How are the roads in Boquete, Panama? Do I need a four wheel drive in Boquete, Panama?

We find that getting around during the daylight hours in Boquete is not difficult at all. The construction to fix the mess made of the first attempt to build a four lane highway from David to Boquete is ongoing. It currently takes an estimated 45 minutes to get from Boquete to David due to the construction slow downs, detours and weather can add additional time as well. However it is a lovely drive, so don't be upset.

 

We were impressed with the condition of...

We find that getting around during the daylight hours in Boquete is not difficult at all. The construction to fix the mess made of the first attempt to build a four lane highway from David to Boquete is ongoing. It currently takes an estimated 45 minutes to get from Boquete to David due to the construction slow downs, detours and weather can add additional time as well. However it is a lovely drive, so don't be upset.

 

We were impressed with the condition of most roads we have traveled in and around Boquete. But a few places are quite steep, some places have washed out, poorly repaired patches. It is recommended to have a four wheel drive vehicle for the mountain roads.

 

Roads do not have safe shoulders and that is why most sensible people do not travel at night. There is the risk of drunks driving erratically, pedestrians not being clearly visible and often there is no other place for them to walk other than the highway. Some of the areas that are not marked well have deep drop offs and can lead to a deadly roll over.

 

Most of these issues are bring addressed but as they have not completed the changes it is safer to do business during the daylight hours.

The main roads in the Boquete area are actually very good.  For example, the highway between Boquete and David (the capital city of the Chiriquí Province and the main city in the area) was recently widened in a $120 million construction project.  (See picture to the left.)  Featuring two lanes in both directions and built to internationally accepted construction standards, this road may be one of the best highways in Panama.  With the completion of the new...

The main roads in the Boquete area are actually very good.  For example, the highway between Boquete and David (the capital city of the Chiriquí Province and the main city in the area) was recently widened in a $120 million construction project.  (See picture to the left.)  Featuring two lanes in both directions and built to internationally accepted construction standards, this road may be one of the best highways in Panama.  With the completion of the new highway, the driving time between Boquete and David has been reduced to just under 30-minutes (previously it could take more than an hour).  More importantly, a major road that used to be dangerous to travel at night and during rainy weather is now a safe and pleasant journey under all conditions. 
 
Panama has spent a lot of money over the past five years improving infrastructure and roads throughout the country and Boquete has benefitted from these projects.  Many of the people I’ve met who have been to other areas of Latin America are impressed with the overall quality of the roads in the country.
 
Once you get off the main roads, the story changes.  Secondary roads can range from semi-improved asphalt roads (often with potholes) to gravel and dirt roads that can become almost impassable during the wet season.  Roads to some of the more remote areas in Boquete can certainly be a challenge.  That said, unless you’re living on a big farm or far away from the town center, most residents in Boquete have decent road access to their home.
 
Do you need a 4WD vehicle in Boquete?  The short answer is “no” particularly if you’re going to be living in an area with normal road conditions.  However, it’s a great idea to have a car with good ground clearance.  Because of the heavy rain we get at times, roads that are normally easily passable can become flooded during downpours and having a higher clearance vehicle is helpful. 
 
If you’re going to be living in Boquete on a permanent basis, my personal recommendation is to buy an SUV type vehicle with good clearance and with 4WD for those instances where you may want to go off the primary roads.  Another tip is to consider purchasing a diesel-powered vehicle.  Diesel is cheaper than gasoline and parts and good repair services are easily available.