The Panamanian government has selected a construction firm to overhaul a vital network of roads in a popular tourist region. The Ministry of Public Works (Panama) confirmed it awarded the 25.9 million dollar contract for the Boquete Coffee Route to the company Ininco, S.A.
This significant infrastructure project aims to rehabilitate approximately 25.2 kilometers of roads within the district of Boquete, a premier destination known for its highland coffee farms and scenic beauty. Officials hope the work will boost local tourism and streamline the transport of agricultural goods.
Competitive Bidding Process and Contract Award
Public records show the contract was formally awarded to Ininco on October 31 following a competitive public tender. Two other consortiums also submitted proposals for the work. Bagatrac, S.A. presented an offer valued at 27.8 million dollars. Another group, the CT Ruta del Café Consortium, which included Constructora Urbana, S.A. and a global holdings corp, bid 29.4 million dollars.
An evaluation committee assessed the technical and financial merits of each proposal. Ininco achieved a perfect score of 100 points, securing the winning position. Bagatrac received 97.25 points, while the CT Ruta del Café Consortium scored 87.23 points.
The project will be executed under the public tender modality of a turnkey project, [Translated from Spanish]
This project delivery method means Ininco will handle everything from the initial design through construction, rehabilitation, and subsequent maintenance of the roadways.
Project Scope and Key Road Sections
The Coffee Route project encompasses the improvement of several critical streets that connect communities and coffee farms across the Boquete district. The work is not a single road but a comprehensive upgrade of interconnected routes. Specific sections slated for rehabilitation include the Volcancito road, running 9.49 kilometers from Alto Boquete to its intersection with the El Salto road.
Another key segment is the 6.47-kilometer El Salto road, stretching from the Volcancito intersection to Centenario Avenue in Bajo Boquete. The project also covers the 5.89-kilometer route between Jaramillo Arriba and Jaramillo Abajo. A shorter, 0.87-kilometer section from Jaramillo Centro to Bajo Boquete, which includes a Bailey bridge, will be upgraded. A final 2.48-kilometer connection will link the El Salto road with the route to Alto Quiel.
Economic and Community Benefits
Panamanian authorities envision the project as a catalyst for regional development. They state the primary goal is to enhance connectivity and internal mobility for the district. Improved roads will directly benefit the tourism sector by providing safer and more efficient access to the area’s hotels, restaurants, and natural attractions.
The local coffee industry stands to gain considerably from the infrastructure upgrades. Smoother and more reliable roads will facilitate the transport of coffee beans from mountainous farms to processing facilities and markets. This logistical improvement can reduce costs and potential damage to sensitive agricultural products.
With this project we seek to consolidate the ‘Coffee Route’ as a safe and efficient road corridor, which enhances the local economy and facilitates access to one of the most visited regions of Panama, [Translated from Spanish]
The Ministry of Public Works emphasized this point in its project announcement. Residents of Boquete will also experience an improved quality of life through better daily commuting conditions and enhanced access to services.
Construction is expected to begin in the near future as the contractor mobilizes equipment and personnel. The project represents a major public investment in the province of Chiriquí, signaling the government’s focus on upgrading infrastructure outside the capital. Its successful completion could serve as a model for similar tourism and agriculture-focused road projects in other parts of the country.