Introduction: Where Two Worlds Collide (Literally!)

Cayo Zapatilla is the Caribbean whispering "you should quit your job and stay here forever." This uninhabited island is part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, protected since 1988. The name "Zapatilla" means "little shoe" in Spanish. Early explorers thought its shape resembled a slipper floating in the sea. Its healthy coral reefs help maintain the island's natural features.

Notice: This travel guide was updated on March 6, 2026.

Since our original 2012 visit, Panama has been rather busy aggressively upgrading its infrastructure. The famous canal received a massive expansion in 2016, adding wider locks so cargo ships the size of small floating cities can now safely squeeze between the oceans. Getting around the capital is also wildly different thanks to the Panama Metro. Central America's first subway system opened its initial line in 2014 and connected a direct train branch to the international airport in 2023, effectively rescuing travelers from the misery of local traffic jams. That giant, sail-shaped skyscraper dominating the skyline lost its original branding after some highly publicized corporate eviction drama in 2018, and the former Trump Ocean Club now operates as a JW Marriott. Over on the Caribbean side, the gloriously laid-back Bocas del Toro archipelago is currently undergoing a $50 million airport expansion on Isla Colón to finally handle direct commercial flights from Tocumen International, mercifully sparing everyone the cramped regional puddle-jumpers (Source: Newsroom Panama, 2025). To ensure those pristine waters actually stay pristine, the Ministry of Environment enforced a strict ban on single-use plastics across all protected areas starting in 2026, meaning your Caribbean beach lounging now strictly requires packing a reusable water bottle unless you want a severe bureaucratic scolding (Source: Panama Ministry of Environment Resolution, 2025).