Bocas Del Toro Travel Guide

/ / / /

The Five Best Beaches in Bocas Del Toro

March 27, 2009 at 9:16 AM | by | Comment (1)

Our own Brendan Spiegel is down in Panama this week and will be reporting back on all that he's seen and done. Whether or not he's wearing a Panama Hat, we can't say. But if you have any questions or suggestions for him, let us know.

As we mentioned earlier in the week, Bocas Del Toro is home to the best island living Panama has on offer—this tiny strip of islands has a laid-back, good times beach vibe that is so relaxed you'll inevitably feel the pull to stay indefinitely (and many people do).

But the only problem with Bocas Town (where most of the hotels and restaurants are), is that it's gotten so built up there's barely any beachfront to speak of. You can have your morning espresso and then leap right off the coffee shop's deck into the Caribbean, but serious beach time—sand, waves, long walks and all that—requires a bit more of a trek. So we've spent this week hard at work scouring Bocas in search of its best true beaches (try not to feel too bad for us). After the jump, our take on Bocas' most idyllic beach spots.

more ›

/ / / / /

This is Panama's Version of 'Pura Vida'

March 24, 2009 at 10:02 AM | by | Comments (0)

Our own Brendan Spiegel is down in Panama this week and will be reporting back on all that he's seen and done. Whether or not he's wearing a Panama Hat, we can't say. But if you have any questions or suggestions for him, let us know.

Panama has its fair share of high-end beach resorts, with more coming soon from folks like Nikki Beach and Trump. But for those seeking beachcomber's paradise without the fat expense account, the clear answer is Bocas Del Toro.

This idyllic Caribbean archipelago is the closest thing Panama has to a Costa Rican-style pura vida backpacking scene. It's the kind of place where you run in to everyone from five-year-old Panamanians hawking homemade jewelry to ex-pat American yoga instructors to rowdy spring breakers who maybe were looking for the other Panama City. But whoever you are, the only requirement is a solid "chill out" vibe.

more ›

Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (effective 3/21/12) and Privacy Policy (effective 3/21/12). © Condé Nast. Your California Privacy Rights. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast.
Ad Choices