(continuer en français) – Published: June 12, 2021

Bocas del Toro is the most successful Caribbean version resort in Panama. It is an archipelago of a dozen islands located at a short distance from the coast, half an hour by water taxi off the Atlantic coast from Almirante. From Panama City, it is possible to get there by plane on a short domestic flight, while the journey by road takes almost a day, including the crossing of the Chiriqui mountain range with its tortuous roads.

In the past it was a banana port, but after the crisis of the banana industry, it has been able to reconvert itself while keeping its character and without turning into a concrete town.

As tourism develops in Panama, Bocas del Toro is becoming a major destination, playing on its Caribbean atmosphere, gathering the codes of other similar destinations, seeking to develop its leisure activities and ecotourism.

Another map, more in the local colour. Actually, the island Colon where Bocas del Toro is located is a bit further north.

Arriving by sea, the first thing you see is a row of wooden constructions built on stilts. Many of these are classy hotels. They generally have a terrace that serves as a pontoon for mooring boats as well as a restaurant on the water.

Behind this waterfront, the streets are mainly occupied by pedestrians between whom cyclists slalom quietly. You can immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere, accentuated by the low level of traffic.

Along the streets, all sorts of shops have sprung up, each one trying to catch the eye of passers-by and thus their purchases.

The number of tourist services is increasing every year. Everyone seems to become an expert or a specialist in something. At the end of each day, while walking through the streets of the town, there are always all kinds of activities offered.

Obviously the public infrastructure did not really follow. On the central square shaded by large trees, the bandstand waits alone for the next celebration. In the background, the façade of the town hall seems to be hidden.

The fire station lines up its outdated vehicles, including an old pump built in 1914 and in service until 1981. It used to pump sea water directly.

The old dwellings, even if a little dilapidated, have been preserved and continue to be used by the local population. Traditionally built of wood and most often on stilts, the houses have to face the tropical climate and its raging storms.

Beaches are never far away. The ones near the city are also used as a football field. You can easily take a short walk there, but they are not the most beautiful beaches.

To find beautiful beaches, you have to go a little further, often to another, less inhabited island. It is then usual to go further away using the water taxis whose buzzing activity is permanent during the day.

To be informed of upcoming articles, register here (it’s free).

 

Articles about Panama:

To be informed of upcoming articles, register here (it’s free).