Happiness Is Just Around The Bend

Bocas del Toro, a group of islands close to the Costa Rica border has been by far my favourite place in Panama. While it is nice sometimes to be in the jungle, climb mountains and take in all the nature, I prefer to be close to the beach and the ocean. But what to do in Bocas del Toro, other than laying at the beach getting a sunburn/ tan? Bocas del Toro is probably one of these places you either love or hate. I loved it but I also met people who really didn’t enjoy their time on these beautiful islands. But first of all, how do you get to Bocas del Toro? If you are coming from Boquete you first have to take a bus to David and from there another longer bus to Almirante. But just ask for Bocas de Toro and they will show you which bus it is at the bus stop. The bus from David to Almirante is also the one that passes by the Lost and Found Hostel if you are planning on heading there. From Almirante, either walk or take a short taxi ride to the water taxi station and from there it’s a...

Navigating the Darien’s Rio Turia Boca de Cupe, Panama After traveling through the Darien Gap by piragua canoe to visit a remote jungle village, I was forced to leave when security forces kicked me out. The Darien is a swath of roadless wilderness between Panama & Colombia that’s full of mystery & intrigue. For years it’s been known as a haven for criminals, drug smugglers, and anti-government guerrilla groups. Understandably most travelers decide to avoid the area, sailing around or flying over it instead. But after speaking with a few individuals who had recently made the journey inside, I determined that it was safe enough to attempt a trip. Panama’s elite border security force Senafront has built up a strong presence in much of the region. While the Darien Gap is by no means danger-free, it’s safer than it was just a few years ago. My morning started in the village of El Real. I said goodbye to my Brazilian friend Gabriel as he hi...