain I think. I don't remember Volcan, but isn't that the word for volcano? I think that entire area is on a volcano, isn't it? I remember learning that the volcano was the reason the area was so lush... I don't know which I prefer - Boquete or El Valle. There was a much more afluent criminal element in Boquete but the ones in the area around El Valle were more dangerous. Boquete had hot water and El Valle did not so I am sure I was more comfortable in Boquete anyway... :o)

Yes, Volcan means volcano. The one here has been extinct for several thousand years. Volcan is also a very productive agricultural town near the top of the volcano.

Boquete is now booming as a retirement community based on affordable quality of life. In fact retirement communities are a growing industry in the whole country, and the baby boommers haven't started to retire in large numbers yet! Cruise ships are stopping and that is creating tremendous interest in the country. Also all inclusive resorts geared to Canadians have created a huge flow of short term visitors from the cold who are spreading the word. Tourism is looking good.