The third-largest city in Panama has many cattle ranches and coffee farms. The commercial center of Chiriquí province sits at the base of Volcán Barú.
David, the capital of Panama’s Chiriquí province, balances city life with easy trips to beaches, mountains, and parks. Walk under the shade trees in Parque Cervantes, see the 19th-century Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia, or learn about the area’s history at the Museo de Historia de David. The city connects you to Playa Barqueta’s black sand beaches, Boquete’s coffee farms, and trails around Volcán Barú. Affordable food stalls, modern shopping centers, and clear road signs make it easy to explore. Many travelers use David as a base for day trips, but its markets, festivals, and local eateries deserve attention too.
Start in Central David
Begin your day at Parque Cervantes, a square with a statue of Miguel de Cervantes surrounded by cafes and small stores. The Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia, a short walk east, has a bell tower from the 1800s, its surface marked by years of weather. Head southeast to Barrio Bolívar, where streets lined with pastel-colored buildings lead to the Catedral San José de David, rebuilt several times but still holding old photographs and religious art. Vendors near the plaza sell mangoes, pineapples, and mamey sapote from carts. For modern conveniences, the Federal Mall has air-conditioned shops and a food court serving Panamanian and international dishes.
Day Trips to Beaches, Mountains, and Parks
Drive 40 minutes north to Boquete, where guided tours take you through coffee farms and misty forests filled with orchids. The Sendero Los Quetzales trail near town is a good spot to look for the quetzal bird, especially early in the morning. If you prefer the coast, Playa Barqueta’s dark sand and strong waves are 30 minutes southwest of David; between June and November, volunteers sometimes lead turtle nesting tours after sunset. Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, a 90-minute drive west, has clear water for snorkeling around Isla Parida and smaller islands. Closer to the city, follow the David River’s paths for short hikes with views of Volcán Barú on clear days.
Festivals and Everyday Culture
Visit in March for the Feria Internacional de David, where rodeo riders compete in arenas and stalls sell leather goods, pottery, and wood carvings. The fair’s exhibition halls display farming equipment and traditional crafts from Panama’s western provinces. Try sancocho, a chicken and vegetable stew, or arroz con guandú, rice cooked with pigeon peas and coconut milk. On weekends, bars along Avenida Obaldía fill with live salsa music, and small casinos near the central plaza stay open late. For a quieter evening, join families at fondas—simple restaurants serving grilled meats, fried plantains, and rice dishes for under $5.
Transportation and Services
Enrique Malek International Airport has daily flights to Panama City and San José, Costa Rica, with a taxi ride to downtown costing about $8. Buses leave every 30 minutes from the terminal on Paseo Estudiante, with routes to Boquete, Puerto Armuelles, and the Costa Rican border. You’ll find most hotels close to the Pan-American Highway, ranging from basic rooms with fans to hotels with pools and breakfast buffets. Two private hospitals, Hospital Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriquí, handle emergencies, and pharmacies stock common medications. Spanish is widely spoken, but hotel staff and tour operators usually know English.
Living in David as a Foreign Resident
Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in central David averages $1,000 monthly, with electricity and water bills rarely exceeding $50. Groups like the Chiriquí Expats Club host weekly meetups at cafes and organize volunteer projects. Supermarkets sell imported cheeses, wines, and snacks alongside local staples like yuca and plantains. Many retirees split their time between the city and nearby towns like Volcán, where the climate is cooler, or Boca Chica, a coastal village with fishing charters. Reliable internet, low crime rates, and short drives to nature make the area popular with remote workers and retirees.
Weather and What to Pack
Daytime temperatures in David often reach 35°C (95°F) from December to April, with humidity making it feel warmer. Lightweight cotton clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and reusable water bottles help you stay comfortable. From May to November, heavy rains usually start around midday, so carry a compact umbrella if you plan to explore on foot. Air conditioning is common in hotels, buses, and malls, but mountain towns like Boquete stay cooler, rarely topping 25°C (77°F). Check weather apps before hiking Volcán Barú, as fog can obscure views even during the dry season.
