Those who would like some pampering have several options. A quite opulent spa called The Haven (tel. 730-9345, www.boquetespa.com) was nearing completion on a hill near the entrance to Bajo Boquete as this travel guide went to press. I got a tour of the facilities before it was completed, and it was shaping up to be quite a place—the first place in Boquete one might consider a “destination spa.”

It was going to offer a full range of massage therapies, clinical treatments including acupuncture, facials, and the like, all at or below what you’d expect to pay in the United States. It also has state-of-the-art exercise equipment. It was also going to offer five small but well-appointed guest rooms.

The Panamonte Inn and Spa (off Avenida Central, north of town center, tel. 720-1324, 8 A.M.–7 P.M. daily) has a quaint and airy day spa where you can relax to the tune of the Río Caldera rushing by. It offers massages (average price US$75 for 55 minutes), facials, mud therapy, and the like.