Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The open-air kitchen is stocked with basic provisions (pasta, eggs, sauces and
vegetables) for sale, though you can also order meals. There's also a minipub set
up far from sleepers.
Activities are varied and well priced. A highlight is the Lost World Tour which
takes hikers to an impressive waterfall and visits an indigenous community. You
can also visit a local coffee producer or hike the trails.
While Rocky the resident kinkajou is here because he cannot be released into the
wild, other animals come for the buffet of bananas occasionally left out for them -
not the best wildlife practice, but one you might see throughout the country and
should discourage.
Given the isolation, it's necessary to call or email for reservations 24 hours in ad-
vance. From David, the lodge provides a shuttle (US$30), or you can take the bus
(US$3.50). After one hour, the bus reaches a sign for the lodge near Km 42. From
here, hike 15 minutes. You can also take a bus from the Bocas side, starting in
Changuinola or Almirante (around US$8).
Discounts are given for longer stays. The lodge also provides good shuttle tours
between Bocas and Boquete, making active stops at places of interest.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Playa Barqueta
This long and lovely dark-sand beach southwest of David is a popular weekend escape,
although it remains quiet during the week. As inviting as the ocean seems, its riptides are
very strong, and there are some steep underwater drops as you wade in. However, La
Barqueta is a great place to break out the surfboard. Besides, wading in up to your ankles
sure beats sweating through your socks on the David streets.
From September to November it's turtle-hatching season on this beach. Since turtles
don't run by the calendar year, it's hard to predict the event, but local lodgings are likely
to be in tune with the latest news. For information about volunteering, contact Purple
House ( Click here ).
Capping the eastern end of the beach is Las Olas Resort ( 772-3000;
www.beachresortpanama.com ; d/ste US$98/116; ) . It has a number of terraced
rooms and suites decorated with natural colors and featuring sweeping ocean views. Fa-
cilities include several bars and restaurants, a spa, gym, yoga, equestrian center and mar-
ina. Rates are cheaper in low season (April to November), and all-inclusive deals are
available online.
 
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