Simple pleasures

Bocas Town. A magical place indeed, with its wide main street, its wooden buildings from a different time, the handcraft vendors peppered through the streets, the salty smell of the wind, the feeling that there isn't a single care in the world. I love it. Bocas del Toro archipelago offers many opportunities for high-brow lodging, pampering, dining. But still, even after all the recent developments and investments in tourism and services, the most beautiful things about Bocas are free – or very cheap!

Just getting there is an experience on its own. The road is breathtaking, with stunning views of both oceans as you cross the continental divide on one of the highest vehicle roads in the country. You begin to notice how the vegetation changes as you ascend, and then how it becomes remarkably different once you get to the atlantic basin. You pass many villages where it is not uncommon to spot houses on stilts to prevent them from suffering from flash-flooding. Once you get to the port town of Almirante,
you can take a fast boat to Isla Colón: wind in your hair, the boat bouncing on higher waves or on the wake of other boats, spectacular maritime views. 

You will then get off the boat and be hit by locals (and long-term tourists) who want to sell you things, guide you to your hotel, find you one if you don't have a reservation, take you on day-tours of the surrounding beaches and reefs. You can choose to take a cab, but chances are you can walk to your hotel. But whatever the weather is like, it will likely be very hot. Very hot!

You can see the fruit as
much as you can taste it.

Luckily, there are a few Juice Carts along the way. You will spot them easily: they will have fresh fruit on display, a few blenders and a very eager and cordial tender who will prepare whatever mix your heart desires. The last couple of times I've been there, I had a Passion Fruit and Pineapple smoothie – heaven in a styrofoam cup! The fruit could not be fresher, and the service was friendly and fast. For under $3, you can quench your thirst, get relief from the scorching heat, and give yourself a paradisiac welcome to beautiful Bocas–and, these 100% natural smoothies are very good for you, no doubt.

There are many eateries in Bocas, from fritter street vendors and typical food joints to ethnic favorites and casual fine dining spots – more about some of the best ones in future posts, I promise! Now, I should begin planning my next trip to Bocas del Toro...