Review Of La Loma Jungle Lodge In Bocas del Toro, Panama
There are no walls, no doors, and no windows in the bungalows at La Loma Jungle Lodge. And that is the whole idea. All seven are dotted among trees, and the sounds of the jungle carry through each one, day and night. Reachable only by boat, this eco-luxury lodge occupies a rainforest hillside on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, Panama. If you’re looking for a unique, immersive jungle experience, this is it.
At A Glance
Location And Getting Around
Isla Bastimentos is one of the largest islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Dense rainforest covers most of it, wildlife is everywhere, and white-sand beaches line the coast. There are no cars and no paved roads anywhere on the island.
Most international travelers fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Air Panama operates direct flights to Bocas del Toro (BOC) from Albrook Airport (PAC), on the other side of the city. From Bocas Town, the lodge’s own boat brings you over in about 10 minutes, according to the transfer schedule. After you book, the team sends full arrival instructions.
Combining Panama with Costa Rica is straightforward too. Sansa Airlines flies direct from San José (SJO) to Bocas del Toro airport (BOC) several times per week. For those coming overland from Puerto Viejo, Caribe Shuttle is the most convenient option.
The Property And Atmosphere
Rainforest surrounds La Loma Jungle Lodge, and boats are the only way in. The property runs from the mangrove shores of Bahia Honda Bay through a working permaculture and cacao farm up to the island’s highest peak. Despite the seclusion, it’s easy to arrange activities and water taxis to Bocas Town or Red Frog Beach whenever you want to head out for the day.
The heart of La Loma Jungle Lodge is the common area, where guests gather throughout the day. The lower floor holds a yoga space, while the upper floor has the bar, restaurant, and lounge, all facing the bay. It sits up on the hill, with seven bungalows spread out above and below it.
Because of the remote setting, gourmet dining, and the open-wall design, La Loma Jungle Lodge does not accept guests under 8 years old.
The Bungalows At La Loma Jungle Lodge
Seven bungalows are built to put you as close to nature as possible. Nights come with a soundtrack, from an insect orchestra and frog calls to the sound of tropical rain. The birds take over at first light. With no exterior walls, there is nothing between you and the jungle. Generous canopy mosquito nets surround the beds for undisturbed sleep while the jungle carries on around you.
Each bungalow has its own character, position on the hill, and outlook. Here is how they compare.
- Rainforest King Bungalow (sleeps 2) – One of the highest bungalows on the property, with panoramic views over the jungle and the sea. It has a king-size bed under a canopy-style mosquito net, a bathroom with a hot-water shower, and hammock nets for enjoying the views. Perfect for a romantic setup.
- Rainforest Queen Bungalow (sleeps 4) – Set near the top of one of the highest hills in Bocas del Toro, at around 70 m (230 ft), this is the highest bungalow on the property. It has the best views of the area. The design matches the Rainforest King, with two queen beds instead of a king. A good pick for two friends traveling together or a family with one or two kids.
- Family Treetop Bungalow (sleeps 5) – Located lower on the hill than the Rainforest bungalows, with views over the canopy. One of the largest accommodations in La Loma Jungle Lodge, it comes with one queen bed plus two or three singles. Mosquito nets divide the parents’ and kids’ areas. This open-air bungalow features furniture handcrafted on-site and hammocks for enjoying the jungle surroundings.
- King Treetop Bungalow (sleeps 2) – Close to the common area and ringed by jungle, this one is a prime monkey-watching spot. It has a king bed, locally made furniture, a bathroom with a shower, and a hammock. A strong choice for couples.
- Rock Pool Bungalow (sleeps 4) – Tucked under the canopy with a view over a set of natural rock pools and the sound of the stream nearby. It has two queen beds under a mosquito net and a bathroom with a hot-water shower. It’s at the bottom of the hill, so a steep set of steps stands between you and every meal.
- Cacao Farm Suite (sleeps 4) – Set in the middle of La Loma’s chocolate farm among cacao and fruit trees. This two-bedroom suite has a queen bed in each room, two full bathrooms, and several chill-out areas, including an upper terrace facing the rainforest. Like the Rock Pool Bungalow, it involves a steep climb to reach the common area.
- Cacao Farm House (sleeps 6) – Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large living space make it ideal for bigger families or friends traveling together. You’ll find it at the bottom of the hill, farthest from the other bungalows.
The Bar And Restaurant
Three farm-to-table meals a day come with your stay. The menu at La Loma Jungle Lodge changes daily around what is ready to harvest. Everything is grown on the property or sourced as locally as possible. The food is delicious and beautifully prepared, with unique local flavors. The style is tropical fusion, guided by what is fresh rather than by one cuisine, and cacao shows up in some form almost every day.
Lunches are light and vibrant. Dinners are a three-course set menu, often featuring fish, shrimp, or chicken. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are always on the menu, and the kitchen accommodates most other dietary needs.
Meal times are set. Breakfast is from 8 to 10 AM, lunch is at 12:30 PM, and dinner is at 7 PM. On full-day trips such as Zapatilla Island, the kitchen packs a picnic lunch.
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From 5 PM, the bar opens with two Cocktails of the Day, created around specialty ingredients from the farm. They’re excellent. Snacks come alongside, with the sun setting over the water in front of you.
On-Site Activities And Experiences
Most of what people book tours for in Bocas del Toro is already here: jungle hikes, sloths, hummingbirds, and red frogs. The grounds at La Loma Jungle Lodge hold enough wildlife to keep photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone who loves nature busy for days. On two evenings, we got a surprise visit from a three-toed sloth in the tree right beside the restaurant.
Nothing needs booking in advance. You can set up activities at check-in and change plans later during your stay. The classic Bocas del Toro trips are just as easy to arrange, including Zapatilla Island, Bat Cave, and Red Frog Beach.
Permaculture And Cacao Tour
A great introduction to La Loma Jungle Lodge and its chocolate farm. You learn how it operates and taste a range of tropical fruits. Keep an eye out for sloths, monkeys, and birds along the way. It ends with a chocolate-making demonstration, from tree to cookie.
Self-Guided Jungle Hike
Some of the best trails in the whole archipelago cross La Loma’s land, available exclusively to guests. Two clearly marked routes, the Red and Green trails, run through dense rainforest and the farm to natural rock pools and streams. Birds and animals are around, though without a guide, seeing them comes down to luck.
Birdwatching
Wake up early and walk the rainforest and gardens with an expert guide to see the variety of birds living around La Loma Jungle Lodge. Our favorite sightings included Montezuma oropendola, green kingfisher, golden-collared manakin, black-cheeked woodpecker, and a range of hummingbirds.
Night Hike
After dinner, a naturalist guide leads a walk in search of nocturnal creatures. We saw night monkeys, caimans, woolly opossums, frogs, and spiders. The jungle sounds alone make it worth doing.
Who It’s For And The Bottom Line
La Loma Jungle Lodge suits travelers who want comfort and adventure in one place. It exceeded every expectation we had. The bungalows are genuinely unique, the food is excellent, and there is wildlife all around the property. Nature photographers and birdwatchers barely need to leave the grounds. We stayed in the Rainforest King Bungalow and loved it. Every morning, a warm cup of freshly brewed cacao tea arrived at our room, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the day. Three nights is the minimum we’d recommend, though the four we stayed felt ideal.
One thing to know before booking: the terrain is steep, and the paths are natural. Guests with mobility issues will find it hard going, and the walk to meals is part of daily life here.
