Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There is no public transportation connecting Playa Barqueta to David, though it's easy
to access by private vehicle or taxi (US$30, one hour). If you can fill the cab, you should
be able to negotiate a reasonable price, especially if you arrange for a ride back to David.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
RURAL GULF ADVENTURES
Not long ago, selling shark fins was the only viable income for rural residents of the
Chiriquí coast. Now, with the help of Fundación Mar Viva, local cooperative
Aventur-
ors to see sharks, along with other amazing underwater wildlife.
Its success will depend on independent travelers attracted to a home-spun tour.
Options include taking a one-hour boat ride from Pedregal to Islas Paridas for
snorkeling. Aventuras Rurales del Golfo also offers sustainable travel around the
town of Malena, on the coast of Península de Azuero, where there are mangroves,
trails and turtles. Visitors can camp or stay in family lodgings. To learn more, check
out the website.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Golfo de Chiriquí
The undisputed gem of the Chiriquí lowlands is the Golfo de Chiriquí, home to the
Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí
, a national marine park with an area of 147
sq km protecting 25 islands, 19 coral reefs and abundant wildlife. The marine park also
protects the 30-sq-km
Isla Boca Brava
, a lovely little island with hiking trails and beau-
tiful outer beaches. It's home to monkeys, nesting sea turtles and 280 recorded bird spe-
cies. This area is accessed via the mainland village of
Boca Chica
.
Visitors can surf, kayak the calm interior waters, snorkel or wildlife-watch underneath
the rainforest canopy, yet the biggest draw to the area is high-stakes sportfishing. A new
luxury development on Isla Palenque means further development is on its way.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Boca Brava
HOTEL $$$
( 851-0017;
www.hotelbocabrava.com
;
Isla Boca Brava; hammock/dm US$8/11, d without bath-
room US$39, d/ste US$50/94;
)
On Isla Boca Brava, this hotel with rustic to deluxe of-
