It looks like the “Curse of Los Quetzales” in Boquete stroke again. This time it is a Japanese national, one Hironobu Kano. Kano was reported seen last at his hostel in Boquete expressing his intentions to visit some of Boquete’s tourist attractions, most notably, the thermal springs in Caldera and the trekking path of Los Quetzales.
At this point, Kano is presumed missing in Los Quetzales. A search party consisting of units of the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) and the Chiriquí Police is combing the Quetzales in search of the missing Japanese.
This is the second foreigner missing in Los Quetzales, following the disappearance of Alexander Humphrey, a British national that reported missing in August and have yet to be discovered.
I can help but think that it is time ANAM (Panama’s Environmental Protection Agency) and the Panama Tourism Authority take a closer look at the inadequacy of the protocol in place to protect tourists from such disasters.
Perhaps it is time to improve the Quetzales with better signage, groomed paths, update maps, and strict rules regarding trekking on it. Or perhaps it is time local trained guides are employed that will accompany tourists on the trail providing experience and local know-how to inexperienced trekkers.
I understand that ultimately the onus is on each individual to take responsibility of their own action and decisions. However, if Panama is to take tourism to “the next level” it can afford incidents like this and August’s. It is not acceptable and will not help improve Panama’s (and Boquete’s) image to the world.
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Perhaps a tax of 5% on your electrical bills will allow the country to correct this problem. Can we name the tax after the editor?
There are other ways to get funds for this other than more “bogus” taxes. Plenty of money around as long as they don’t “help themselves” to it, if you know what I mean.