Today is a day to relax and time for another peak into my life while traveling. Last time I left you off when being in Boquete, Panama. So this is where we start.
Boquete is famous for the Vulcano Barú, which, with 3,474 meters, is the highest mountain in Panama. However, when I was there any ascent was forbidden due to the heavy rains.
I managed to throw in one hike though on the second day when the sun came out in the morning. An incredible sight that was! I hiked up El pianista trek. Honestly, I had some fear in the beginning. It was here that 2 Dutch tourists died in 2014. Officially it was an accident but who knows what really happened?
However, I heard that another group is going up and while I did not want to join them (big groups are just not for me…especially in nature) it gave me confidence that people would find me. And in the end, my apartment is clean, so no need to worry that people would think I am a messy when they would have to empty it 😀
The trek itself was beautiful and not too strenuous (8 k and 700 altitude meters). I even glimpsed a bit of the surrounding area through the clouds.
On my way back to Boquete I stopped by a coffee farm. This is Panama’s coffee grown area. Some high quality coffees are made here. I bought a pack 🙂
Next day I left for Bocas del Toro. The drive there was the most beautiful one so far. We came quite high and seeing the rain forest like that with the sun reflecting off its leaves was amazing. I would love to drive this with a rental car and just stop wherever I feel like. Next time…
I spent one night in Almirante, which is the export port for Chiquita. Otherwise you will not find tourists here. They move on to Bocas del Toro immediately. But I had a date here.
The next day I went to one of the fincas of ForestFinance. Through an investment with them I own a small plot of land there…kind of. And only one product comes to my mind worth growing: Cacao!!!
They made it possible to visit on short notice. And I could see the whole process. Different sorts are grown, which have different colors when ripe. During the harvest they pile them up and the next day remove the outer shell. Transported back to the finca they are allowed to ferment for several days. Afterwards the drying starts before they are packed up in sacks and ready for shipment.
I wanted to swim in them!
Same day a small boat brought me to Isla Cristóbal. First, I was not sure what I would do there 3 nights. Yes, I had booked it but with the rain I felt a bit stranded. You can go nowhere without a boat or kayak. But then something magical happened. I completely relaxed into this feeling and had a wonderful time reading and just doing bloody nothing. So much, that when it stopped raining, I was disappointed. Out with the kayak and explore the riff nearby I did. I am always amazed how colorful the underwater world is. I mean, it could be bloody grey but no, the most beautiful colors can be found.
The owner, a Belgian, was maybe not the most outgoing host but man was his cooking outstanding. I have seldom eaten better.
Even the best of times end eventually. I wanted to get to Costa Rica. I don’t know why many tourists take shuttles to get from A to B. Yes, they are faster but they cost more (much more!) and you miss the rich experience of riding a bus with the locals. If you have time on your trips, I highly recommend it. I had to switch buses 2 times but still all good and it cost me about 10 bucks (shuttle would have been around 60!).
The immigration process on Panama and Costa Rica side took only minutes and I was in a different time zone (Costa Rica is GMT -6 hrs, whereas Panama is -5). Next destination was Cahuita and their Parque Nacional.
Next day I went to the park, where on this side you only pay a voluntary entrance fee that goes back to the community. The hike from end to end is about 9 k. I did it back and forth and saw raccoons, sloth(s), monkeys, birds and a scerney out of the movie Castaway. At the end I jumped into the sea. What a marvelous day!
And on we go! Indeed, this time I did take a shuttle. As from Cahuita to Tortuguero the second part is via boat, which you have to reserve the prior day. With the shuttle this is just easier as they manage everything. It costs you 60 USD though.
I include more of this in the next blog since this one is getting long already.
Here some pictures of the food. I love to go to small places, where the owner looks at you like “WTF is this gringo doing here?”. It is usually very good and cheap as shit. Finally, the Caribbean food is really tasty. A hint of spice in coconut milk but just soooo good.
You would think with all the trips I did already that I would be efficient in packing. But every time I manage to pack more than I need. Like a tent this time. Then I’ll swear to myself that I’ll pack less the next time. Just to forget it when I’m about to pack 🤦♂️
Strangely, or rather thankfully, on this trip loneliness is not coming up. Only once in a while the feeling of “what the fuck am I doing here?” appears. I greet it like an old friend and it goes away. See you next time!
Love,
Matthias
Looks like quite an adventure. Enjoy!
Thank you Ann. It is!