Hi all,
I'm travelling to Costa Rica next week from Canada and have
noticed quite a few people raving about the Bocas del Toro
in Panama. Can i have some more info- is there cheap
accomodation there? So many nice islands have big hotels,
but most people have said that this is more undeveloped.
Just wanted to check before catching the bus to Panama! Any
Canadians have trouble with visas for Panama? Can i get one
in San Jose?
I think someone else was talking about this too, but really,
do i need anti-malarials? I hate taking them but will if
necessary.
Thanks!
Hilary
[There are 6 posts - the latest was added on Thu 6 May, 7:50]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
Good call! Great fun can be had in the Bocas. It is a
pretty quiet place, but the people are fantastice. They are
caribbean in their outlook and speak English! Chepest
roomds are about 5 US a night. the main town, forget the
name, has a cafeteria run bya lovely old lady. Can do meals
for about 2 dollars. If you like snorkelling/diving place to
go. Also can get a beer for 50 cents if you go the local
bar. The locals drink gin and MILK. Strange, but true.
There are more expensive options. There is also a nice bar
run by a US couple. Very nice in fact, but do you want to
spend your hols sat around with rich, fat people(not a slur
on any nationality in particular)? G
How do you get there from San Jose. I'll be travelling in
Central America in July and will be heading off for a week
by myself apart from my girlfriend (she has a friend joining
her and wants to do female stuff). Sounds like the perfect
place for me to go chill out for a week. I have both a
Canadian and a British passport. Can I get away without a
Visa on one or the other?
If you need any info on Vancouver, Canada, e-mail me or
check my website listed below.
Paul
Vancouver
http://www.vancouver.hm
YES!! You do need malaria pills if going to the lowlands. You
risk serious illness or death.
Don't miss! Still fairly undeveloped.
Take the Panaline bus from San Jose which leaves at 10:00
am. It will take you to Aldmirante, Panama and then a US$3
boat ride will take you to Bocas.
Stay at the Hotel Las Brisas on the water for about US$16
for a double.
For a king size hamburger or great drinks out on the
waterside deck, try the Buena Vista Deli and Bar.
On the main street, rent bikes and go for an island cycle.
You can arrange for snorkeling/scuba trips right on the
waterfront.
You're safe walking around at any hour of night.
My wife and I really, really enjoyed the laid back
atmosphere. This will be one of those places you'll go
back to in 10 years and won't recognize.
Don't get me wrong..I loved Bocas..I actually went twice...but there is more to Panama than there......BOQUETTE!!!!! again...BOQUETTE:) This place was fantastic...and so many travelers never see it because they stay in Bocas. Treat yourself, you'll be glad that you did...they have cockfights, Volcan Baru (The highest in Panama), trout fishing, Mi Jardin es Su Jardin!!!! And even with all this it is not that touristy!!! I Loved it..so much I went back to spend Christmas there!!! I know that it depends on timing and who you met, but I really do think this place is special:)
I was there about 18 months ago. At that time the cheapest
accomodation was at Pension Delice. Shared baths but clean
rooms and a balcony and cheap restaurant downstairs. The
bus from CR stopped before the border and you had to walk
across. All tourists were met by touts for the water taxi
companies that go from Almiranthe to Bocas. They were quite
helpful organising cheap mini-bus rides from the border to
Almiranthe. The mini-bus of course then drops you at
"their" watertaxi wharf. As it says above, diving and
snorkling are very good in Bocas and it is a quiet place to
kick back for a few days.