Los Establos Boutique Inn, Boquete Panama Review: The Most Unexpected Luxury Adventure in the Highlands
When you picture Panama, you probably imagine history, the canal, and Panama hats. That’s exactly what I expected—until I arrived in Boquete and discovered something entirely different. Nestled 4,000 feet above sea level in the Chiriquí Highlands, Los Establos Boutique Inn delivered one of the most magical, unexpected travel experiences I’ve ever had.
This wasn’t a beach vacation, a museum filled history lesson, or a relaxing stroll. It was something better.
It was luxury surrounded by rainforest, coffee plantations, and adventure—with views of Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak, right outside my window.
And it completely changed how I view Panama.
How We Booked Los Establos Using an Elite Island Resorts Certificate
We discovered Elite Island Resorts certificates during COVID lockdown through a charity auction. Hardly anyone was bidding at the time, and we secured an incredible deal.
These certificates include:
- Multiple rooms
- A fixed number of nights
- Access to select luxury resorts
- Option to bank unused nights for future travel
Unlike traditional all-inclusive resorts, your room is covered. You simply pay the all-inclusive fee and book your own flights.
Our package included:
- 7 nights
- Deluxe rooms or coffee cottages
- Option to upgrade to suites ($40–$50/night)
This flexibility allowed us to upgrade and secure one of the best views on the property.
Getting to Los Establos Boutique Inn
To reach Boquete, you’ll fly into:
Primary route:
- Fly into Panama City (PTY)
- Take a domestic flight to David (DAV)
- Drive 45 minutes into the mountains to Boquete
We flew Copa Airlines and had a fantastic experience. Their upgrade bidding system allowed us to fly first class from Chicago to Panama City for a surprisingly reasonable price.
Panama City itself was shocking—in the best way. Instead of a small tropical capital, we saw a modern skyline filled with skyscrapers, comparable to major U.S. cities.
From David, the drive climbs steadily into lush, cool highlands that feel worlds away from the tropical heat below.
First Impressions: Rainforest Luxury Meets Boutique Intimacy
Los Establos is not a massive resort.
It’s an intimate boutique property set on 16 acres of a working coffee plantation.
When I woke up the first morning, sunlight streamed through the windows. The sound of birds and nature filled the air. A rainbow stretched across the valley, and Volcán Barú stood tall in the distance.
No alarm clock needed.
This was peaceful in a way few destinations ever achieve.
At the time of our visit, there were only 17 rooms. This created an atmosphere that felt exclusive, quiet, and personal.
What the All-Inclusive Package Includes
The all-inclusive fee was:
- $145 per person per night
- 15% tax and service
- $35 per person peak season fee
Included:
- All meals daily
- Coffee, wine, beer, and cocktails
- Happy hour (4–6pm)
- One guided excursion per day
- Airport transfers (extra fee, highly recommended)
- Upgraded excursions (extra fee, highly recommended)
This isn’t a typical all-inclusive resort. It’s a curated luxury experience focused on adventure, nature, and culture.
The Food: Fresh, Local, and Exceptional
Boquete is famous worldwide for its coffee, particularly Geisha coffee, which can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars per pound.
The coffee here was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Light. Floral. Complex.
Even the fruit was noticeably better. The bananas alone were unforgettable.
Meals included:
Breakfast
- Local specialties
- Fresh fruit
- Eggs, breads, pancakes, traditional breakfast foods
Lunch
- Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads
- Packed lunches for excursions
Dinner
- Multi-course meals nightly
- Steak, fish, pasta
- Soup, bread, dessert
Each dinner felt like a fine dining experience. It was intentional and nothing was mass produced.
Drinks and Social Experience
Happy hour quickly became a daily ritual.
Bartenders created drinks using fresh ingredients from the property—pineapple, herbs, and local flavors.
Because the resort is small, guests naturally connect. By the end of the week, we had formed friendships with travelers from around the world that we still keep in touch with today.
That sense of community is something large resorts simply can’t replicate.
Why Los Establos Is Different From Other All-Inclusive Resorts
Most all-inclusive resorts focus on beaches and entertainment.
Los Establos focuses on experience.
You’re here for:
- Coffee plantations
- Cloud Forest
- Volcanoes & Mountains
- Nature
- Culture
- Adventure
Not crowds or nightlife.
And that’s exactly why it’s so special.
Final Verdict: Is Los Establos Worth It?
Absolutely – without hesitation.
Los Establos delivered one of the most meaningful and memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had.
It’s perfect for:
- Couples
- Groups of friends
- Adventure travelers
- Boutique hotel lovers
- Coffee enthusiasts
- Travelers seeking something unique
Not ideal for:
- Young children
- Party-focused vacations
- Beach-only travelers
This trip completely changed how I view Panama—and even sparked my interest in potentially owning a property there one day. That alone says everything.
Los Establos isn’t just a resort.
It’s an experience.
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