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Unlike most Panamanian towns, Boquete was settled by European and North American immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. This lineage is apparent in everything from the architecture to the faces of many residents. Plenty of Ngöbe people migrate to Boquete from the northeast of Chiriquí to work in the orange and coffee harvests. The valley is popular with foreign retirees, drawn by the climate and beauty of the area.
Two blocks east of Boquete's parque central are the fairgrounds where the Feria de las Flores y del Café (Flower and Coffee Fair) is held for 10 days in mid-January, and the smaller Expo Orquídeas (Orchid Fair) is held in mid-April. During the interim, the fairgrounds are open to anyone who wants to admire the flower beds.
A few blocks north of the parque central, Avenida Central veers left at a "y" in the road. Just past the junction is a garden surrounding an eccentric Panamanian's vacation home. Cement paths wind past vibrant flower beds and bizarre statues of animals and cartoon characters, which make this place a minor monument to kitsch. The coffee bar overlooking a koi pond is a pleasant spot to relax.
