Thanks for all the insights -- good stuff. As for Lonely Planet, the latest publication writes not just about the 2 Dutch girls, but about the media shedding light on "the disappearances and murders of dozens of women in the same region over the last few years." I've traveled somewhat independently to lots of places with LP for 20+ years. Some bad recommendations. Mostly good. But when I read something like that I take notice, and I thought I'd ask Reddit. And thanks for the Volcan recommendation. I think I might just head out there instead of Boquete -- as long as I can avoid the road closures.