After an intense week of final exams and papers, students were treated to a long weekend trip to Boquete, a small town tucked into the green mountain highlands of Panama, in the
western-most province of Chiriquí, close to the Costa Rican border.
Our first stop was Mi Jardin es Su Jardin, a private garden open to the public, with winding cement paths, vibrant flowerbeds, intriguing statues, and koi ponds. After enjoying coffee at Café Ruiz, one of the local fincas, we arrived at Villa Marita a quaint eco-lodge nestled on the green hills of Boquete, with a spectacular view of Volcán Barú a sleeping volcano. At 3,474 meters (11,398 ft) high it is the highest point in Panama. This amazing place was all ours to enjoy along with a home-style breakfast with gourmet coffee every morning and delicious dinners at night.
Waking up the first morning to clean, crisp air, we departed on 4x4s to visit the Bajo Mono Trail & Waterfall and the Wildlife Trail. Along the trails our informative guides talked about the flora and fauna and helped us locate quetzals. These birds are a magnificent and rare treat to observe and are a favorite among many bird watchers. At one point we spotted 5 males and females. After taking a 90-minute hike, we were greeted by a breathtaking 200-foot waterfall where we took a break to enjoy some much-needed juice and homemade muffins.
For lunch, we were transported to one of Panama’s most famous coffee estates, Finca Lerida. We enjoyed lunch with a magnificent view of the cloud forest and after sipping fresh coffee were led through the estate on a coffee tour. We saw how coffee is grown and then visited the original processing plant.
We were back on the 4x4 caravan headed to Paradise Gardens as the rain started to fall. Paradise Gardens is a wildlife rescue sitting on the slopes of Volcán Barú. We saw parrots, macaws, and cockatiels, living in spacious aviaries. The margay and baby anteater were among the group’s favorites.
With the rain still beating heavily, we drove to Caldera Hot Springs, also located on Volcán Barú. Although the last eruption of this volcano was centuries ago, deep in the earth, beneath the molten rock of the earth's interior, heat is transmitted upward through solid rock, forcing hot ground water to make its way upward through fissures and fractures. Calderas Hot Springs are found where this hot water can escape at the ground surface. It was hard to leave these natural hot springs, but we were looking forward to warm clothes, a good shower, and a delicious dinner. Jason Pounders, UAHuntsville Foreign Language and International Trade student remarked, “The only thing that could possibly top visiting the estates of one of the world’s premier coffee producers would be to end the day by relaxing in a hot spring. So we did. All in all, not a bad day.”
Not bad indeed. Not only were the places, the tour guides, and scenery amazing but the sun was also out in the middle of the rainy season just for us! Thanks to everyone who prayed to the weather gods! UAHuntsville senior Claire Herdy said, “The weekend getaway to Boquete was one of the most fantastic experiences we’ve had while in Panama. We went on an incredible hike through the jungle up to a 220 ft. waterfall, swung on vines hanging from 700-year-old trees and toured a picturesque coffee plantation on the slopes of Volcán Barú! The coffee tasting at the estate was lovely, as was the beautiful eco-lodge we stayed in for the weekend. The trip was amazing; it revealed yet another fascinating part of Panama and verified our love for this country.”
Further information is available on: www.cathalac.org/study_abroad
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About CATHALAC
Established in 1992, CATHALAC is an autonomous international organization dedicated to promote sustainable development through applied research and development, education, and technology transfer in the areas of integrated watershed management, climate change, environmental modeling and analysis, and risk management in Latin America and the Caribbean.
CATHALAC’s Study Abroad Program is part of the Center’s Education Programs. The objective of these programs is to form a community of professionals with multidisciplinary backgrounds who are capable of responding to both the challenges and opportunities related to Integrated Watershed Management, Climate Change, Environmental Modeling and Analysis, and Risk Management. The skills and knowledge gained in CATHALAC’s Education Programs prepares participants for competitive professional leadership positions in a variety of public and private institutions. CATHALAC’s education programs translate into success through the energy and enthusiasm that students, along with our staff, bring to their individual and community endeavors.
About UAHuntsville
Founded in 1950, UAH is an autonomous campus of The University of Alabama System dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. UAH is a key participant in one of the nation's major international centers for advanced technological research and utilizes its position in this environment to provide unique opportunities and creative programs for students, faculty, and the community. UAH is committed to maintaining a diverse academic community of the highest quality, and to providing an environment that facilitates intellectual, cultural, personal, and professional growth. UAH fosters leadership, creative and critical thinking, clear communication, a respect for knowledge and the pursuit of truth, and an engagement in the challenge and pleasure of a lifetime of learning.
CATHALAC
Zvia Leibler-Danon
Study Abroad Program Coordinator
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Physical Address: 111 City of Knowledge, Clayton
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 0843-03102
Panama, Republic of Panama
Tel: +507 3173206/3245/3207
Fax: ++ 507-317-3299
www.cathalac.org/study_abroad
