Changuinola, Bocas del Toro Province, Panamá is as about as "improbable" a city as I have ever visited. One doesn't expect to encounter an elevated, civilised populace in the middle of a 250,000-acre Chiquita banana plantation, but elevated and decidedly Bohemian it is! Oh, its streets could use a new paving; there is hardly any street lighting to illumine your path at night; after a rain, walk around puddles; and the somewhat tacky façades of the many almacens (general merchandise stores) are barely more than cleverly painted tin panels...but you can find ANY kind of item that you could ever possibly want to buy on Avenida 17 de Abril (often for a dollar an item, or even less!); some of the most delicious (inexpensive), and well-prepared foods you will ever eat at its dozens of "mom-and-pop" restaurantes and cafés; and any number of clean, air-conditioned hotel rooms for .00 or less complete with CATV!
Quick Tips:
Eat at Restaurantes Chiquita Banana, or Steak y Mar Stop. Stay at The Golder Sahara for less than .00 a night and travel the surrounding highlands to experience natural scenery, birding, and a climate at its finest.Best Way To Get Around: