A travel enthusiast shared her disappointing experience of a once-promising vacation that turned into a nightmare in what was expected to be a tropical paradise. Claudia Tavani, the creator of the travel blog My Adventures Across The World, had eagerly planned a two-week trip to Bocas del Toro, situated at the southern tip of Isla Colón in Panama.
Having been enticed by glowing descriptions in the Lonely Planet guidebook, Claudia’s expectations were shattered upon arrival. Instead of pristine, secluded beaches, she encountered heaps of trash that marred the scenery. The reality of noisy and disrespectful crowds overshadowed any semblance of tranquility she had anticipated. Despite a few exceptions like Red Frog Beach, most shorelines were littered and uninviting, a stark contrast to her hometown’s pristine Sardinian coastlines.
Bocas del Toro, like Panama at large, grapples with deep-rooted issues that pose challenges for both residents and visitors. The UK Foreign Office warns of elevated gang violence, unsafe roads, and pickpocketing concerns in the region.
Following a period of unrest prompting a ‘state of urgency,’ the Panamanian government recently lifted restrictions in Bocas del Toro but maintained a curfew for underage individuals as a precaution. Roadblocks from protests can disrupt travel to neighboring Costa Rica, and travelers are advised to stay informed and plan alternate routes accordingly.
Waste management is a pressing problem in Bocas del Toro, where public garbage collection is lacking, leading to improper disposal methods such as river dumping and burning. Efforts to address the issue include a plastic bag ban and the establishment of a recycling center, with innovative initiatives like a village constructed from plastic bottles by entrepreneur Robert Bezeau.
Despite these initiatives, waste challenges persist, as noted by Claudia’s candid account of the town’s unsanitary conditions and touristy atmosphere. Disheartened by her experience, she eventually crossed over to Costa Rica, where she found a stark contrast in hospitality and natural beauty, recounting a memorable journey in Corcovado National Park filled with diverse wildlife and serene landscapes.
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