Communities

Beyond the bars and beaches hides a very different face of Bocas del Toro.

The indigenous Ngöbe-Buglé and Naso inhabitants of this province have lived peacefully in the forests of the islands and mainland for centuries, and still have their own languages, clothing, and traditional medicine men, called curanderos, who know how to use the plants of the jungles to cure sickness and pain.

Many continue to live without electricity or running water, and travel the seas and rivers in dugout canoes and on tiny rafts.

San Cristóbal

San Cristóbal

Half an hour away from Bocas town… a world away from the bustle of modern life.

Location: Isla Cristóbal
Naso children

Soposo

Stay with a Naso family on the remote edge of La Amistad International Peace Park and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Location: Mainland Bocas
Sandubidi community

Sandubidi

Join the villagers on cayuco canoe trips and learn to fish the native way!

Location: Isla Popa
Visitors try a traditional balsa raft

Weckso

Home to the king of the Naso, the most exhilarating ride out of this village is on a tiny handmade raft.

Location: La Amistad National Park
Bahía Honda

Bahía Honda

The Ngöbe residents of this small community live in cabins scattered around the mangroves and forests of this beautiful, tranquil bay.

Location: Isla Bastimentos
Salt Creek

Salt Creek

The community of Salt Creek borders Bastimentos National Marine Park, and visitors are invited to explore the history and culture of the Ngöbe at the village's Cultural Hut.

Location: Isla Bastimentos

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