La Concepción, Bugaba, in numbers
In short: La Concepción is the seat of the district of Bugaba and the crossroads of western Chiriquí. Its stretch of the Inter-American Highway carries everyone travelling between David, the Paso Canoas border and Tierras Altas. The district has 68,870 inhabitants and the west of the province adds up to 171,131, according to the 2023 Census.
Western Chiriquí
| District | Population 2023 |
|---|---|
| Bugaba | 68,870 |
| Barú (Puerto Armuelles) | 56,307 |
| Tierras Altas (Volcán, Cerro Punta) | 23,525 |
| Renacimiento (Río Sereno) | 22,429 |
| Total | 171,131 |
La Concepción, where the people are
La Concepción is home to 21,280 people at a density of 495 per km², about 3.7 times that of the rest of the district. It is where the west does its shopping, its paperwork and its medical appointments before continuing on to David.
Boquerón, the neighboring district toward David, grew 39.7% between 2010 and 2023, to 21,001 inhabitants.
A note on Bugaba's figures
In the 2010 census Bugaba recorded 78,209 inhabitants, and 68,870 in 2023. The difference is not a loss of population: Tierras Altas appears in 2023 as a district of its own, with 23,525 inhabitants. Together, the two districts have 92,395 people, 18% more than Bugaba in 2010.
Which businesses fit
On the Inter-American Highway, the businesses that thrive are those that live off passing traffic and frequent visits: pharmacies, opticians, mobile phone stores, fast food and franchises, clothing and footwear, clinics and laboratories, convenience stores, banks and credit unions, restaurants and cafés.
Distances from La Concepción
| David | ≈ 24 km · 25 min |
| Paso Canoas | ≈ 27 km · 25 min |
| Volcán | ≈ 34 km · 40 min |
| Puerto Armuelles | ≈ 65 km · 60 min |
Approximate distances by road.
Exclusive listings in Bugaba
- Plaza Miami
Commercial spaces for rent on the Inter-American Highway in La Concepción, Bugaba.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Bugaba?
The district of Bugaba has 68,870 inhabitants according to the 2023 Census by INEC. Of these, 21,280 live in La Concepción, the district seat.
Why is La Concepción a good commercial location?
Because it is the crossing point between David, the Paso Canoas border and Tierras Altas, and gives access to a catchment area of 171,131 people in four districts of western Chiriquí.
Are there commercial spaces for rent in La Concepción?
Yes. Plaza Miami, on the Inter-American Highway, offers 10 exclusively listed spaces from 65 to 134 m²: eight retail units, a restaurant and a café with terrace. It is under construction.
How far is La Concepción from David and from the border?
About 24 km from David and about 27 km from Paso Canoas, roughly 25 minutes in each direction.