Coffee plantation


Throughout the world, Panama is known not only as one of the most beautiful countries of Central America, but also as a producer of excellent coffee. This product locals grow on their own plantations, which are located mainly on the slopes of the mountains. You will learn about one of the most famous coffee plantations in Panama from this article.

Background History

Finca Lerida is today considered not only the main producer of coffee in Panama, but also an important landmark of the country. It was founded by the Norwegian engineer Toleff Bake Mönick, who at the beginning of the 20th century worked on the construction of the Panama Canal . Because of the sudden aggravation of malaria, he was forced to resign and move to the region with more suitable conditions. Such a place Myonik found on the western side of the volcano Baru, in an area called Finca Lerida.

Moving in 1924 with his wife, the man built a house in the traditional Norwegian style almost completely with his own hands. Here he founded the first coffee plantation in Panama and designed a special device that separates the good grains from the bad ones. This device is used to this day.

What is interesting about Finca Lerida plantation?

Today the coffee plantation is one of the main tourist centers of Panama. There are regular excursions for curious travelers, during which you can learn a lot about the history, origin and secrets of processing coffee beans. After the tour participants can not only try several different types of finished product, but also learn to distinguish them to taste.

Another interesting entertainment in the territory of Finca Lerida is bird watching ketzal, which lives in these parts. Thanks to the unique microclimate in the forests of this region grows a large number of trees, the fruits of which feed the birds. Most of the paths that tourists go through lead to the International Park of La Amistad, where you can see more than 500 different species of American tropical birds.

If you wish, you can also book a walking tour, which includes exploring the surrounding forests and their inhabitants, visiting the coffee plantation and, of course, tasting the best local coffee. The duration of such a tour is from 2 to 4 hours.

If you plan to spend several days on the territory of Finca Lerida, you do not have to worry about overnight stay: there are cozy cottages and rooms equipped with all necessary, and only a 5-minute walk is a cozy restaurant that offers international cuisine and, of course, all sorts of coffee drinks.

Helpful information

The main coffee plantation of Panama is just 10 km from Boquete , and the nearest international airport is located in the city of David . The distance between these settlements is about 50 km, which can be overcome both by bus (flights are carried out daily) and by private car. Entrance to the territory of Finca Lerida paid: $ 25 for a guided tour with an experienced guide or $ 10 for those who wish to see all the local beauties on their own.