On the road again, we packed our wee sacks and said goodbye to sweet Santa Catalina...until we meet again.
It was time to pull up our growing roots and continue to explore this diverse country. Three days away from the sea. That is all we could handle. Up into the mountains we drove, travelling on more fantastic Pan Am highway in a spacious shuttle van. We used the Hola Panama tourist shuttle service for two of our cross country legs and we very impressed with the vans and the service. For only a few dollars more than the slow and cramped 'chicken bus', the tourist shuttles travel direct, have comfy seats, plenty of room and spare travellers from the endless (and insanely loud) boom boom of the latest top 40 music videos. We love us some chicken bus excitement but it is nice to have an alternate choice if and when the novelty wears off. And for myself, being extremely motion sick, the shortest route on long windy mountain roads is most often my first choice.
5 hours and $30 each later, we were dropped off directly at our Boquete home, just on the edge of town, Apartments de Los Pinos. "Best location, great value." Was the title of my trip advisor review this time. The kind hotel manager, Emma, asked if we wouldn't mind adding our review to help them start building their online presence. 15 years in business but just a few months in the world of online reviews, Los Pinos has some catching up to do. But this little gem of a hotel is sure to be booked solid once the word gets out to those looking for spacious and conveniently located, mid-range accommodation in Boquete.
Our two story suite was outfitted with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen and our own little deck overlooking beautifully manicured gardens and the valley beyond. All for only $65 per night. It was just like having our very own little Boquete apartment and we have our pals Cale and Vicky to thank for the recommendation.
