| The islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago have | | | | islands, also together with their slaves, in order to |
| been called the Galapagos of the Caribbean. They are | | | | evade tax payments. An important commercial |
| located in the extreme western part of the country, | | | | exchange started with the settled Indians of the |
| only 25 miles from the Republic of Costa Rica. This | | | | region trading live turtles, turtle shells, cocoa and |
| Archipelago has the perfect combination of historical | | | | mahogany with the English people that came from |
| and cultural traditions, with a charming variety of | | | | Jamaica.Bocas del Toro possesses a rich, ethnic |
| aquatic species, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches with | | | | culture that is reflected in its traditions, customs, |
| crystal clear water and undisturbed jungles with all | | | | gastronomy, music, dances and other afro-antillean |
| the flora and fauna you can imagine.Without any | | | | manifestations; combined with the indigenous culture |
| doubt, the most famous visitor to this piece of | | | | that remains intact.It is not known for certain from |
| paradise was the Admiral Christopher Columbus on | | | | where the name of this incredible Archipelago, |
| October 6, 1502 on his fourth and last trip to the | | | | forgotten by time, comes. It is said that when |
| Americas. He entered with two vessels into a wide | | | | Christopher Columbus landed at one of the fantastic |
| bay, now called Almirante Bay, took in provisions on | | | | beaches, he saw various waterfalls in the form of |
| the present Bastimentos Island and careened a ship | | | | "bocas del toro" (mouth of the bull). Columbus also |
| in the vicinity of Carenero Island.At the beginning of | | | | distinguished a large rock on Bastimentos Island that |
| the 19th century, the brothers "Snap" arrived from | | | | has the form of a bull that is lying down. The sound |
| Jamaica with their slaves, at the same time with the | | | | of the immense waves hitting the large rock is similar |
| "Shepherd" family that inhabited Shepherd Island.A | | | | to the roaring of a bull. On the other hand, there are |
| few years later various Scottish and English families | | | | locals that assure us that the last "cacique" (chief) of |
| emigrated from the San Andres and Providencia | | | | the region was known as "Boka Toro". |