Panama Travel Forum

We are considering an extended holiday in Panama next winter (Canadian winter) and are doing preliminary research now. Being young-ish retirees, we are not too interested in the party or surf scene, but do want to choose a couple of regions to base ourselves for several weeks at a time and enjoy day trips to explore the natural beauties (we love to hike, beach, explore etc). We usually choose ocean regions if we can. We will be seeking reasonable self catering accommodations, usually apartments or small villas.
So my question to anyone familiar with Panama, which of these areas would you recommend we use as bases: Gorgona /Coronada; Portobelo; Bocas del Toro or are there others which might offer reasonable amenities and access. How much of a factor is weather in the January to March period?
I am also searching VT tips for self catering accommodations but would welcome personal recommendations.
Thanks for any advice.

Bocas del Toro is so beautiful but really not much there. I was only there shooting a movie. We loved Panama, there such beauty all around. Go to Torte which is near the start of the Darrien. Villages and people amazing. I am going to look at my old notes and see what I can come up with.

Good luck!

Trying to predict the weather can be difficult because of local on the day variations.
This information should be used as a guide only.
Here is the average weather for Panama for this time of year.
Enjoy your holiday.

January
High 87f / 31c
Low 74f / 23c

February
High 87f / 31c
Low 74f / 23c

March
High 89f / 32c
Low 75f / 24c

You will be going when there is no humidty. I am not at home in LA now, but when I get back, I am going to check my travel notes and email you with places to go and hike. I have a whole list of places, but can't remember the right names or spelling at the moment. We stayed there for 2 weeks while we shot a low budget film in town before we went to Peru. I had to shop for all the art dept props and for our food. I also set up where we ate at night, it is all at home in LA.

I wish I could go back again, we really met some nice people.

potobelo is really nice if you like clear blue water this is the place but bocas del toro is great also i usually stay at a friends house hes also a tour guide speaks excelent english i could give you his number if ou want. for colon i know a few people also that could show you the best spots. for hotels in portobelo or isla grande
http://www.centrodereservas.net/
isla grande
http://www.bananasresort.com/
cabaña la cholita (507)448-2962
cabaña villa ensueño 507-448-2964
cabaña siter moon 507-448-2182
cabaña el Nato soy yo 507-448-2189
cabaña candy rose 507-448-2947

bocas del toro
hotel laguna 507-757-9091
http://www.swanscayhotel.com/ 507-757-9090
el mangrove inn eco resort 507-757-9594
http://www.hotelbahia.biz/ 507-757-9626
el hotel las brisas 507-757-9247
la carolina 507-757-9318
http://www.bocasdeltorotravel.com/viajes_paquetes_turisticos/hotel_cocomo.htm