The Mountain Towns of Panama

Last Updated on August 16, 2025 by Retire in Panama

Updated: February 14, 2024

Panama’s highlands can genuinely make you happy. The sights are beautiful, with verdant pines and bougainvillea bursts coating the mountain slopes. Secret jewels consist of streams, waterfalls, and hot springs. Let alone several of Panama’s finest flora and fauna – including many species of multi-colored birds, orchids, and much more.

The primary reason expats select the mountains, apart from their beauty, is the cooler climate. The elevations of Panama’s mountain towns can range from 600 m (2000 ft) to 2000 m (6400 ft) above sea level. Although typically, there is more rain in the mountains in Panama, this is a trade-off for perpetual spring-like temperatures year-round.

Mountain towns vary significantly if you want the perfect temperature for your retirement destination. For example, at 600m (2000 ft), El Valle de Anton still experiences daytime highs in the low 30s °C (86 °F – 90°F). In contrast, Cerro Punta, at 2300m (7500 ft), will seldom be above 20 °C (68 °F). Let’s look at the more popular mountain town of Panama.

Boquete, Chiriquí

Boquete is considered the most popular of the expat mountain towns in Panama. Wander around the streets, and you can hear people talking in English, much like in Spanish. Retired people have been coming here for many years. Over the past few years, younger expats, some with families, have started arriving, and some are even starting businesses. The infrastructure here is well-developed, and the big city of David is only 40 minutes away.

Boquete is recognized as being the garden of Panama, and along with Volcan below, the area yields most of Panama’s vegetables and fruits. The mild weather and fertile volcanic soil signify that whatever you plant here will grow. This also implies fresh vegetables and fruits are plentiful and affordable here.

Volcan, Chiriquí

Volcan is among the colder spots around Panama. Situated at more than 4000 feet, it sits next to a volcano. This massive volcano, Volcan Baru, is the highest summit in Panama. This volcano has been dormant for a long time and is entirely safe. If you reach the summit, you are rewarded with a view featuring the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the opposite.

Volcan is a little community, yet just 45 minutes from the city of David. Even though the expat community is here, you can find some tourists, which you can also see in Boquete. The town is quiet and a sparsely populated region. The place can appear a lot more like Europe rather than Panama.

Santa Fe, Veraguas

Santa Fe is a little mountain town in the highlands of the province of Veraguas. A small expat community has come for a peaceful life within an authentic Panamanian village. The facilities are simple: a couple of local restaurants and a few bars, a small grocery store, and a pharmacy. Grabbing fresh vegetables, fruits, and other essentials in the local shops is easy. Most expats do their major shopping runs in the City of Santiago, which is less than an hour’s drive down the mountain.

Hiking and outdoor lifestyle are among the attractions for people who go to Santa Fe. The two most well-known hikes are the Cerro Tuto hike and the Alto De Piedra waterfall hike. The Cerro Tutu hike takes you to the top of a mountain and provides a fantastic view of the valley below. The Alto De Piedra hike goes deep in the jungle. You can find a variety of waterfalls to discover and a few shallow pools to swim in.

El Valle de Anton, Coclé

El Valle is the place to be if you want a mountain living near Panama City – a ninety-minute drive from the city center. It’s an ideal weekend escape. However, it’s also perfect for expats wishing to experience small-town mountain life, with quick access to the city’s modern facilities. Don’t be misled into believing you can reside here and easily travel to Panama City for work. Panama City during a workday is often brutal for traffic in the morning and late in the afternoon during the week.

Expats go to El Valle to experience a balanced way of living. The air here is fresh and cool, without the pollution you always experience in huge cities. Within the center area is the farmer’s marketplace. During the earlier days, El Valle was where people living in the nearby regions would go to market their yield. The farmers market continues today and is an excellent spot to purchase fresh produce. El Valle hosts a few hot springs that are a favorite tourist destination and are believed to have therapeutic attributes.

Cerro Punta, Chiriquí

Cerro Punta is occasionally called Switzerland of Panama, with its fantastic scenery and rolling hills. It is a farming community, and vegetables of all kinds are grown here.

Cerro Punta is a beautiful spot to be with nature. You can try all the hiking trails around the region. Cerro Punta countryside is ideal for horseback riding. Cerro Punta is among the most inexpensive mountain towns throughout Panama. Despite the spectacular scenery, it’s only for some. The weather here is cool and wet. People living in this place are early to rise and early to sleep. The way of life is simple, and there isn’t much to do during the night. However, if you’re searching for peaceful mountain living at a super-low expense, Cerro Punta is definitely for you.

Altos del Maria, Panama West

Nestled in the highlands of Panama, Altos del Maria offers expatriates a picturesque lifestyle surrounded by tropical forests and breathtaking mountain views. One of the advantages of residing in this community is the pleasant year-round climate, which provides a welcome respite from the scorching temperatures in coastal areas. Expats can relish in the mountain air. Enjoy comfortable temperatures, creating an ideal outdoor environment for hiking, birdwatching, and gardening.

Furthermore, Altos del Maria provides expats with a knit and secure community. Gated entrances and round-the-clock security patrols ensure residents have peace of mind. Alongside its tranquility, the community also boasts conveniences such as paved roads, reliable utilities, and internet connectivity while retaining its rural charm. Moreover, residents can take advantage of various facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and social clubs—making it easy for them to connect with expats and form lasting friendships. Altos del Maria offers expatriates a blend of natural beauty, comfort, and a strong sense of community—a perfect destination for those seeking a laid-back yet fulfilling lifestyle in Panama.

Cerro Azul, Panama

Cerro Azul, situated east of Panama City, provides expatriates with peaceful mountain living and easy access to urban amenities. One of the advantages of residing in Cerro Azul is its natural surroundings. The area boasts forests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, creating a backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding near their homes.

Moreover, Cerro Azul offers expatriates an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still ensuring access to Panama City’s amenities and services. Living in this area means enjoying temperatures and cleaner air compared to the city center, promoting a more relaxed lifestyle. Additionally, the community has infrastructure in place, including maintained roads, reliable utilities, and internet connectivity that guarantee a comfortable living experience. Its beauty and convenient location, Cerro Azul, provides expatriates an ideal balance between tranquility and accessibility in Panama.

The people who choose mountain life in Panama do so for the cooler climate, nature and the outdoors, and a more laid-back, peaceful existence. The one thing Panama has that is excellent, even if you live up in the mountains, is that typically, you are just an hour or so drive from a beach for those little weekend beach getaways.

 

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