Travel Answers

Hola!
I am a US citizen who doesn't speak spanish well, and I am hoping to travel to Panama City where I want to get a motorcycle license and buy a used motorcycle. Then I want to ride it all the way through Central America and into the US. I have a valid US drivers license and have heard that I don't need a motorcycle license in Central America if the motorcycle is 125cc or less. The problem then is that I won't be able to enter the States with the motorcycle. How long does it take to get a license that would be valid in the States, and can a novice spanish speaker pass the tests required? What else should I think about before attempting this?
Muchas gracias,
Matt

When is the better time to travel to Panama weatherwise?

My daughter just started an internship for 6 months i Panama City and found a shared flat in el Granjero. Could anybody help us with an information, how she gets from el granjero via metrobus to her office near Tocumen Airport? Are there other possibilities she could try (like a lift from s.o. who drives the same direction e.g., reliable phone No. for a taxi on daily basis etc.)
Your help is highly appreciated.

Hello - my daughter just started an internship for 6 months and found a shared flat in El Cangrejo. She now tries to find a metrobus line, which will give her a good transport to her new office, near Tokumen Airport.
Could you support me with some information.
Besides Metrobus, are there other possibilities (like car-sharing e.g.) and how can she find these.
Your help is very much appreciated.

Hello, I will be in Panama alone for 3 nights and I was wondering what the best part of the city to stay in would be? I am looking for something with the following:
-close to major sites/interests
-great/safe neighborhhod
-shops, bars, restaurants in walking distance
-not just tourists
Your help is appreciated!

Hi All, Can anyone recommend a fun, nice hostel to stay in or at least a good neighborhood? We are a married couple (on our 16 month honeymoon) in our 30's, so we would want a private room, but love the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. We were referred to the Luna's Castle Hostel, but they don't take reservations for private rooms. We will be there for 3 nights (2 full days), Feb 14th to 17th. Good places to eat, drink, see? Thanks! Autumn and Abe Shelton

4 Hour L/O Panama 04/19. Is that enough time to get to old town & back to the airport? Is it safe for a single woman? Thank you.

A friend and I are arriving in PTY on an evening flight and land around 10 PM (22:00). As two women traveling together, is it worth the extra money (around20) to use the car service that the hotel recommends over an airport cab? We'll be going to Casco Viejo to Hotel Tantalo. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Google cannot find one, therefore, are there any Jamaican restuarant in Panama City? If not, would the locals and visitors welcome a fine Jamaican restuarant in the city?

Does anyone know of any special or traditional activities locals might do in panama city, panama for new year's eve? thanks

I will be in Panama Nov 1 to Nov 8. Would love to meet any VT members while there. Will be at the Gamboa Resort Nov 1 to Nov 5, then move to the Playa Bonita Resort till morning of the 8th. This is a business meeting, but we'll have lots of free time.

We are arriving in November and need to go to Coronado Bay directly on arrival, and want to take a taxi. What should this cost us and how far and long is the trip?

I am heading to Panama for a few weeks coming up in March and staying at the Intercontinental Playa Bonita. Have been reading up on various destinations in and around Panama City. I plan on taking many photographs and seek advice on the "best" spots for wildlife and scenery opportunities. Have quite a list of recommended locations to visit, but will need a month to see them all. Looking to narrow down this field somewhat and do the must sees//

I'm making plans to go to Panama and I'm wondering to go to Sora, becuase the hills. How is this place? Could someone give me a heads up? thanks,

Hi, I'm going to Panama City for a week and would like some suggestions. I understand that taxis are pretty cheap based on one of the transportation tips in the Panama City page. However, since I never have much luck with taxis, I'm actually hoping to just hire a taxi for the day rather than dealing with a succession of drivers. Can you give me an idea how much it'll cost? I'd like to be able to see the Miraflores Lock, Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo (i.e. the usual tourist spots). Can this be arranged through the hotel or can I just flag a taxi off the street? Or do you think I should just join a city tour? If so, any recommendations on a reliable tour operator? Thanks!

We will be in Panama in December for one week, and are looking at staying at the Avalon Grand Panama in Las Cumbres. We would prefer to wake up and look at some nature as oppposed to big buildings. We are a "mature" couple and we like to travel in the basic style: local hotels, local transportation etc. Some of the reviews I have read on other website tell me the Las Cumbres area is not the safest and to choose a different area. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any imput.

My wife and I (retired Canadians), will be visiting Panama City for our first time for the month of February 2012. What areas of Panama City are safe and central to transportation and other services that we should consider staying in? We like walking, taking tours, dining out and mixing with the local people. Al & Lynda

Have any budget travellers visited Isla Contadora? Generally I have to miss out on the islands that need a flight because I find them a bit too pricey but I've noticed aeroperlas flies daily from Panama City to Isla Contadora for like60 return and thats definitely reasonable. How much would you budget about 4-5 days here? Are the boats between the islands reasonably priced? Water taxis or are they ferries? Is it so amazing that I should just suck it up and save a little extra to add this to my plans? Also, I'm hoping to head here mid May (incase this effects prices).

Hello, In a few months I'll have a long lay over in Panama City while returning from Brazil. Should arrive in the city around 6AM and depart around 6PM. My question is: what are the best places to visit? San Felipe, Panama La Vieja, Calidonia, etc.? How long does it take to get from the airport to the city by taxi? Thanks for any suggestions/input. - Skull!

We have some nights in Panama City in late July but we are having real trouble finding a reasonably priced hotel in the OLd City, or indeed, anywhere in Panama City? It needs to be under100, central, clean and safe. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanking you in anticipation, Bruce

1) Is there a Hop On Hop Off type of tour bus that goes through the city of Panama? Cost? Website. 2) Are there any tourists sights that are NOT open every day? 3) Are there any tourist sights that offer free admission or special deals on special days throughout the week? 4) Info on Panama city Carnival? I am trying to maximize my time there because I plan on having a GOOD time!

Wazzup, good people? I am going to Salvador da Bahia at the end of the month on Copa Airlines via Panama City. I have a short connection of 1 hour 1 minute on Copa. Has anyone taken a flight like this on Copa. Is it enough time? Do they typically hold the plane? I usually like longer connections, but it's seems routine for Copa and people tell me it's OK. Anyone have any experience? Many thanks, g

Have perused the tips section and all posting re this subject are quite old. Can anyone tell me the going rate for a Taxi and or recommend a driver? Will be arriving in the evening, about 10:30PM. Thanks, Bob & Patty

I have heard there are two different ferries to Taboga from Panama City, one slow and one fast. does anyone know pricing/scheduling of either of these? I believe they both leave from the Causeway. Thanks, Bob & Patty

I'm trying to get myself orientated on a map of Panama City, so that I can book my accommodations in the downtown area within walking distance of shops, restaurants, spas. Could you please tell me the boundaries/streets of the downtown core? Also, if you are aware of any day spas in e hotels or near to hotels in this downtown core, please do tell. Thanks, Spa

I am visiting Panama City, PA for the first time next spring. I will be staying in the heart of the city to take in the culture and the cuisine. I found out recently that there is a Jamaican/Caribbean Community in Panama or Panama City? Since my background is Jamaican, naturally, I am interested in knowing where this is, and how to get there via the city. Is there a museum of Caribbean or black culture in Panama City? Any help in this area would be wonderful. Spachick2000@yahoo.com

I am considering a trip to Panama, including a tour of the canal. I found a guided tour outfit called Panama Jones. The website and description of the tours sound great and they offer an attractive variety of tours, but I can't find any recent reviews on the web. Anyone know anything about them?

I AM COMING TO PANAMA OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY AND AM IN SEARCH OF A 4 OR 5 BEDROOM HOUSE/CONDO IN THE CITY. I WILL BE TRAVELING WITH PEOPLE WHO WANT TO STAY IN THE CITY AND TAKE IN THE NIGHT LIFE. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

Does anyone know what is near the cruise ship terminal in Fuerte Amador....shops for instance? Thanks

Does anyone know of a place I could pick up a used surfboard in the city? I'll be flying into Panama city and I want to find a board to use for my trip. Any ideas where to find one? I'll primarily be staying at hostels around the country. Are there usually boards for sale at the hostels there?