In contrast to the city of Panama City, Bocas del Toro Panama is located on the Caribbean side of the country, in the northeast province of the same name. The specific location is the island of Isla del Colon, part of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. It is an area of pricey resorts, many related to eco-tourism. Bocas del Toro is increasingly popular with visitors from around the world who are looking for all inclusive resorts. These resorts supply everything the holiday visitor could wish for from nightclubs to white sand beaches.
People of Bocas
The people who are come to Bocas del Toro have a twofold interest. Many individuals are selecting this lovely island are looking for a retirement location. Even though the resorts are somewhat pricey compared to others in the country, they contain all the important requirements for safe and healthy living for retirees of any age. There are comprehensive medical facilities, recreational opportunities, wonderful cuisine choices and many ecological sites for those who want to enjoy nature up close. Golf, sports fishing and sailing are the recreation of choice for many others. Plenty of people are happy just to enjoy the sun and sand of the area.
History of Bocas Del Toro
Bocas del Toro, Panama has a history that goes back officially to 1855 when the district was created. However the resorts on the small tropical island are much more recent in nature. The original economic basis of the district has been the growing of bananas--Panama's "green gold.' The city is the located on the island of Colon. Christopher Columbus spent time in the area of this island while searching for a way to the Far East. Although there are some historical points of interest in and near the area, most of the visitors prefer to spend time looking at and enjoying more ecological based activities.
Culture
Bocas del Toro is first and foremost a tourist based town. About 70,000 people live on the island, but many more choose one of the numerous world class resorts each year to visit. The culture of the city and island is one of fun activities such as shopping, ecological tours, diving related activities, and sailing. In addition, there are wonderful restaurants, bars, and dance spots for activities in the evening hours. If you prefer, you can take a few hours to wander along one of the many white sand beaches or simply laze away the day watching the water.
Points of Interest
Bocas del Toro, Panama gets most of its visitors by air flight from Costa Rica or Panama City, although a number of tourists arrive by boat either on day trips or for longer stays. Nearby Bastimentos Island National Marine Park is a very popular place for many eco tours. This area is noted for its biodiversity, with more than 180 plant species that are unique to the region. For example, there are four species of mangroves, sea grass, flooded coastal forests and cloud forests. The unique plant life provides habitat for wildlife species that are found only in the region.
Food and Drink
The food found at Bocas del Toro has a strong Caribbean influence, much more so than many other parts of Panama. The Spanish influence is accordingly weakened, although you can find traditional dishes (platos tipicos) and typical American fast food fare including pizza, pasta and sandwiches. The use of coconut in cooking Caribbean dishes provides a welcome change of pace if you are looking for the unique flavors of the region. Try some of the regional beers or the well known pina colada when you are looking for something to drink.
Lodging in Bocas
Bocas del Toro, Panama is perhaps best known for the luxury resorts that dot the archipelago. White sand beaches, beautifully appointed hotels, villas and condos all can be selected for the vacation stay. With so many activities to participate in, it's usually just a short distance to the choice of recreational activities selected for the day. Transportation to and from the resort accommodations is readily available, and the price is economical. In most cases, lodging at the resorts includes provision for maintaining business communication with the rest of the world. There is no need to be isolated, but you certainly can choose to be able to spend your time in fun activities rather sticking with the daily grind.