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Bocas del Toro Travel Guide

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Introduction to Bocas del Toro Edit Section - Bocas del Toro Travel Guide - Hotels & Restaurants
 
Of all the desintations in Pamama, Bocas has the highest concentration of European and American tourists.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing.  In many places in Panama, there are no hotels or restaurants, so you literally cannot stay there.  If a place is "touristy," you know it's at least set up to meet your needs.  And it's one of the best places to make friends among other travelers.  (Ladies, if you're into surfer dudes, look no further than the bar at the Mondu Taitu hostel.)

The name Bocas del Toro refers to a province (the northwest corner of Panama) made up of protected, pristine jungle and a group of islands; the gorgeous Caribbean archipeligo itself; and the large town on the main island.  You can get to Bocas town by plane from Panama City, or take a four-hour bus ride from David through impressive mountains and jungle and then take a 30-minute ride in a water taxi to get out to the island. 

Once in town, you'll find many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges lining the few main streets.  There are also somes souvenir shops and street vendors (some of whom will try to sell you marijuana).  There's a large grocery store with a great selection of European and American foods.  The prices in Bocas are high compared to the rest of Panama, but if you think about the fact that everything must be transported by boat or plane, and then add an extra dollar for the tourists, it's not so bad.

There are also plenty of places to stay on other, more secluded and private islands, but Bocas town is the easiest to maneuver and probably the least expensive.  Lots of people speak English here, which is a rarity in Panama.
 
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Ratings for Bocas del Toro

Overall Recommendation:Don't Bother Great Place
25%
Scenery:Drab Spectacular
69%
Popularity:Undiscovered Heavily Traveled
92%
4 votes

Reviews for Bocas del Toro

verfah submitted a review on 2008-10-10 13:14...
I live nearby these islands and have been there many times for different reasons and I have to say, I really cant see whats so great about the Bocas del toro islands! It is garbage everywhere, the people are not serviceminded at all, actually I have to say that they are really lazy! It is almost impossible to find a decent restaurant, the weather is very unstable and the beaches are full with (apart from garbage) sandflies!! Even the "nicer" (expensive) hotels has an unpleasent smell or things that is broken.....I would recommend that you spend your money somewhere else!! Oh, and do not fall for taking one of the tours that are just a lot of money for nothing!!