Houses built on stilts over the water in Bocas del Toro

Panama's most isolated province, Bocas del Toros (''mouths of the bull'') is a land of banana plantations and impenetrable rainforest with a sprinkling of pristine Caribbean islands scattered off its coast.

Located in Panama´s northeast, Bocas del Toros lies sandwiched between the Caribbean and the jungle-strewn mountains of the Cordillera Talamanca. It is only accessible by two roads - one from Costa Rica and the other which cuts over the slopes of Chiriqui province.

Still, word has long been out about its wealth of cultural and natural offerings, and Bocas del Toros is now one of the most visited destinations in Panama.   

On the mainland, the indigenous Ngobe-Buglé, Naso, Bribrí, Guaymi, Bokota and Teribe tribes live deep in the jungle, while on the islands, the majority of the population is of Jamaican descent and speak Guari-Guair (English with a strong Caribbean accent mixed with a touch of Spanish). 

The best base from which to explore the islands is the provincial capital, Bocas del Toro, connected to Isla Colon by a long causeway. From here, you can strike out to mangrove swamps, isolated beaches and tropical jungle. The coral reefs are also astonishing,  protected for the most part by the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos. Here, divers and snorkelers can wade up to sea turtles, lobster, dolphins, tropical fish and caymans.

The easiest way to access the islands of Bocas del Toro is from the Caribbean border with Costa Rica. Here, after crossing the dilapidated bridge which links the two countries, you'll be approached by local guides offering you a taxi ride to the docks. From the docks, a water taxi can transport you over to the islands.  

Regular flights run by Aeroperlas and Mapiex Aero link Bocas del Toro with Panama City.