What's it like to drive in Bocas Del Toro, Panama?

Well, there are not many roads in Bocas del Toro.. actually, the road from the Costa Rican border to David is fairly new. It is an amazingly beautiful, 3 - 4 hours drive and should be done during the day, not because of the views but because it is windy, cloudy and often has sections that are washed out   

Well, there are not many roads in Bocas del Toro.. actually, the road from the Costa Rican border to David is fairly new. It is an amazingly beautiful, 3 - 4 hours drive and should be done during the day, not because of the views but because it is windy, cloudy and often has sections that are washed out   

Bocas Town is quite small and the island doesn't offer (in my opinion) that much to travel to by car.  The main attraction in Bocas Town is the main strip of bars, restaurants and activities. There are a few small surf beaches and you can rent a bike, a taxi or use a 4 wheeler to get there. Most people just walk around town or hop on a water taxi to explore another island.

Bocas Town is quite small and the island doesn't offer (in my opinion) that much to travel to by car.  The main attraction in Bocas Town is the main strip of bars, restaurants and activities. There are a few small surf beaches and you can rent a bike, a taxi or use a 4 wheeler to get there. Most people just walk around town or hop on a water taxi to explore another island.

First it is important to clarify that Bocas del Toro is  is a large province, not just an archipelago (group of islands). So really that makes this a 2 part question.  As Kevin said before there is only one main road along the coast which is only about 11 years old. It is a curvy road without much traffic and a lot of fun in the daytime.

 

If you start from the Continental divide up high in the mountains and drive down the Caribbean side you...

First it is important to clarify that Bocas del Toro is  is a large province, not just an archipelago (group of islands). So really that makes this a 2 part question.  As Kevin said before there is only one main road along the coast which is only about 11 years old. It is a curvy road without much traffic and a lot of fun in the daytime.

 

If you start from the Continental divide up high in the mountains and drive down the Caribbean side you get to the coastal road in about 1 hour.

 

You will pass a lot of waterfalls (like the one on the left) and as you cross the Continental Divide you will see the changes in the flora and fauna; changing from high mountain to tropical. It is wide open spaces for the most part with stunning views, mountains and valleys and just a smattering of houses.

 

By continuing on this road until you get to the Terpel gas/ bus station you can either go straight to Chiriqui Grande or if you turn left there the road takes you to Almirantwe where you can get the water taxi to the islands. If you keep driving you can continue all the way to Costa Rica past La Amistad International Forest. 

If you are going to the islands it is best to leave your car in Almirante and to travel on the water taxi. Once you are on the islands it is easiest to take buses, taxi's, and boats to get around. While Almirante isn't much to look at (a dilapidated banana town) it is the only place to get the water taxi which will take you to Isla Colon. From there you are able to explore all the islands with one of the many available boats. 

 

Along the way in the small villages don't be surprised to see someone walking a pig or to encounter cows in the road as this is almost as common as seeing guys with their roosters at bus stops or dogs on top of the busses. Sort of like seeing a pick-up with dogs in the bed of the truck is in the south of the US. 

 

Important safety tip: In Panama the large trucks by law have the right of way even on your side of the road so in a tight corner you must yield.  It is also important to watch for cows and horses in the road and if you see branches in the road that have been cut down and thrown in the road it is a warning that there is a breakdown or accident up ahead.

 

Most people don't carry an orange traffic cone in their car or truck but they always have a machete ready to handle whatever comes up and you should too.

 

We make the drive to our eco lodge in Rambala over the mountains to Bocas Province 2 times per month as a minimum and I can say that I never tire of the amazing drive and awesome views. There are some potholes but all in all a good road.  You also cross over La Fortuna hydro electric Dam which is pretty impressive!  

 

If you happen to drive over the mountains on a Sunday in rodeo season you just might be able to stop off and see some calf roping expertise, drink some local beer and eat tipico food.

 

You will not be disappointed with the drive over whether you drive yourself, take a bus or a private shuttle.

 

Saludos, Lyn