Today, Sinaproc, decided that we are not capable of walking the trails around Boquete, or elsewhere in Chiriqui. See this for the announcement. Ok to walk the Darian, or San Blas or anywhere else, but not Chiriqui.
We all now require "national guides" to walk our favorite trails, since it is "obvious" the 2 Dutch girls were "lost" on the trails. Could not be an issue of bad guys, just stupid tourists that cannot follow a trail.
Maybe the "national guides" will be armed to protect us from tigers, snakes and bad guys.
Where are we going to get these "national guides" and in the quantity we need to cover tourism is a good question that needs be ask of Sinaproc. Maybe what we really need are National Police walking the trails, neighborhoods, streets and highways of Chiriqui to get the problem of miscreants under control. Maybe we need the mayor to place the promised "check point" on the roads entering Boquete, and "search" cars for missing persons and stolen property. Maybe we need more "great" and silly rules and requirements.
Let's get the Sinaproc guys in their nice orange suits out walking the trails, instead of sitting around their "recintos" if they are worried about the ability of tourists to safely walk the trails ..... better yet use them for "national guides" since they are already being paid, then the tourist will not have an additional expense for an afternoon walk.
I remember the last fatality we had on the trail was on the Quetzal Trail, and if I remember correctly it was a "national guide" that died. If I am wrong correct me on this recollection ...... I personally have more "bush" time and isolated "way out back" time than any national guide in Chiriqui, and I suspect many of the "tourists" visiting are the same. Sounds like "make work" and silly rules to me.
Replies
Property owners are allowed access if they bring their title, anyone want to go on the Quetzal Trail just email me.
We have titled land off of the Quetzal. If you have a four wheel or horse we can go straight to the trout farm and park there.
Yes during the flood a National Local Guide died, there have been more than one death in those mountains.
Pray the girls are brought back safe....
Hope this is a short term arrangement but until then...I will take anyone.
ecoquestpanama@gmail.com
www.ecoquest1.com
I don't need to forget I'm in Panama. Not my home country. I hope they find the girls healthy.
Hil Jenkins
Knee-jerk reaction, as usual. It will fade away, but in the meantime, gather your hiking friends and go on a nice hike, what are they gonna do, arrest all of you?