Chiriqui, Panama: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Yes, the closest airport to Chiriquí, Panama is Enrique Malek International Airport (IATA: DAV, ICAO: MPDA). The airport is approximately 7.9 miles or 12.7 kilometres from Chiriquí. It is a small airport with domestic flights only and is located on the south side of David, a city in the Chiriquí Province of Panama.

Enrique Malek International Airport

Yes, Chiriquí, Panama is served by the Enrique Malek International Airport. The airport is located on the south side of David Sur, a city in the Chiriquí Province of Panama, and is approximately 4 kilometres (2 miles) from downtown. It is also known as David Field or San Jose Field.

In 2009, the Chiriqui regional director for the Authority of Civil Aeronautics (AAC), Inés de Esquivel, reported that $1.5 million had been invested in improving various areas of the airport over the previous five years. Additionally, the Panamanian legislature passed an estimated US$12 million improvement fund, which included runway expansion to accommodate larger aircraft. The expansion project also included enhancements to the airport ramp, fueling facilities, perimeter fencing, security, baggage claim, and terminal facilities.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it served as an auxiliary of Howard Field near Panama City. It accommodated United States Army Air Forces personnel and was used for training and reconnaissance missions over the Southeast Pacific coastline, from Honduras to Peru, as part of the defence of the Panama Canal. The airport was first built in 1941 as part of an agreement between the United States and Panama.

Airports near Chiriquí, Panama

There are several airports near Chiriquí, Panama, catering to both international and domestic flights. The closest major airport to Chiriquí is Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV / MPDA), located in David, Panama, and just 24km from the centre of Chiriquí. The airport serves approximately 20,000 passengers from Mexico, the United States, Canada and Central America, and various improvements have been made to the airport in recent years, including runway expansion to accommodate heavier aircraft.

Other international airports near Chiriquí include Bocas del Toro Isla Colón International Airport, 106km away in Bocas del Toro, Panama; Juan Santamaría International Airport, 412km away in San Jose, Costa Rica; and Tocumen International Airport, 455km away in Panama City, Panama.

There are also several domestic airports within a few hundred kilometres of Chiriquí, including Golfito Airport in Costa Rica, 126km away; Palmar Sur Airport, also in Costa Rica, 161km away; and Capitán Manuel Niño International Airport, 188km away in Changuinola, Panama.

For pilots, there are also a number of local airports in the region, including Coto 47 Airport in Costa Rica, 87km away, and Puerto Armuelles Airport in Panama, 98km away.

How to get to Chiriquí by plane

The closest airport to Chiriquí, Panama, is the Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV / MPDA), also known as David Field or San Jose Field during World War II. The airport is located in David, Panama, and is approximately 24 km (15 miles) from the center of Chiriquí.

Enrique Malek International Airport serves the city of David Sur in the Chiriquí Province of Panama. It receives flights from various international and domestic destinations, including:

• Panama City–Albrook
• Panama City–Tocumen
• Panama City–Balboa
• Arrendamientos Aéreos (charter flights)
• Bocas del Toro, Panama (BOC / MPBO)
• Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO / MROC)

When travelling to Chiriquí by air, it is recommended to fly into the Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV). This airport is serviced by 19 air carriers from at least 83 worldwide airports, offering both direct and connecting flights.

To find the best airfare deals to Chiriquí, it is suggested to:

• Compare prices across different airlines and departure airports.
• Book in advance, as last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive.
• Consider the trade-off between non-stop flights, which are often more expensive, and routes with connections that may be cheaper.
• Be flexible with travel dates and book during off-peak seasons, as airfare prices can vary throughout the year.

Additionally, when packing for your trip to Chiriquí, it is important to consider the items that are allowed and prohibited in carry-on luggage. Some general guidelines include:

• Avoiding flammable, sharp, or explosive items, such as tools, metal cutlery, fireworks, or fuel.
• Refraining from carrying sporting equipment, ski poles, or other objects that could injure passengers.
• Ensuring that any liquids, such as perfume or cologne, do not exceed the allowed volume (typically 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters).

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a smooth travel experience when flying to Chiriquí, Panama.

Chiriquí's appeal to tourists

Yes, Chiriquí, Panama has an airport: the Enrique Malek International Airport. The airport is located in David, Panama, and is 24 km from the center of Chiriquí.

Chiriquí is a popular tourist destination, boasting a variety of attractions that appeal to visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the reasons why Chiriquí is a desirable destination for travellers:

Natural Beauty and Scenic Locations:

Chiriquí is known for its stunning natural scenery and diverse landscapes. The province is home to the Boquete, a small mountain town located about 60 kilometres from the border with Costa Rica. Boquete sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, offering a cooler climate than the lowlands. The town is nestled alongside the Caldera River and is surrounded by lush green mountain highlands. The nearby Volcán Barú, an inactive volcano, stands as the tallest point in Panama and attracts hikers with its relatively easy trails.

Coffee Culture and Agriculture:

Chiriquí is renowned for its coffee culture, especially in the highlands, where the world-famous Geisha Coffee is produced. This region, harvested by the Ngäbe and Buglé indigenous communities, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the coffee-making process at various farms along the Coffee Circuit. Finca Ceriana at Tierras Altas and Hacienda Café Eleta in Renacimiento are among the farms that provide coffee tours and tastings. The annual Coffee and Flower Fair in Boquete further celebrates the region's coffee culture.

Cultural and Historical Attractions:

Boquete, with its rich history dating back to ancient settlements, offers archaeological sites such as petroglyphs from 300 AD to 600 BC. The town also showcases the cultural influence of various colonizers, including locals from nearby Panamanian towns and foreigners from Europe and the United States. The district of Boquete, founded in 1911, has a vibrant music and arts scene, hosting the annual Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival and boasting the Boquete Community Players, a performing theatre group.

Outdoor Adventures and Ecotourism:

The province provides a range of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. Boquete Tree Trek in Boquete offers zip-lining through the farm's 12 zip lines and six suspension bridges. Horseback riding tours and nature walks are also available, allowing visitors to explore the region's diverse flora and fauna, including over 204 bird species. The Sendero de los Quetzales trail, leading from Boquete to Cerro Punta and Volcan, is a popular hiking route.

Comfortable Climate and Tranquility:

The province's comfortable climate, clean air, and excellent potable water contribute to its appeal. The elevation of towns like Boquete provides a pleasant temperature, attracting retirees and those seeking a tranquil atmosphere.

With its combination of natural beauty, cultural offerings, and outdoor adventures, Chiriquí, Panama, has solidified its place as a desirable destination for tourists seeking unique experiences and a connection with nature.

Chiriquí's coffee farms

Yes, Chiriquí, Panama, does have an airport—the Enrique Malek International Airport (IATA: DAV, ICAO: MPDA). The airport is located in David, Panama, and is approximately 24 km from the centre of Chiriquí.

Chiriquí, Panama, is home to lush coffee farms nestled near the border of Costa Rica. With a three-hour drive from Panama City, you'll find yourself in a region renowned for its coffee production and stunning natural landscapes. The province boasts a variety of climates, from hot and humid lowlands to cool, moist highlands, creating the perfect environment for growing coffee.

One notable coffee farm in the region is Finca Don Vicente, a family-owned operation that has been passed down through generations. This farm specialises in growing Bourbon and Caturra coffee varieties, with some older Bourbon plants that continue to produce high-quality coffee cherries year after year. The farm is located in the Boquete Valley, an area that pioneered the cultivation of arabica coffee, recognised by the International Coffee Organization as some of the highest-quality coffee globally.

The province of Chiriquí offers more than just its coffee farms. Adventure seekers can hike up the Baru Volcano or surf in the Pacific Ocean, while nature enthusiasts can explore the cloud forests of Boquete or the beaches of Las Lajas. The region is also home to the indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé people, whose rich culture and traditions can be experienced in the local markets of David.

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