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FAQs & Important Information

There is no real weather forecast for Bocas. It always says thunderstorms every day. Bocas has a very warm, tropical climate all year long. There is no real “rainy” season, but November and July are normally wetter months. There is plenty of sunshine and rain year round. If it is particularly wet during your stay, don’t worry. You and your belongings will stay dry inside the bungalows, and there is still plenty to do. Rain also usually means good swell, so you can go surfing.
All tour and massage reservations are made at the hotel. We can go over all of your options when you arrive.
We can arrange for a late airport pickup and private boat to transport you from town to La Loma. The price for this service is $60. Please note that the late flights can sometimes be delayed, and dinner starts between 7 and 7:30 pm, so it is possible that we may have to reheat your plates.
Please let us know when making the reservation which food allergies or restrictions apply to you and we will do our best to accomodate your dietary restrictions.
  • All prices include three daily meals, natural juices, coffee/teas/cacao, round-trip transportation by private boat transfer, and all equipment (including kayaks and binoculars).
  • Cacao and Permaculture tour with demonstration of cacao processing.
  • Access to all hiking trails, and chocolate farm.

Yes. All of the water is at La Loma is fresh, filtered rainwater with natural gas heating. There are absolutely no chemicals, metals, or other additives. Prepare for your softest hair and skin! As our natural water source is limited, we ask all of our guests to be conservative in their usage. Our purified water is mostly rain-caught, with a natural spring reserve for backup. We have a 3-stage purification system for drinking water so you can refill our reusable bottles. 

Due to our remote location, gourmet dining, concept of no walls, and serene jungle environment, the minimum guest age is 8 years old.

The jungle/farm-to-table dining experience at La Loma is one of our defining features. Our menu adapts daily to bring our guests the freshest possible ingredients in deliciously creative dishes. We always offer vegan and vegetarian options and can accommodate most other dietary restrictions. Our set three-course meals are served at large, family style tables, offering wonderful opportunities for meeting other guests. For those seeking privacy, we can also make private dining arrangements. Lunches are often safely packed so you can take them on your daily adventure.

Please note that La Loma is one of the highest hills in all of Bocas del Toro, at just under 70m. Some of the Bungalows and the Main Lodge have steep walks and hills. Our high elevations could be very hazardous for kids and elders. If you have any mobility issues, please check with us about which Bungalow will be best for you.

Yes, there are plenty of bugs! We are in the jungle. However, because of some preventative measures, we don’t have many mosquitoes. Chitras (sandflies) only come out at dusk and sunrise and are concentrated around mangroves. Most people don’t find them to be bothersome. For those that do, a quick application of coconut oil or biodegradable bug spray will keep them away! All bungalows are equiped with mosquito nets. Of course scorpions, snakes, and tarantulas do live in every jungle. They are extremely rare and hard to find here. There are no poisonous snakes at La Loma.

Malaria is not a concern in this area of Panama. We strongly advise against taking any malaria medication, which can have moderate to severe side effects, and increases susceptibility to sunburn.

There are no dangerous snakes, or anything else to worry about!

La Loma is 100% off-grid, powered by a robust solar energy system. Each Bungalow has efficient LED lighting, ceiling fan, 110V outlets, and hot water. We ask that you only charge large electronics during the day. Please note that high-energy use items such as hair dryers or straighteners are not permitted.

Yes, there is WiFi in the main lodge, however, it does not reach the bungalows. We encourage you to disconnect and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature while you are here! And for calls, if they are local, guests may use our reception phone. For international, a VoIP service like Skype on a personal device will be necessary.

Due to our remote location, La Loma is one of the safest places in Bocas. We have never had any problems with theft. However, we still recommend keeping electronics and valuables locked up in the safe in the room and taking normal precautions. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any items lost/damaged/or stolen.

While we will do everything possible to ensure your comfort and safety, we cannot accept responsibility for bugs, water, or electrical shortages caused by acts of nature. Thank you for your understanding!

All kayak and paddle board rentals are included in your stay at La Loma.

Recommended Packing List:

  • Backpack (water repellent preferred)
  • Rain jacket
  • Hiking shoes
  • Quick-dry clothes
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Reef-safe sunblock
  • Biodegradable toothpaste and toothbrush

 

If you have a little space to spare, please consider participating in Pack for a Purpose, a wonderful initiative to bring low-cost and extremely beneficial items to local communities.

Please do NOT bring:

  • Any outside food as it can attract insects and other animals into the rooms.
  • High-power consumption items like speakers, hair dryers, etc.
  • Any plastic bottles or packaging, unless you intend to take them with you when you leave.
The local currency is US dollars. Keep in mind that some places in Bocas only accept cash. There is an ATM at Banco Nacional in Bocas Town  that you can visit before your arrival. Please be aware that we charge a 3% fee for credit card transactions. During your stay, we will keep a tab of any alcoholic beverages, store items, and tours, which you can pay at check-out.

To ensure the best possible experience, we pick up all guests from Bocas daily at 4 pm. Our private transfer leaves from Bocas Docks in Bocas town on Isla Colon at 4 pm. If you are arriving to Bocas earlier, you may like to store your bags in our locker there. Renting e-bikes from Bocas eBikes is a great way to spend a few hours exploring the island. For a quick bite, there is a smoothie bar and restaurant right at the departure dock, JJ’s at Bocas Blended. After a scenic 20-minute boat ride across Bocas bay and through the mangroves, our boat will bring you to La Loma’s bay-side entrance where our staff will welcome you.

If you arrive in Bocas after our 4 pm shuttle boat, we recommend that you spend the first night in Bocas town on Isla Colon, before taking our 4 pm shuttle the following day.

If you prefer to arrive directly in La Loma, we can arrange for a late airport pickup and a private boat to transport you from town to La Loma. The price for this service is $60. Please note that the late flights can sometimes be delayed, and dinner starts between 7 and 7:30 pm, so it is possible that we may have to reheat your plates. 

Room check-out is at 11 am. Guests are welcome to stay on the property until departure time. We offer two shuttles back to Bocas town, at 9 am and 3 pm (included in your stay). If these times are not convenient, or if you have a different destination, we can arrange a private water taxi for you.

Reservations may be canceled free of charge up to 30 days before the date of the reservation. Reservations canceled within the 30-day period will be charged 50% if done 11 days before arrival. All reservations are fully non-refundable within 10 days of check-in and during the holiday period (December 15 to January 15).

How to get here

Our private boat leaves from Bocas Docks in Bocas Town on the main island (Isla Colon) at 4 pm. If you arrive early, Bocas Docks can store your bags for you. JJ’s Restaurant, next door to Bocas Docks, is a great option for a drink or snack while you are waiting for the boat. 

View Location of Bocas Docks >

By air:

 

Fly from Albrook Airport in Panama City (PAC) to Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC) on Air Panama (www.AirPanama.com).

 

By land:

 

An overnight bus runs nightly from Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City to Almirante, leaving at approximately 7 pm and arriving at 5 am. These tickets must be purchased in person at the terminal. From Almirante, a 30 minute water taxi will take you to Bocas town on Isla Colon.

By land:

1. There are several busses which connect the main bus terminal in David to Almirante. Tickets must be purchased directly at the bus terminal. From Almirante, a 30 minute water taxi will take you to Bocas town on Isla Colon.

2. For a more comfortable ride, you can hire a private taxi to take you directly to Almirante. From Almirante, a 30 minute water taxi will take you to Bocas town on Isla Colon.

By land:

We recommend taking either Caribe Shuttle or Bocas Transfer Shuttle directly from Boquete to Almirante. Both companies will also provide water taxi service to Bocas town on Isla Colon. Tickets may be purchased online or in Boquete town.

By air:

Aerobel Airlines flies directly from San Jose to Bocas del Toro International Airport on Friday and Sunday. Book your flight at https://www.aerobell.com

By land:

Caribe Shuttle offers a direct private shuttle daily (approximately 10 hours).

The most convenient option when traveling from Puerto Viejo is Caribe Shuttle.

Please don’t hesitate to con­tact us if you have questions about your travel arrange­ments. 
Consider helping to off­set travel-related envir­on­mental dam­age by vis­it­ing the Ter­ra­Pass website.