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We have been to Paradise – Panama

Bocas del Toro, Panamá

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro is about 45 minutes by plane from Panama City to the Atlantic coast. Bocas del Toro, Panama has many islands that are unique and gorgeous.

Bocas Town

For us, it was paradise on Earth. A place to die of pleasure and an overdose of beautiful landscapes, nature and beaches.

Bocas Town is located on Isla Colon in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, on the east coast of Panama. The easiest way to get there is by plane, arriving at Bocas del Toro International Airport.

Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro, Panama

The journey from the airport to the center of town is only a few minutes by taxi and costs $1. Biking and walking is the best way to move around downtown, as it is only a few blocks long. Here you will find most restaurants, bars, hotels and stores.

It was a pleasant surprise to find excellent restaurants that served fresh and delicious gourmet meals at a very reasonable price, many of them with a sea view.

Meals from Bocas del Toro, Panama

Carnavales in Isla Colón

The carnival lasts about 5 days and its particularity is people wearing devil mals and disguises. A celebration with Afro-Caribbean influences. It is said that once freed, the slaves went out to fight with the “devils” who represented plantation owners with whips. The devils can be seen dancing in the main street of the town, almost every evening before the carnival. Devils are carefully selected men and children wearing masks and costumes. The devil can be red or black, black means seniority of the devil. You will also see young people who challenge these Devils with sticks and quick feet movements.

Carnavales en la Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Swan Cay (Isla Pájaros)

Considered one of the most beautiful islands in Panama that deserves to be observed and preserved. It is located about 45 minutes from Bocas del Toro, crossing Boca del Drago, through the open sea. It is a refuge for birds like the bobo bird, the swallow, the seagull, pelicans and frigates or pirate birds.

Isla Pájaros, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Carenero Island

The closest island to Bocas Town with great variety of lodging, activities and the best seafood restaurants.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Beaches

Playa Zapatilla or Cayo Zapatillas

One of the most famous beaches in the area for its turquoise waters and white sand. It has mangroves and is surrounded by reefs full of marine life, that are inside the National Marine Park Islas Bastimentos, which is a delightful place to do snorkeling.

Playa zapatilla, Bocas del Toro, Panamá

Playa de las Estrellas (Starfish Beach)

This beach is located in the Boca del Drago area. A paradisiac beach with calm and crystalline waters, where you can observe dozens of starfish on the coast. A treat for the eyes, a perfect place to relax and have some seafood.

Playa Estrella, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Red Frog Beach

It is located on Isla Bastimentos and is part of the Red Frog Complex (lodging and restaurants). You get here by boat, which costs about $5 per person and admission to complex costs $3. Angie and I enjoyed the best waves here to jump and play in the sea.

Red Frog Beach, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Bluff Beach

It is a distant beach on the Isla Colón, about 20-30 min (not that it is so far, but the road is in very poor condition.) There are people arriving by bike or quad, also a shared taxi will get you there at about $3. Bluff is one of the surfers’ favorite beaches. The sea is a little dangerous and you have to watch out for killer tides. If you do not surf, you can relax on the beach and watch the surfers ride the waves.

Bluff Beach, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Other articles about Latin America Destinations

Costa Rica

Panamá

Mexico City

Argentina

El Calafate

Bariloche

Jujuy

Salta

Ushuaia

Hiking on Glaciers in Patagonia

Argentina´s National Parks

Lanín NP

Los Arrayanes NP

     Biking in Los Arrayanes NP

Nahuel Huapí NP

 

 

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