Cerro Punta is a small, beautiful village located in the highlands of the Chiriquí Province, Panama. The area has an abundance of natural resources, cool mountain climate, and amazing vistas.
Here at almost 2000m (almost 7000 ft.) above sea level, and frequently bathed in a cloud forest, Cerro Punta, is the highest village in the entirety of Panama. This crown jewel is situated in a bowl-shaped valley surrounded by densely forested mountains, and it's fertile volcanic soil produces about eighty percent of all the vegetables consumed in Panama.
Reminiscent of a patchwork quilt, there are little patches of cultivated land everywhere you look. The town's altitude gives it a very special, incredibly clean and crisp atmosphere.
This recent agricultural explosion has happened at the expense of the surrounding woods, but the population premises are beginning to understand the consequences of deforestation and try to preserve the abundant resources, remaining natural, with a view to eco- tourism development as an alternative for the future of the region.
In Cerro Punta you will find many roadside fruit and vegetable stands, with the freshest produce anywhere in Panama (it is grown right here on the hillside fincas (farms).
Tourist services available include, hotels, guesthouses, cottages, restaurants, bars, guides and tour operators and, if you want to stay for some time, beautiful properties for rent or sale.
For such a small village, it was a happening place, with buses, tourists and locals all visiting the market and produce stands. This could be a regular Sunday event. I'm sure that much of the visitors come from the city of David for a break from the searing heat.
Many of the local indigenous people (I believe they are Nogabe) were out walking with families and participating in a ball game at the community ply field. These proud, hardworking people work the farms and look like they were enjoying a day off with the family. It is not unusual to see an entire family, including young children working the fields and harvesting coffee.
The drive from Boquete is just about an hour, along good road. The scenery alone is well worth the drive, but our lunch at "Fanny's Bistro" a new restaurant on the left hand side of the road, just before entering Cerro Punta under the bienvenidos arch.
Fanny's opened in late December 2012. You will be greeted by Fanny, the chef, who will prepare a delicious, freshly made meal.
There is minimal indoor dining amidst the small art gallery, but if weather permits (as it does most times) dine out on the terrace and enjoy the spectacular views.
We dined from the daily offering from the "Executive" menu, which was a pre-set three course meal. For $20, tip included, we feasted on pumpkin soup, one fish and one chicken entrée, two slivers of fresh out of the oven chocolate brownie, all washed down with a local beer and 2 glasses of Chilean red wine..... awesome!
We'll be back.
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