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Bocas del Toro Journals

Besos in Bocas

Best of IgoUgo

A June 2006 trip to Bocas del Toro by coloradowanderer

Ship Wreck Deck Photo - Barco Hundido, Bocas del Toro, Panama More Photos
Quote: Ended up here on a fluke and stayed for a week. Snorkeling, bird watching, and a history lesson. Budget too high end, something for all.
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Besos in Bocas Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Bananas in Bocas Photo - Bocas del Toro, Panama
Quote:
Bocas has been on the backpacker's radar for awhile and is now becoming more developed and expensive. The natural beauty and friendly locals make it worth a stop. Amazing snorkeling awaits in colorful Coral Cay and Cayo Zapatilla. Bird lovers should pick a tour that includes Bird Island. There are waves for surfers and calm, clear water at Starfish Beach. Sip a fruity drink watching boats go by or take a water taxi to Bastimentos for a more authentic experience.Same as other beach locations, foreigners are buying up the land. Expect to meet lots of people looking at properties.Quick Tips: Panama uses the American dollar and coins are from the U.S mixed with Balboas....Read More
Comfy Bed Photo - Cocomo on the Sea, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Quote:
This home on the water was converted into a comfortable, quiet hotel. All four rooms are equipped with 2 beds, A/C, clean tiled bathroom and shower. Panamanian art and knick knacks throughout give the feel of staying in some one's home. Beverages are available on the honor system in the hallway refrigerator. Guests mark on a piece of paper what they take and the total is calculated at the end of the stay. Breakfast, included in the rate, is served every morning on the deck overlooking the water. Fresh breads and fruits, cereal, and beverages are laid out and waiting. I thought that was plenty and then a woman shows up and asks if we would like a hot breakfast. Omelettes, scrambled eggs, and fren...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 6, 2006

Cocomo on the Sea
Avenida Norte and 6A Street
Bocas del Toro, Panama
+507-757-9259

Mondo Taitu Best of IgoUgo

Hotel

Mondo Taitu Hostel and Bar Photo - Mondo Taitu, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Quote:
There are positive and negatives to this hostel. Kitchen use is free and plenty of seats surrounded the large wooden table. Hang out areas in a small garden outside and hammocks on the upstairs porch are great common areas. The lively bar is the place to go early in the evening to connect with other travelers. Two bikes are available for short rides to the grocery store and such, but not for the whole day. The laid back, knowledgeable owner from the states makes everyone feel welcome and is full of advice. He showed us up to the dorms on the second floor. The only way to get up is through the bathroom and shower area. My pack almost snagged the towel of a guy brushing his teeth. The dorms are...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 6, 2006

Mondo Taitu

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Don Chicho's Restaurant Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Don Chicho's"

Cafeteria Style Photo - Don Chicho's Restaurant, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Quote:
This small restaurant serves up simple Panamanian dishes cafeteria style. Grab a tray, join the locals and make your selections from the steaming pans. Rice, beans, empanadas, several meats in different sauces and whole fish were offered when my friend and I visited. The staff was helpful in explaining what was in each dish. Two plates, sampling pretty much everything, and drinks were under 5 dollars. The local hot sauce without a label is a must! If you don't see it on a table, ask because it's better than anything with a label.A house fire a few weeks earlier had claimed the life of a local firefighter. The funeral, from the packed church next door, was broadcast on television. The mood w...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 6, 2006

Don Chicho's Restaurant
Main Street
Bocas del Toro

Pargo Rojo Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Best Dinner in Town! Photo - Pargo Rojo, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Quote:
Pargo Rojo, red snapper in Spanish, is a trendy restaurant on the end of the main strip. A large veranda surrounds the bar and open kitchen. One ornately carved wood table for eight and smaller tables along the railing were all candle-lit providing a romantic ambiance. The waiter greeted us promptly and explained the specials. Our fruity drinks arrived with home made bread. The menu consists of meat and seafood cooked in a variety of sauces, pastas and eclectic appetizers. My friend and I like to share different dishes but the same thing caught both are eyes. We compromised and ordered fish and shrimp both with a coconut curry sauce. The plates were presented beautifully with a salad and pota...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 6, 2006

Pargo Rojo
Main Street
Bocas del Toro
(0)757 9035

Barco Hundido Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Ship Wreck Deck Photo - Barco Hundido, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Quote:
From my first days in Costa Rica, I kept hearing about this bar known as "The Ship Wreck Deck". A popular hang-out for locals and travelers wanting to meringue and shake their groove thangs. A path through tropical plants leads to a dance floor and a wooden deck around a sunken ship. The bartender said people swim in underclothes and close to closing time in their birthday suits. Fueled by cheap drinks, sure enough people starting jumping in the water in various stages of undress. As with all tourist destinations, the experience depends on other travelers and the mood that arises. Some nights the place was mellow, but on weekends and oddly enough Monday nights, the place is packed. Recentl...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 6, 2006

Barco Hundido
Calle 1, at Av. H
Bocas del Toro

About the Writer

coloradowanderer

coloradowanderer
Denver, Colorado

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