La Loma 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 accommodate 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, we have hot water heaters for all of the guest showers, however, the sinks do not have hot water. While we love for our guests to enjoy their warm open air showers, please remember to be conscious of your water use especially during drier periods of the year.
Yes. All of the water is at La Loma is fresh, filtered rainwater . 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 your bottle.
Due to our remote location, gourmet dining, open wall concept, 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, elders and pregnant women. 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 venomous or dangerous snakes, or anything else to worry about!
No, our bungalows and reception/restaurant area are solar powered and open air. There is no air conditioning, however the canopy of the jungle and our high powered, energy efficient fans will keep you nice and cool.
There is no pool on site, but there are some natural rock pools you can take a quick dip in
The easiest beach to get to is the famous Red Frog Beach, located 5-10 minutes by boat from the hotel. This beautiful white sand beach is swimmable most of the year although look out for flags from the lifeguards letting you know where to swim. The cost for round trip transport to and from the beach is $10 and there is a $5 entrance fee charged by the owner of the dock and trail to pass the 10 minute walking trail to get there.
What shoes to bring, long sleeve clothes, Hat, sunscreen, rainjacket. Water bottle
We have yoga at 8 am 6 or 7 days per week depending on what teachers we have on-site during that given time. The cost for the group class is $15. Private classes are available by appointment and we can quote that for you in the moment.
During rainy days we recommend relaxing and enjoying the jungle in all its splendor. It is a great time for a massage, reading a book, playing a game with loved ones, or for the more adventurous, a cave tour or hike.
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.
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 Chiriqui Grande (2.5 hrs) or Almirante (3.5 hrs). Tickets for Chiriqui Grande can be purchased at www.panabocas.com but for Almirante they must be purchased directly at the bus terminal. From Chiriqui Grande, a 40-60 min boat ride will get you to Isla Colon. From Almirante, it will only take about 30 minutes to reach 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 Panabocas (www.panabocas.com) which takes you by shuttle to Chiriqui Grande and then includes the boat to Isla Colon. This route cuts out over an hour of driving time, although you will spend a little extra time on the boat. The other option is Hello Panama Travel shuttle which takes you through Almirante.
By air: Sansa Airlines flies directly from San Jose to Bocas del Toro International Airport a few days a week. Book your flight at https://www.flysansa.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.
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. Our internet provider is Starlink, so while it doesnt rely on local infrastructure, it can get a little shaky with heavy weather.
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!
We have kayaks on site that are included with your stay and are first come, first served.
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 are a few ATMs in Bocas Town that you can visit before your arrival. Banco Nacional, the only bank in town, has 3 outside. Duo Market and Super Christina each have ATMs outside of their stores as well. Please be aware that we charge a 3% fee for 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. Or 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.
Our cancellation policy depends on the rate you receive at the time of booking. Please carefully review your booking before confirming so that you understand what the cancellation policy is.