Bocas del Toro Province - Panama - page 380

In 1903 a 15km canal connecting the Río Changuinola and Bahía de Almirante was dug
parallel to the Caribbean shoreline to facilitate the barging of bananas from the fields to
ships. The 30m-wide channel allowed transfer of the fruit without interference from the
open sea. Abandoned years ago, it is now a decent spot to view wildlife.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Hawaii HOTEL $
( 758-6025; Av 17 de Abril; s/d/tr US$24/26/33; ) Basic but good, Hawaii has
ample plain rooms with clean bathrooms equipped with spigot showers. Beds are clad in
white sheets.
Hotel Semiramis HOTEL $
( 758-6006; Av 17 de Abril; d/tr US$30/35; ) With 24-hour service (presumably
friendly to truckers or trysts), this shiny tiled hotel does the trick for a night. It has hot
water, proper rooms and even a car-rental service.
Resto Cotty's PANAMANIAN $
(Av 17 de Abril; meals US$2.50; 24hr) On the main road, this clean cafeteria-style restaur-
ant prepares Panamanian fare. A plate of curried chicken and rice is gratifying and quick.
Information
Av 17 de Abril (also called Av Central) runs north to south and serves as the town's main
artery. The same street also has a Banco Nacional de Panamá and an immigration office.
The ANAM office (Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente; 767-9485, 758-6603; 8am-4pm
Mon-Fri) , near the center of town, should be able to provide information on national parks
in the province, though service is lax.
The post office is located near the airport.
Getting There & Away
AIR
From Panama City, Air Panama ( 316-9000; www.flyairpanama.com ) flies to
Changuinola (US$116 one way) several times per week. If your destination is Bocas del
Toro, it's best to fly direct to the island.