| 2006-11-27
Why Panama is a booming destination...
While being under the tourism radar for years, and only visible to the determined, Panama has really started to appear on the desks of travelers and travel professionals all over the world. Following suite is Panamas Ministry of Tourism, which boasts the largest budget of any in Central America.
While tourism in Panama came to a virtual standstill under Noriega, in the last several years the tiny isthmus has been gleaning tourists away from Costa Rica. Panama has better infrastructure, a smaller population, as amazing beaches and rain forest as Costa Rica, and something that Costa Rica is lacking; culture.
Panama boasts some of the most amazing indigenous cultures in Central America, and what they have to offer their visitors; their culture, crafts, homes, and way of life, are a huge draw to travelers that are looking for more than the resort getaway.
Direct flights to Panama from Los Angeles are available on Copa Airlines, and several other carriers.
2006-11-27
Bocas Del Toro, an Island Paradise
Living in Costa Rica certainly has its privileges. One of those privileges as of late, has been being able to head to Bocas Del Toro, Panama in one day or less.
While Bocas Del Toro might not be on the minds of people looking for a laid back beach paradise to visit, it should be. the beer is cold and cheap, the accomodations range from $7 to $500 a night, and the selection of international cuisine in town is actually amazing; I often find better food in Bocas than in the bustling metropolis that is San Jose.
Bocas Del Toro is an archipelago of 60 islands, on the northwest coast of Panama. Only one island, Isla Colon, also home to Bocas Town, has roads or cars, and almost all of the other islands are uninhabited.
One of the most attractive things about Bocas Del Toro are the beaches. You will find some of the most spectacular beaches in Central America here, and you may be the only person there. The sand is white, and because most of the archipelago is protected from the surf, the waters are usually very calm.
Snorkeling in Bocas Del Toro can be heavenly. When it hasn't rained, visibility is fantastic and among the reefs that dot the area, there is plenty to see. Bocas Del Toro is truly a water and beach lovers paradise, and for the money, I don't think it can be beaten in Costa Rica or Panama.
For an awesome low budget place to stay, try Mondo Taitu at the end of the main road in Bocas Town, space is limited and they don't take reservations. For the high end of the spectrum splurge at the Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge, in spectacular bungalows built out over the calm water.
Bocas Del Toro is reachable by air from San Jose, Costa Rica as well as Panama City. It is reachable by bus, taxi, and boat from San Jose as well.
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