Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A great spot to kick back, the breezy restaurant faces the breakers. The English-speak-
ing staff is extremely attentive to guests, especially if you're looking to hire a boat to ex-
plore the surrounding area.
Akwadup
Pretty and petite, this palm-frond isle is well removed from the usual tourist route, but
the breezy mint-green octagonal cabins over the waterfront at
Akwadup Lodge
(
396-4805;
www.sanblaslodge.com
;
s/d/tr all inclusive US$185/320/390; )
might make you
think you're in the Bocas. The private decks beckon you to laze away the sunset with
beer in hand - although romance might be your agenda if you've come all the way to the
middle of palm-frond nowhere. These so-secluded lodgings represent the top-end of of-
ferings in the archipelago: fine Kuna hospitality and fussy details (by local standards) in-
clude vaulted thatched ceilings, fully functioning private bathrooms, screened doors and
24-hour electricity.
Dining is fresh and simple, featuring local ingredients like lobster, fish, yucca and
coconut. Excursions - including cultural visits, snorkeling and fishing - are handily
nearby.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Beyond Achutupu
Those sailing to Colombia should be advised that tourist infrastructure is virtually nonex-
istent west of Achutupu and Uaguitupo. Scenery is striking, and although several islands
allow foreigners, the southern stretches of the Comarca are mostly off-limits.
Be advised that the ocean can be treacherous here, particularly further away from the
islands in open water. Here, 3m swells are the norm, worse if there's a storm. If you've
been frightened by the sea in other parts of the archipelago, you can expect to be terrified
here. Again, if you plan to travel these waters and have any doubts about your boatman,
consider hiring another one before attempting this trip.
