Panama Travel Forum

I'm spending 2 weeks in Panama on vacations.
I've been reading and researching and found 4 "must-see" places:

- Panama City
- San Blas
- Bocas del Toro
- Santa Catalina

The idea is to know the capital, then also get to know the pacific coast (I chose Santa Catalina, is this the best choice in the Pacific Coast?), and also enjoy San Blas and Bocas del Toro which seem to be the most popular destinations.
My idea would be (in this order):
- 3 days in PC (city tour, canal tour + colon, embera tour)
- 3 days in the Pacific Coast (santa catalina & isla coiba ?)
- 4 days in San Blas (kuna lodge at isla kardup? or isla tigre?)
- 5 days in Bocas del Toro (stay at isla colon or bastimentos?)

Do you think I'm doing this in the right order? For instance, will I have trouble traveling from PC to the pacific coast(plane or bus?)? or will it be difficult to go from San Blas to Bocas del Toro (by plane, boat or bus?)...?
My idea is start with more cultural like PC, then local cultr«ure, forests and animals and leave the best and more relaxing to the end: san blas and bocas, so I can enjoy the beaches before returning to my country...

Any suggestions/changes would be appreciated! Thanks

Hi There,

As I'm going on vacations to Panama I've read in the web that it's preferable to use 20USD bills as 50USD bills aren't widely accepted.
Is this true? Because it's easier for me to carry my money in 50USD bills than a lot more if in 20USD...
Also is there any security issues regarding this? Besides common sense for staying safe in a foreing country on vacations when showing and using your money, of course.

Hi There,

Can anyone tell me what's the best Tour from Panama City to view the canal?
I've seen options for half-day and full-day tours...
Could I combine a Canal Tour with a City Tour to know the city, both on one day? Or wouldn't it be enough...?

Thank You!

Hi There,

When planning a one day Embera Village Tour, I came across with two options:

- Embera Drua (http://www.trail2.com/embera/index.htm)
- Embera Village Tours (http://www.emberavillagetours.com/)

Can you recommend any of these...?
I read that this is a must see thing in Panama. Do you agree...?

Thanks!

Hi There,

I was searching for a mid-range hotel to stay for 2 or 3 nights in PC, and I got a good price with a Travel Agency here in my Country.
The idea is to spend 3 days in PC to get to know it and then move on to other places in Panama. So, what I need is a safe and well located place to explore PC.
Do you think this GRAN HOTEL SOLOY & CASINO is a good choice...? Anyone already stayed there and could share any thoughts...?

Thanks a lot!

Can I get a First Class bus from Albrook Terminal in Panama City to El VAlle? My main concern is being able to use the bathroom. If the bus doesn't have these facilities, will the driver make a rest stop?

Hi There!

I'm going to Panama on vacation.
I'll be arriving in the 22nd November and stay until 7th December.
Do you think I'll get good weather in this period...?
Good enough to sunbathe in Bocas del Toro...?
Thanks!

I will be visiting the San Blas Islands at the end of february next year. Because Colombia will be my next destination I am thinking of combining this with a boat trip to Colombia. A few questions about that:

1. What do you think is the best way to experience the islands: going by boat in this case I suppose you use the same boat as transport between the islands and sleeping place for the night or going by plane and stay with local people, use their transport etc. Anyone experiences with (preferably both of) this?

2. If I choose to go by boat I might take a boat which uses the “new” route that ends at the Panama/Colombian border, at town of Sapzurro because this part of Panama also seems so be nice and otherwise difficult to reach (and also quite difficult to leave I suppose) and Medellin will be my next destination (will be visiting Cartagena later on my trip). Besides the final stop is there a big difference between a tour ending in Cartagena or in Sapzurro? Anyone (recent) experiences with this? Do’s or don’ts on this trip?

3. Which are good boats for this trips? What are about the prices you paid? Anyone (recent) experiences with this? Where to book? (I am thinking about taking one of the boats offered on the website of the Mamallena hostel).

Thanks answering,

Harry.

Hi,

I will be travelling in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama for about 11-12 weeks starting on dec. 5th in San José where I will arrive by plane. Because it is about those 3 countries but also about best connections/route between them I will post this on all 3 forum lists. This is roughly my itinirary:

Costa Rica (about 1 week): San José (or better to stay in Alajuela, will go to San José later?) – Liberia/Rincon de la Vieja – Playa Tamarindo – to Nicaragua

Nicaragua (about 4 weeks, including Xmas): San Juan del Sur – Isla Ometepe – Granada – Masaya – Leon – Chinandega/Cosiguina – Matagalpa – Esteli – Managua – flight to/back Corn Islands (or will I have to skip this while also visiting San Blas Islands?, see later) – bus to San Carlos – will it be worth visiting Laguna de Las Perlas? – Rio San Juan – to Costa Rica

Costa Rica (about 3 weeks, january): Los Chiles/Cano Negro – Arenal – Monte Verde – San José – Tortuguero - San José – San Gerardo de Rivas/Chirripo – Domical – Corcovado – to Panama

Panama (about 3 weeks, february): Boquete – or better/also go to Cerro Punta/La Amistad? – Bocas del Toro – Santa Catalina/Isla de Coiba – Azuero Peninsula – visiting El Valle? – Panama City/Canal-Sobernia NP – boat via San Blas to Colombia – Are there places worth visiting during carnaval in Panama eg where they celebrate this?

General advice about this itinerary, places I have to skip/add?, will I have to make reservations somewhere (Xmas)? someone can answer the questions in between?

Thanx in advance,

Harry

We had a great visit to the San Blas islands several years ago and bought beautiful molas. I would like to find some more but we are not going to be able to make that trip again, so the closest is likely to be a cruise to the area -- probably a canal crossing. Does anyone know where we would be most likely to find a good selection of molas outside the San Blas? I see many cruises stop in Colon or other ports (of course a few stop for a few hours in the San Blas -- or say they do -- but there are not too many of those). Anyway, I am hoping a good Virtual Tourist friend can give me a tip on this. Thanks...

I am looking for someone who speaks both English and the dialect of the Kuna Indians in the San Blas islands. Can anyone help?

Hi everyone,

Some friends and I are flying in and out of Panama City with an 8 hour layover each time. We plan to escape the airport for at least a few hours and want to at least see the canal. Can anyone reccomend the fastest, and possibly cheapest, way to get to the canal from the airport? Is it far? Can we get a cab to take us to the Miraflores Museum?

Also, if anybody can reccomend the shortest itinerary ever for our attempt to "tour" the city in 4 hours...that would be fantastic! Really, we are just looking for a quick walk through town and a good meal.

Thanks so much!

Hi everyone.
I will have 3-4 days at the end of my trip through central america in panama city. Is there any sites/interesting things/fun things etc outside of the city that are worth doing?? I will have already been to San Blas, Boquete, and zip liningm,and have toured Panama city aka canal, etc. any other ideas???

Another question, is it easy enough to show up in the city and find a guest house or hosteL? are there signs all over (in thailand, you could show up at any time, check out the room and pay your money), is it like this in panama?? Or is it better to book in advance, I will be backpacking with my spouse.
Thanks!!

I am trying to decide if I am going to book a trip to Panama in July. I was all geared up until I looked at the past weather charts and the long term forecast and it is thunderstorms every day!!! Has anyone been in July and can tell me what the weather is like?

Hello fellow VTers,

We will be in Panama for almost 3 weeks this month. We are actually flying there next week. Looking for suggestions on the top three areas to stay in Panama. Definitely one of them (the last week) should be on the carribean side with a great beach for swimming. Planning on spending just a couple of days to tour the city.

Any suggestions, would be greatly appreciated.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Panama from November 25th to February 22nd. I've read where a US license is acceptable for driving or renting a car. Is this correct? I have also read where shorts and sandals are not acceptable in Panama City. Are Birkenstocks ok? Thank you.

Hi Everyone. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if its worth going to both islands, or if one island is better then the other. Are there any major similarities/differences??
Thanks!

I’m traveling to Panama in late July for 6-8 days, and I’m looking for a traveling buddy. I have not bought my ticket yet so I’m still flexible. I have always traveled alone but I want to have friend this time. I’m looking for a guy, girl or couples and I’m NOT asking for any sexual favor or money. I’m male 32 yr and very athletic coming out of DC area. It should be fun to have some traveling buddy.

I have been looking for a less expensive flight than CopaAir. Anybody know of a smaller airline that may be cheaper from Panama City to Colombia?

when i come visit la chorrera will anybody be able to help me search for my mom?she lives in la chorrera.can someone to help me search for margarita gonzalez de la chorrera?

Hi, I have a bunch of questions about my upcoming Panama trip, any help would be appreciated! :)

1. I am looking for an inexpensive hotel in Panama City for $35 US or less per night. Can anybody help? Can't really afford something more expensive.

2. I am also looking for a hotel or hostel in the Boquete area for the same price, any advice?

3. Where is the best place in Panama to go snorkeling? WHere do you recommend? Accessible?

4. I would like to visit the Embera people, but cannot afford the expensive $100 tours, is there a way I can visit on my own or with a guide but not pay that much? I will be having a rental car during trip.

5. How long does it take to drive from Panama City to Boquete?

6. Any possible way to visit the Darien Wilderness by car and without tour?

That's it for now, any help would be appreciated!

Thanks so much :)

I am seeking hotel recommendations for Panama City and Colon. I am passing through the canal late June/ early July and my wife and daughter will be joining me aboard for the two day passage. However, on each end of the canal, they will need a hotel for a couple of nights. The place should be clean, safe, have A/C and not super pricey. They don't need five stars - just a good two or three!

Dear VTers!
We would like to visit the islands of San Blas next week. We read that there are daily flights to El Porvenir. But I was not able to book such a flight online and I did not find a timetable neither.

Anyone can help? Where can I book these flights?

Thank you!

Jacqueline

Hi
I will be traveling to panama city in June.. Looking for a interperter ,.,.

English to Spanish... contact Allan at ap6797@yahoo.com..

Thanks Allan

Hi, I am a female in her late 20s traveling to Panama alone in early - mid May for ten days. I would like to spend most of my time on a nice beach, somewhere safe, somewhere clean, but not too expensive or crowded. Any suggestions on where to go would be greatly appreciated!

Hello,
I unexpectedly have 10 days left in Panama, before I leave from Panama city. Any tips on where to visit would be much appreciated, ideally not too far from panama city. Am late 20s girl travelling by myself, Basic grasp of Spanish. Looking for somewhere chilled out, but with opportunity to meet other backpackers. Any nice hostels on the coast?
Cheers for your help x

http://www.canalhousepanama.com/

http://www.bedandbreakfastpanama.com/index.htm

http://www.thebalboainn.com/index.htm

http://www.pattyscasitas.com/Contactus.htm

http://www.casasucrebedandbreakfast.com/

Here is my plan. Arrive 1:30PM June 6 Saturday and go back 3PM June 13 Saturday. Arrive in PC. Stay 2 nights. Fly ($86RT) to Yandup Island 2 nights - Fly ($70RT) to Contadora ("IC") 3 nights (hope to stay at Perlareal). From Yandup to IC is doable because flight arrives in PC 7:55AM and leave to IC at 10AM. The flight arrives back to PC 11:15 to connect for 3 PM return flight..nice.

I need one key thing. A nice hotel close to everything around 100 USD. I'd like to be close to Casco Viejo and Amador Causeway...short walks or taxi rides ..and I'd like to see the canal, briefly. Please advise, help help

I need to get to the cruise pier in Colon from a Panama City Hotel. We will be 4 people...three adults and a child. Does anyone know what a taxi or private car and driver will cost? The cruise ship wants $40 pp and we have to go back to the airport to take their bus.

Hi! I will travel to Panama in May. I am interested in big game fishing and scuba diving. Is it easy to find a charter boat for fishing and where should I try to find one? I think that David would be the right city? What are the best places for scuba diving? Both Pacifc and Caribean? Thanks,
Antti