Bocas is only an hour's flight from Panama City

Everything is ready for the Fair of the Sea, the most important regional celebration of Panama's Caribbean coast, scheduled September 14-18 on Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro. Originally envisioned as a colorful tribute to the rich Caribbean heritage of the province of Bocas del Toro, the festival is rapidly gaining a more "international" flavor, due to the large numbers of foreign expats and retirees (U.S., Canadian and European citizens) who have taken up residence on the pristine islands and secluded coves of this maritime province in recent years. Expect lots of dancing and easy-going parties during the festivities, which takes place during Bocas' unusual dry season (in most of Panama, the dry season spans from December to April).

A friendly Bocas resident swims near the Caribbean shore

Bocas is truly a success story when it comes to tourism. Long considered a remote agricultural territory, the province became a tourist hot spot almost by accident during the 1990's. Hundreds of European tourists started to discover its pristine natural environment and many of them remained there to become hoteliers and restauranteurs. Accommodations are for the most part small and good and cater to all tastes and pockets. Located on the northwestern region of Panama, Bocas is accessible through daily, scheduled flights (approx. one hour), departing from Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, in Albrook. An overnight bus service, ( 8-10 hours) links Panama City and Bocas. Buses depart every evening from Albrook's Gran Terminal de Transporte.