Bocas del Toro is an old fruit plantation town on the northern, Caribbean coast of Panama. It is a remote port town; an archipelago of jungle surrounded by warm, blue Caribbean waters. Bluff Beach, located 15 minutes north of town, is one of the most beautiful and remote beaches that we’ve ever hosted a retreat upon. Sounds amazing, right? Must be hard to get to though… right???
Wrong! Guests fly into Tocumen International Airport (PYT), located about 20 minutes outside of downtown Panama City, Panama. It’s a modern airport, with all the shopping and amenities you’d expect from the most metropolitan of the Central American capital cities. Tocumen is also home to Copa Airlines, and as Copa’s primary hub, there are direct flights from Miami International, Washington Dulles, New York JFK, Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International and San Francisco International. Wheew!
From Tocumen, we shuttle guests for about 30 minutes to the regional airport in Panama City, Albrook International Airport (PAC). The ride is comfortable and quick on high quality divided highways with terrific views of the Panama City skyline and coastline. It’s from here that we’ll fly the 40 minutes out to Bocas del Toro airport. The airport is small, but comfortable. There are ATMs and a few cafe’s, however we do recommend eating before you go through security, as the small waiting room on the other side only provides a vending machine. When it’s time to board, you’ll walk out on the tarmac and board a plane like the pone featured in the image for this post. The planes seat about 50 people, and the 2 flight attendants provide a drink and snack service. Panama, the beer, is available at no charge, if a smaller plane frays your nerves.
Before you know it, you’ll be descending over lush green jungle islands, and touching down on the perimeter of Bocas Town. A friendly fleet of local taxis will be awaiting you, and will load you up for the 20 minute ride out to Bluff Beach. Don’t hesitate to request a stop at a local mini-super to purchase some snacks and refreshments, the drivers are happy to abide! That’s it, you’re there! Not bad. At all!