Going to Panama, Central America

[jazzi2003]

Hi,

Towards the end of april me and some friends have plans to go to Panama. I was wondering if anyone who went before can list some activities they did. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[notanexpert]

Just got back from Panama 2 weeks ago, this was our second trip there. Here is what we did during those two trips, keep in mind we have two young kids:
1. Saw Panama Viejo, the ruins of the old city that was built back in the days of Columbus (right in Panama City)
2. Saw big ships passing through the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal
3. Enjoyed a great view over the city and the canal from Cerro Ancon, the big hill inside the city
4. Spent a half day on the Amador Causeway, visiting a kids marine museum and a small park where we saw an armadillo, some nice restaurants.
5. Stayed a few days in Portobello (on the Carribean coast) where we enjoyed snorkelling (nice coral, lots of fish, turtles, water clarity not so great), the beach on Isla Grande, the remains of a nice fort in Portobello (400 years ago this was the biggest port in all of the Americas)
6. Hiked the jungle in Park Nacional Soberania, saw 3 kinds of monkeys, some loud birds, and some furry animal the size of a smallish dog. Also lots of big trees, termites and leaf cutter ant colonies.
7. On Isla Taboga (Pacific side, 40 minute ferry from Panama City) we enjoyed the nice beach, more snorkelling (no coral, lots of fish including stingrays), hiking the island and more empty beaches, nice quiet few days with NO cars in a cozy Canadian-run Hotel!
8. Went to see some beaches around San Carlos, 100km west of Panama City on the Pacific coast. Nice beach, big waves, splendid beachfront mansions and cozy hotels.
9. Had a dental implant installed at a clinic in Panama City :)

Things that are also highly recommended but we did not do, but will in the future:
1. Go to San Blas on the carribean coast - quiet archipelago of islands - just beach and palm trees and good snorkelling on the coral reef. Places are run by the natives, Kuna Yala indians. Need to fly out there on a domestic flight.
2. Visit the islands Bocas del Torro - same as above but more of a party atmosphere, American style.
3. Visit Isla de Coiba - Pacific side, a nature's paradise, virgin jungle and great snorkelling and beaches around it.
4. Try surfing further west along the Pacific coast, where the waves are even bigger.
5. Rafting some whitewater through the jungles near Boquette.

[vinniereno]

Went in Dec with a coupla of friends. The attractions in the city itself are mostly meh, but we had alot of fun travelling by minibus to Santa Clara.. there is an amazing beach there and you can sleep in hammocks or treehouses for cheap.
Keep in mind however that Panama on the whole IS NOT A CHEAP PLACE unless you are backpacking.
We spend around 1600 CAD each for a week (including airfare).

Recommend you befriend a taxi driver as they can be very good and cheap guides.

P.S. Gambling is a must.. 25 cent buy ins for roulette

[notanexpert]

We spend around 1600 CAD each for a week (including airfare).


Holy moly, that is a lot of money. I spent that much for a family of 4 (not including airfare), and we were NOT backpacking.
You either went overboard at the roulette table, or your cabbie was ripping you off... I think if you want to travel around, much cheaper to rent a car. One trip across town in a cab pays for a day's car rental (about US$22).

[theinfamous]

I did the backpacking thing in Dec 2008. Stayed at the Hostel Mamallena in downtown Panama City. It was $11USD a night for a 8 bed room dorm. Great hostel IMO. The owner Stuart is a laid back guy and will give you all sorts of ideas on what to do in Panama. I spent 8 days in Panama city. Didn't go outside the city except for a day tour of the Emberra Native Indians. That was run by this lady from the US, Anne Gordon who actually married one of the natives and now runs trips there. Was about $90 USD for that tour.

Besides that, go see the Canal. That takes about $10 by cab from downtown Panama City and you can stay there for about 4-5 hours just watching the big ships pass through. Best time to be there is either between 9-10am or 3-5pm.

Oh and if you want some adventure ride the local transit busses. $0.25 for a fare and they go all over the city. It's quite an experience. :D

[notanexpert]

Oh and if you want some adventure ride the local transit busses. $0.25 for a fare and they go all over the city. It's quite an experience. :D

There is a reason they're called El Diablo Rojo!!!

[shan]

I was just there in January and had a blast. Panama city was ok but the real attraction for me was Bocas Del Toro. It's about a 40 minute, $80 USD (taxes in) 1 way flight from panama city or 10 hour bus ride. There are a few different options for beaches. From bocas I journied to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica which took about 4 hours and was a cool experience which involved a 30 minute water taxi and some scenic bus rides. Puerto Viejo is the place for partying if that's your thing.

[JC69]

Bocas Del Torro is excellent, more of a hippy hang out than a party town..been there twice, also Boquette on the side of an extinct volcano with great coffee and an amazing climate, hot springs etc.

Panama wasn't expensive at all when I was there. Cabs were cheap, buses even cheaper. Watch where you stay in Panama City, the $20-30 a night hotels are also brothels, I speak from experience. Stay in the El Cangrejo area for cheap but more upmarket and distinctly safer accomodation. Book your Panama City hotel before you go with a hotel that picks you up from the airport. It'll save you some cash.