From Manuel Antonio, I booked a public bus back to Quepos and subsequently took a Tracopa bus from Quepos to San Jose (3-5 hours) and from San Jose into David, Panama ($25 USD). This is the more complicated way. Instead of buying a bus ticket back to San Jose, just ask the ticket clerk for a return ticket to David, Panama. For example, when purchasing your ticket to Quepos at the counter indicate that you would like your return ticket to go directly to David, Panama. The clerk will understand because Quepos is situated on the route from San Jose, Costa Rica to David, Panama so there is no reason to have to waste precious travel time going back to San Jose (unless you would like to explore the city).
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS INTO PANAMA
Upon arrival at the Panamanian border, I was required to show proof of travel beyond Panama. Good thing I read online sites, which prepared me to print a physical copy of my ticket leaving Panama back to Belize. You will also be asked to scan your luggage and pay a $3 USD Panama entry fee as well as a $8 USD Costa Rica exit fee. Also, if you need to use the bathroom at the Panamanian border it will cost you $0.50 USD. Panama’s national currency is the Balboa, however, US dollar is also widely accepted in the country.
The bus ride from San Jose to David will drop you off at a bus terminal in David. Walk around and look for the bus that has Boquete written on the top OR ask a fellow friendly local (which I did). I almost missed my bus, but the friendly individuals that I had met ran ahead and asked the bus to stop and wait for me as I was making my way through the crowd.
Once in Boquete, I decided to stay at Bambuda Castle, which in fact is actually a former mansion that is built to mimic a castle and now turned into a hostel. This was one of the most pleasant stays. The view was incredibly rewarding, and the castle comes equipped with a rock climbing wall, a pool, kitchen, Netflix room, hot tub, balcony, and astounding views.
The Lost Waterfalls Hike
The Lost Waterfalls Hike consists of trekking through the jungle towards 3 beautiful waterfalls which took around ~2 hours for me. In order to get to the entrance of the hike you have to walk past a bridge and seemingly past someone’s backyard. Then, you will see a cabin on the right and a small booth on the left to pay entrance into the park which I believe was $7 USD. Keep in mind this trail is not entirely accessible and at some parts requires upper body strength as you pull yourself up from a rope. It’s not impossible, but very difficult if you are looking for an accessible path. There are also many natural swimming holes for the adventurous hiker.
On this day, I found myself alone in the beautiful forest surrounded by streams of flowing water and pounding waterfalls looming in the distance. It was perfect.
Concluding thoughts on Boquete, Panama:
This province in the mountains changed my expectations of traveling in-land. I typically tend towards beach towns, but the mountains here and the natural untouched beauty is something I can never fully describe in words. I would highly recommend walking around the town of Boquete and enjoying activities out in the mountains/nature hikes. This is definitely a town I would visit again and again should my travels allow!
Tips on traveling to Boquete:
- Stay at Bambuda Castle!
- Go shopping in Boquete
- Visit coffee shops/coffee farms in the region
- Hike the Lost Waterfalls
- Visit Caldera’s Hot Springs
The Wandering Moon 
The Lost Waterfalls hike sounds amazing. I’d love to do something like that one day. What would you say is your favourite part of Panama? Something people could go and see and would wow them and definitely not disappoint.
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In my short time in Panama, I stayed in the mountains which really surprised me how much I enjoyed this type of scenery since I typically like to visit the coast and relax by the beach. Boquete has a small town feel with lots of outdoors/hikes/nature activities to do. Walking around town is an adventure in itself!
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