SophieIsobel

Hello all!

I arrive in Panama early evening 8 Dec. I have booked two night accommodation in Casca Viejo. I'm hoping to do a bit of exploring in that area, and the Panama Canal.

I have a couple of days until I need to come back to the city for a friend flying in and we go up to Santiago, before heading down to Santa Catalina.

9, 10, 11, and the day of 12th (her flight lands at 1830ish) I have to myself.

I am considering getting out of the city for a couple of nights, however I am on a shoe string. I looked at the San Blas islands, but it looks too expensive to get up there etc.. my hostel quotes $200 for 2 days and one night.

Any other ideas for the surrounding area? If there is a beach involved, I'd be over the moon as the rest of my holiday is pretty packed.

Panamatips

Hello,

It is the approximate price if it includes the 4x4 transportation, taxes, boat ride, tours and food. I am now staying in Chichime islands, new cabins with wooden floor, price is USD 170.00 but I pay usd 15.00 less because I am resident here and taxes are deducted for the resident.

You can find the info of the island here:

http://secretspanama.com/information...ichime-island/

Hope it helps!

SophieIsobel

Thanks Panamatips,

In the end I decided to remain in the city before I head up to Santa Catalina. Diving has been worked in to my budget as my treat, but unfortunately can't make the budget stretch to San Blas. I'm hoping to check out the Corn Islands later in my journey though.

wanderingscot

Love the Corn Islands and would definitely recommend them to you if, like it sounds, you're a fan of the beach! It was my favourite place from 2.5 months backpacking in Nicaragua.

Read more about it on my website if you want some inspiration or tips for doing the Corn Islands on a budget (it IS possible despite what some people may tell you): http://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts...ragua-top-nine

Safe travels!

SophieIsobel

Thanks! I've never spent much time on the beach but this is my first lone holiday and I want to see the sites and relax! I have a month in total, I land in Panama 8 Dec and depart Guatemala City on 2 Jan. It's not as long as I would have liked and aware I'll be rushing things but my other option was to fly back out of Panama.. I'm a fan of overnight travel where safe and possible

I will check out your blog, thanks so much!

Once my friend departs from San Jose on 21 I plan on spending time in Nicaragua (then getting an over night bus from somewhere in Honduras to Guatemala) and Guatemala... well, as much time as I can.

Probably should have started planning a while back ha!