Panama City is an admirable burg full of life and moving at a white-heat pace, boasting the progress and cosmopolitan touch any big city in the world really has. But beyond that, Panama’s hinterlands, its islands, valleys and mountains teeming with marine and ecological treasures, pack a wallop among tourists visiting this Central American region.

The province of Bocas del Toro, on the westernmost tip of Panama and next to the Costa Rican border, embraces 3,442 square miles packed in three districts: Changuinola, Chiriquí Grande and Bocas del Toro. The hinterlands are divided in two major regions that run down all the way to the shores and lie some six and a half yards below sea level. The shoreline is dominated by two bays –Almirante and Laguna de Chiriqui- and an extraordinary archipelago stands between the two, encompassing a total surface of 772 square miles. The islands in Bocas del Toro give visitors the chance of leaving the big-city hassle behind and focus on quasi-unexplored nature. The local population is mostly of African or Caribbean origin.

The Bocas del Toro Archipelago

The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is a genuine gem of the Caribbean. Its nine islands, 51 keys and 200 islets, its vast beaches of crystal-clear water with superb conditions for scuba diving, surfing and fishing, the array of contrasts and marine shades really leave visitors speechless. On the other hand, the watching of nature is just one of its major attractions. Anybody can spot exotic animal species roaming around the surroundings, like the sea turtles that arrive in the beach to hatch their eggs, or just the many birds that have built their nests in the keys. Bear in mind this safe haven was built to protect endangered species. However, visitors arriving here can enjoy traditional Panamanian and indigenous meals, or perhaps sink their teeth on juicy tropical fruits. After visiting this splendid place, you come to the conclusion that the earthly paradise is a dream come true.

One of the country’s top tourist projects is the Colon Island. This particular location has put itself on the map thanks to the creation of Tourist Convenience Centers designed to provide ample information to visitors and build a fire under the much-needed foreign investment. The first of these centers ever built in Bocas del Toro was on Colon Island. Now the local municipality is ready to be legally recognized as a national-class travel destination. No wonder a considerable amount of European companies have poured money into restaurants, farms and bars, giving this area a cosmopolitan touch of its own. The place is hedged by mangrove thickets and lovely coral reefs, let alone excellent semi-unexplored beaches. The northernmost tip of Colon Island features a couple of must-sees –Bluff and Bocas del Drago, some 45 minutes by boat or just a 20-minute drive by car. Right across from Bocas del Drago stand a bunch of islets that resemble huge vegetation-shrouded promontories jutting out of the sea surface that appear nearly impossible for humans to cross, where bird species like finches and red-tail thrushes nestle. Another sanctuary worth mentioning here is the safe haven on Escudo de Veraguas Island, farther to the northwest, where scholars have spotted a rare fruit-eating bat. The boat ride around this paradise doesn’t take longer than three minutes to Carenero Island, just 330 yards from Bocas del Toro. This place is blessed with amazing beaches.

The Bastimentos Island’s Nature Reserve

This major archipelago features one of Panama’s marine parks, this one comprising approximately 13,226 hectares and a number of lagoons, plus beaches of crystal-clear water and powder-thin sands, gorgeous gardens and amazing coastlines brimming with lush vegetation and biodiversity. This is by far one of the loveliest habitats Panama has to offer today, dotted by mangrove thickets and coral reefs that stretch out all the way to Bastimentos Island and the surrounding islets. All these keys, dominated by Zapatilla Key, are less than one hour by air from Panama City. There are several endangered species that are properly sheltered in these territories, including sloth, manatees, frogs, sea turtles and tarpons.

Coral-laden paradise in Zapatilla Keys

Zapatilla Keys are small coralline islands within the Bastimento Island National Marine Park. It’s named after the zapatilla (sneaker) shape the island has when looked at from the air. This place has privileged sites for scuba diving enthusiasts and is packed with an amazing amount of marine life. Experienced divers will find here a real challenge in the form of underwater caves amid the coral reefs. The only way to gain access to the keys is by sea, so it’s important to get in touch with travel agencies in Panama that sell tours and excursions to the islands. It’s highly recommended to make daytrips in order to better admire the beauty of the place and fully enjoy the environment of the region. In an effort to preserve the natural conditions of the surroundings, the Panama Tourism Institute (IPAT) has taken a number of environmental protection actions, but without giving a short shrift to the advance of nature in this unmatchable location. Mayor Key, for its part, counts on a small wharf for the arrival of groups of scholars and scientists who come here to delve into the life of the green turtles, marine species that prefer this location to hatch their eggs.

The long and golden-sand beaches of Zapatilla Keys are paradise-like places to gaze at and enjoy in full swing. Next to them, the tropical jungle full of coconut trees paints a much lovelier picture of these exclusive surroundings. Get carried away with the feeling that birdwatching provides, or just bask in the sun or take a stroll into the jungle. Don’t miss out on the chance of visiting Bocas del Toro. You just won’t regret it because you’ll have the opportunity of feasting eyes on one of the most beautiful travel destinations of all Central America.

HOW TO GET THERE

By air: The best way to get to Bocas del Toro is by plane. Aeroperlas (Phone: 315-7500) and Mapiex (Phone: 315-0888) offer one-hour flights from David, Changuinola and Panama City. At the same time, there are connections to other Panamanian regions. Phone number of the Bocas del Toro’s airport: 757 - 9341.

By road: Departing from Panama City, drive down the Inter American Road to the entrance of Gualaca, in the province of Chiriqui, and from there steer on to Chiriqui Grande, where ferries sail to the islands on four-hour rides. You may also take a “marine cab” that takes you to Bocas del Toro, on Colon Island.

Bus lines serving Chiriqui Grande (62-mile ride) leave from the station in David, the capital of Chiriqui. You can also get there from Costa Rica’s San Jose by crossing the border over the Sixaola checkpoint and then proceed to the Almirante seaport.