Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 771-2182;
www.losquetzales.com
; dm US$20, 4-person cabin US$140-160; )
Affiliated
with the lodging in the village, these spectacular rustic retreats are tucked into the rain-
forest. The forested setting with darting hummingbirds, lookout balconies and trout
ponds is among the finest in Panama. Some cabins have electricity, and all feature pro-
pane lanterns and fireplaces with wood, though hot showers are provided.
You can hike straight from the cabins and make arrangements for a cook or for grocer-
ies to be delivered. They are located 2km from the main lodge up a 4WD road (transport-
ation is provided).
Los Quetzales Lodge & Spa
LODGE $$$
( 771-2182;
www.losquetzales.com
; camping per tent US$15, dm/d US$18/85, r in lodge incl
breakfast from US$85; )
Located in town, this cozy lodging is a favorite for bird-watch-
ers and hikers. Rooms feature vaulted ceilings, wood furnishings and private hot-water
bathrooms, though most guests tend to congregate around the bar-restaurant and cozy
fireplace lounge. Families can ask about their new farmhouse rentals with activities in
Bajo Grande, 3km away.
Couples might want to splurge on one of the five cedar-walled suites with a romantic
hewn-stone fireplace, private bathtub and rainforest-facing balcony. Also on the premises
are three riverside hot tubs and an equestrian center. All guests also have access to a full-
service spa and a private network of trails adjoining Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. The
park is less than an hour's walk from the hotel, which can also provide transportation.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parque Internacional La Amistad (Las Nubes)
The 4070-sq-km
Parque Internacional La Amistad
(admission US$5, campsite US$5;
8am-4pm)
was established jointly in 1988 by Panama and Costa Rica. In 1990 La
Amistad was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, and later became part of the greater
Meso American Biological corridor. In Panama, the park covers portions of Chiriquí and
Bocas del Toro (
Click here
) Provinces, contains seven of the 12 classified life zones and
serves as a refuge for a great number of endangered flora and fauna.
Activities
Although most of the park is high up in the Talamanca Mountains and inaccessible, there
is no shortage of hiking and camping opportunities available for intrepid travelers. Un-
like the Wekso entrance in Bocas del Toro Province, the Las Nubes sector is home to an
