The Bocas del Toro province is a rich land of hugely important destinations ranging from metropolitan cities and small towns to beautiful islands and wetlands comprising a diverse marine life. Here in this article, we will be talking about two important traveling targets in the province, the Humedales de San San Pond Sak and the town of Las Delicias.
Humedales de San San Pond Sak
Located about 7 km north of the Changuinola district is this amazing, though slightly unknown, wetland harboring an extensive variety of tropical flora and fauna species. Spread over a massive area of 160 square kilometers, the San San Pond Sak is most famous for its turtle conservation. Go for an early morning boat ride to the bay and enjoy an excellent opportunity for birdwatching parrots, hawks, and herons.
Upon reaching the lagoon, you can see sloths, monkeys, parrots, hawks, iguanas, frogs, snakes, sea turtles, and other countless species; however, the most exotic of the lot is the West Indian Manatee, also called the ‘Sea Cow’. The San San Pond Sak is one of the few habitats for the manatee in Central America and a glimpse of this elusive beast, feeding on crunchy banana leaves, is a definite treat for the eyes.
Tours
Aamvecano is a conservation organization that arranges tours to the beautiful wetlands. The organization is associated with the Ministry of Environment in Panama, consisting of volunteers engaged in the overall administration of the wetlands. The tour starts from the Rio San San Road Bridge located 6 km north of Changuinola. Travelers can also reach the San San Pond Sak by fetching a boat from Changuinola to Isla Colon, passing through the Changuinola Canal and crossing the Changuinola River. On reaching Finca-44, take another boat and explore the complete area. Another option is to board a bus to the Costa Rican border; upon arriving at the bridge over the San San River, rent a small boat to explore the wetlands downstream.
The Turtles
Out of the eight sea-turtle species in the world, four can be witnessed breeding in the Bocas del Toro Province, predominantly on the scintillating beaches along the northern coast of Isla Bastimentos. The four species are the Loggerhead Turtles (appearing between April and May), the Leatherback Turtles (visible in March), the Hawksbill Turtles and the Green Turtles (appearing from July to September).
The turtles come out of the sea to lay their eggs on the sandy coasts. After a period of around two months, the offspring break out of their eggshells and enter the sea, leaving behind the nests. During these two months, the eggs are exposed to dangers of getting destroyed or stolen by raccoons, birds, dogs, and the indigenous communities, who even today consume these turtles and their eggs, contributing to the declining population of these very special animals. The organization, Aamvecano, along with arranging tours to the San San Pond Sak, also indulges in the conservation and protection of these turtle species from human predators and other dangers that the eggs may face during development. It accepts volunteers for the Turtle Nesting and Hatching projects, which are generally active between February and July.
Lodgings
Although the wetlands can be experienced via a day trip from Changuinola, tourists prefer to stay overnight as it enables them to appreciate the area in a better way. For that, there is a rustic lodging available inside the park on a beautiful beach containing three basic but comfortable rooms (available at $10 USD per room), cold-water showers, toilets, and a well-maintained cooking area. Bedding is not provided so guests should bring their own blankets and sleeping bags. Save yourself from mosquito bites and sand bugs by carrying mosquito nets and bug repellent creams.
Las Delicias
Las Delicias is a small, beautiful indigenous town in the Changuinola district located along the Rio Sixaola, 20 km away from the Costa Rican border crossing Guabito. The community here used to depend on harvesting and lodging to survive, but today their income source has shifted to preservation and eco-tourism. Travelers can contribute to the community by visiting their home town of Las Delicias.
Attractions
The Talamanca Mountains and the Sixaola River Valley offer travelers tremendous viewpoints to watch the spectacular wildlife, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and beautiful rainforests. Tourists can experience these picturesque landscapes by boating through the river valley, hiking through the lush green rainforests, or horseback riding along the mountains.
Places to Stay and Eat
The accommodations in Las Delicias are not very well developed. Travelers have to arrange their own supplies, most importantly a water purifier and a flashlight torch because there is generally no electricity and drinking water supplies available in the lodgings here. Mosquitoes and bugs show no mercy at all, so visitors are advised to arrange mosquito and bug repellants along with mosquito nets to save themselves during sleep. Meals are reasonably priced at around $25 USD per person and include fish prepared by the community members, which is delicious.
§ El Guabo Cabins: Visitors will find rustic cabins in El Guabo on the Rio Yorkin operated by a group called The Association of Women Protecting the Forests (ALAKOLPA) comprising of indigenous women. The cabins costing $20 USD per person render a bathroom with an attached toilet and a shower. Visitors have to arrange flashlights for the nights as there is no electricity. Guests can also tie up a hammock or put up a tent in one of the ranchos around the cabins.
Reaching Las Delicias
To reach the community, travelers can board a bus at Changuinola going to Las Tablas. From there, they can take a taxi to Las Delicias. Direct taxis can also be arranged from Changuinola, but that would be a bit expensive. Boats in Las Delicias will take you to the Yorkin and Sixaola river valleys.
Conclusion
The Humedales de San San Pond Sak is a beautiful wetland comprising of a large variety of wildlife species, most notably the West Indian Manatee and the four turtle species. A government organization, Aamvecano, arranges tours to the place and also engages in patrolling and conserving the rapidly declining turtle species.
Las Delicias is a peaceful indigenous town with eco-tourism being the main source of income for the local community. The town offers tremendous views of the picturesque wildlife, waterfalls, and rainforests. There are lodging options available in both towns. All of these features make these two towns must-visit destinations for tourists planning to vacay in the Bocas del Toro Province.
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