gamboa rainforest resort
Mar 13th, 2006, 01:33 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
gamboa rainforest resort
Hi, my friend and I'd like to go to Panama in early July. We're thinking of staying at only one hotel/resort with beautiful ground where we can explore and see some wildlife. We're interested in Gamboa Rainforest Resort but after reading tons of negative comments in Tripadvisor, we'd like to consider other options. We dont want to spend time on traveling as we have only 6 days, and we are prone to motion sickness. Would appreciate any suggestion. Thanks.
Mar 13th, 2006, 03:36 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I spent one night at Gamboa last year. I'm just not a resort type of person, so I wasn't thrilled with the place. But, the food was better than I expected, the pool is nice, and it's close to the canal. There is some on site hiking and birding. You'll need a car or a cab to go anywhere though, it's pretty much out on its own. If you want to see sights around Panama City and the canal, it's a good choice.
Mar 13th, 2006, 09:36 AM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A new resort has opened on Kobbe Beach. I haven't visited yet, but it does look appealing. http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/...on/panama.html
I stayed at Gamboa several years ago. My room was lovely and the grounds were very nice, however the food was uninspired. I think more than two days would have been too much for me.
I stayed at Gamboa several years ago. My room was lovely and the grounds were very nice, however the food was uninspired. I think more than two days would have been too much for me.
Mar 13th, 2006, 05:19 PM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Assume you saw my recent trip report below that included Gamboa. We enjoyed our two nights there. And mostly agree that it's a good base (if you want a base) for exploring the area and seeing nature. You'll need to use resorts tours though or hire taxis to get around. Trails, locks, etc. are spread out - not walking distance from resort.
Here's another idea, could you split your time between Gamboa and this place:
http://www.sierrallorona.com
We didn't stay here but saw a rec for it elsewhere and thought it sounded like a great spot for nature lovers like us. Only stumbling block for you might be the 2 km dirt road on way in (I'm thinking about that motion sickness).
Here's another idea, could you split your time between Gamboa and this place:
http://www.sierrallorona.com
We didn't stay here but saw a rec for it elsewhere and thought it sounded like a great spot for nature lovers like us. Only stumbling block for you might be the 2 km dirt road on way in (I'm thinking about that motion sickness).
Mar 15th, 2006, 09:19 PM
#6
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apr 9th, 2006, 10:50 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for sharing your ideas. We have only 7 days and we prefer a more relaxing trip. Guess we would stay at Gamboa Rainforest Resort for 4 days and then Panama city for 2 days. Anyone who recently back from Gamboa Rainforest Resort? Is it that bad...I mean, dirty room and unfriendly service as complained by other travellers? Thanks.
Apr 10th, 2006, 03:29 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One thing to remember about Gamboa is that it's a timeshare property, and it's been my experience that all timeshare properties are a few cuts below real hotels when it comes to issues of service.
Also, I think there's a big difference at Gamboa between the rooms you get in the main lodge and the villas (or whatever they call 'em). The lodge is modern and the rooms are like modern hotel rooms (not unlike what you'd get at a Hilton --- except you get a hammock out on the balcony). The villas though (if that's what they're called) are the old houses that were used by U.S. families working for the canal administration.
Resort activities are also expensive, and they book up fairly quickly, so you need to get your reservations as soon as you know what you want to do. This is a drawback to me because when I'm on vacation, I do NOT want to pre-plan everything a week ahead of time and carry a day-planner around to keep track of what I'm doing when. If I wanted THAT, I'd stay at home and work.
Anyway, hope it helps give you a bit of insight as to what Gamboa is like, and maybe understand what some people don't like.
Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com
Also, I think there's a big difference at Gamboa between the rooms you get in the main lodge and the villas (or whatever they call 'em). The lodge is modern and the rooms are like modern hotel rooms (not unlike what you'd get at a Hilton --- except you get a hammock out on the balcony). The villas though (if that's what they're called) are the old houses that were used by U.S. families working for the canal administration.
Resort activities are also expensive, and they book up fairly quickly, so you need to get your reservations as soon as you know what you want to do. This is a drawback to me because when I'm on vacation, I do NOT want to pre-plan everything a week ahead of time and carry a day-planner around to keep track of what I'm doing when. If I wanted THAT, I'd stay at home and work.
Anyway, hope it helps give you a bit of insight as to what Gamboa is like, and maybe understand what some people don't like.
Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com
Apr 11th, 2006, 01:28 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, I'd appreciate to have any comments on this itinerary recommended by Ecocircuitos:
Day 1 Arrival and check into Hotel Country Inn & Suites Amador
Day 2 City & Canal Tour OR El Valle mountain town
Day 3 Partial Canal Transit and check into Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Day 4-5 Free days at Gamboa
Day 6 Hiking tour Soberania. Then check into Hotel Country Inn & Suites Amador
Day 7 Private transfer to the airport
Net rate per person is $775. The tours are group tours (which I dont mind). We have only 7 days and the departure date is flexible. Among June, July, August and Sept, which month can we expect comparatively less rain and heat? We are not adventurous travelers and we are interested in wildlife, easy jungle walk, visiting local market, grocery stores, ice-cream parlour, sidewalk cafe. Will this itinerary fit us? Any recommendation is welcome. Thanks a lot.
Day 1 Arrival and check into Hotel Country Inn & Suites Amador
Day 2 City & Canal Tour OR El Valle mountain town
Day 3 Partial Canal Transit and check into Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Day 4-5 Free days at Gamboa
Day 6 Hiking tour Soberania. Then check into Hotel Country Inn & Suites Amador
Day 7 Private transfer to the airport
Net rate per person is $775. The tours are group tours (which I dont mind). We have only 7 days and the departure date is flexible. Among June, July, August and Sept, which month can we expect comparatively less rain and heat? We are not adventurous travelers and we are interested in wildlife, easy jungle walk, visiting local market, grocery stores, ice-cream parlour, sidewalk cafe. Will this itinerary fit us? Any recommendation is welcome. Thanks a lot.
Apr 11th, 2006, 03:42 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do you have any other hotel choices in Panama City? There's nothing wrong with the Country Inn and Suites, but it's just like any Country Inn in any city. We were in Panama City January 2005 and stayed at Sevilla Suites. Great place, full one bedroom suites, breakfast, pool. At that time, the rooms were $88.00, including all taxes. Walking distance to lots of restaurants. Felt safe. There are several similar places close by.
If you want to get out to the Causeway, a cab in only a couple bucks.
We did a full canal transit when we were there, very long day. I'd definitely recommend the partial transit.
If you want to get out to the Causeway, a cab in only a couple bucks.
We did a full canal transit when we were there, very long day. I'd definitely recommend the partial transit.
Apr 11th, 2006, 04:31 PM
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Awwww, Jean....are you serious?!?! Partial transit?? Why??
I did the full transit and can't IMAGINE not having gone through the Gaillard Cut!
Also, in Panama City, if you can get a good rate at the Bristol (sometimes GREAT weekend deals on lhw.com), I *highly* recommend it --- absolutely impeccable service and genuine 5-star accomodations (you even get a butler at your beck and call).
Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com
I did the full transit and can't IMAGINE not having gone through the Gaillard Cut!
Also, in Panama City, if you can get a good rate at the Bristol (sometimes GREAT weekend deals on lhw.com), I *highly* recommend it --- absolutely impeccable service and genuine 5-star accomodations (you even get a butler at your beck and call).
Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com
Apr 11th, 2006, 11:52 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the hotel ideas. What I want is a clean, comfortable and conveniently located place where I can easily access to supermarkets (I need to load up snacks and drinks for the stay at Gamboa Rainfoest Resort), cafe and restaurants. I've heard about Bristol but it may be too expensive for me 
. Will check Siville Suites out. The travel agent also offers hotel Marbella as another option. Will try to check it out as well. Thanks.
. Will check Siville Suites out. The travel agent also offers hotel Marbella as another option. Will try to check it out as well. Thanks.
Apr 12th, 2006, 05:15 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mark, The day just seemed way too long. Left our hotel at 6am and didn't get back until 10pm. Too much of the transit passed through country that looked like Iowa farm fields. I was hoping to see some of the country on the bus ride back from Colon to Panama City, but we were way late, and it was way dark.
I'd read so much about the Gaillard Cut that I think I was expecting it to be more spectacular than it was.
Also, our ship was very crowded, that many hours sitting on a cheap plastic lawn chair just didn't thrill me.
That said, I'm glad we went.
The trouble with those small boats going through is that the people in control 'batch' those boats, so we spent literally hours just sitting and waiting. I think I'm not patient enough. I kept thinking of all the places I could be exploring if I wasn't just sitting on that darn boat.
I'd read so much about the Gaillard Cut that I think I was expecting it to be more spectacular than it was.
Also, our ship was very crowded, that many hours sitting on a cheap plastic lawn chair just didn't thrill me.
That said, I'm glad we went.
The trouble with those small boats going through is that the people in control 'batch' those boats, so we spent literally hours just sitting and waiting. I think I'm not patient enough. I kept thinking of all the places I could be exploring if I wasn't just sitting on that darn boat.
Apr 19th, 2006, 02:56 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, we plan to stay at both Gamboa Rainforest and a hotel in Panama City. If we want to do the Lake Gatun boat trip and the Embera Tour, in terms of saving transportation time, should we take the tours from Gamboa Rainforest Resort or from Panama city? Is Gamboa Rainforest Resort closer to these places? However,I was advised that Gamboa will charge us an additional transportation fee of $60. I'm also looking at a interesting B&B, La Estancia, which is located at the hillside of Cerro Ancon and is 50 min's drive from International airport. Since we don't drive, do you think we’ll be better off staying at a centrally located hotel, ie, Siville Suites, Hotel Marbella? But I really love to watch the sloths and birds at that B&B. It’s such a dilemma. Pls help.
I was recommended to take the Radio Station & Monkey island tour. Anyone went before? Thanks.
I was recommended to take the Radio Station & Monkey island tour. Anyone went before? Thanks.
Apr 19th, 2006, 03:58 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Were in Panama in February. Re your timeframe you will encounter rain during June/July/August - the height of the rainy season.
Went to Gamboa for several day visits and would not recommend staying there per your itinerary; it fills up with tours. Yes, the pool area is nice but not much else to do; and drinks/food very pricy. Took the aerial tram ride - also do not recommend as the hours are not condusive to seeing anything. Did take the Monkey Island tour - 4 PM - and did see some wildlife; again very pricy. Only recommendation would be to go for lunch at their "Lagartos" restaurant, which is right on the Chagres river.
Re the canal agree with other folks that the small tour boats play the hold & wait game to the larger vessels. Yes, the canal is worth it if you've never done it. We have traversed on a cruise ship which gives a much better view as you are up high. If you do take the small boat arrange to return via train.
Your itinerary also mentions going to El Valle. While very nice this is a very long day trip - 2.5 hrs away from Panama City each way. And only worth it during market day - on Sundays.
Do go to the Miraflores Locks visitor center and have lunch watching the ships go by.
If you are into native cultures the Embera tour is a must!
As far as bird watching, the place to go is the canopy tower - http://www.canopytower.com/
As far as hotels would recommend the Miramar Intercontinental; very nice location, good service, great pool, and walking distance to main restaurant row and a very big mall. The Amador is somewhat out of the way.
Forget the tour to Soberania; just take a cab and do it on your own.
As mentioned in other postings, cabs are plentiful and cheap. We sort of "hired" a fellow and he was always prompt whenever we called him and very reliable - Israel Clinger cell # 666-58597; usually stationed at the Miraflores visitor center.
Good luck!
Went to Gamboa for several day visits and would not recommend staying there per your itinerary; it fills up with tours. Yes, the pool area is nice but not much else to do; and drinks/food very pricy. Took the aerial tram ride - also do not recommend as the hours are not condusive to seeing anything. Did take the Monkey Island tour - 4 PM - and did see some wildlife; again very pricy. Only recommendation would be to go for lunch at their "Lagartos" restaurant, which is right on the Chagres river.
Re the canal agree with other folks that the small tour boats play the hold & wait game to the larger vessels. Yes, the canal is worth it if you've never done it. We have traversed on a cruise ship which gives a much better view as you are up high. If you do take the small boat arrange to return via train.
Your itinerary also mentions going to El Valle. While very nice this is a very long day trip - 2.5 hrs away from Panama City each way. And only worth it during market day - on Sundays.
Do go to the Miraflores Locks visitor center and have lunch watching the ships go by.
If you are into native cultures the Embera tour is a must!
As far as bird watching, the place to go is the canopy tower - http://www.canopytower.com/
As far as hotels would recommend the Miramar Intercontinental; very nice location, good service, great pool, and walking distance to main restaurant row and a very big mall. The Amador is somewhat out of the way.
Forget the tour to Soberania; just take a cab and do it on your own.
As mentioned in other postings, cabs are plentiful and cheap. We sort of "hired" a fellow and he was always prompt whenever we called him and very reliable - Israel Clinger cell # 666-58597; usually stationed at the Miraflores visitor center.
Good luck!
Apr 21st, 2006, 07:03 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If we want to visit Embera community, Barro Colorado Island and Gatun Lake, which is the better base, Gamboa Rainforest Resort or a hotel in the Panama City? My thought is that Gamboa Rainforest Resort is already in the forest and so we can save trasportation cost and time to get to those places we want to vist. Am I right? Or those places are in different direction? Which island is less challenging to visit, Barro Colorado Island or Monkey Island? My friend is not an active type. She may get exhuasted or motion sickness traveling in a boat or coach for a long time. Thanks.
Apr 21st, 2006, 07:35 PM
#17
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Lachat...
Just to let you know I live in Panama (9 years now in hotel and tourism industry - only get on Fodors every couple of weeks)... Sorry for the long reply but you now have a bunch of questions that need answering...
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is a decent place for a few days only - it's not close to anything else especially if you don't have a car. You would be stuck eating all meals at the resort as there aren't any other restaurants etc nearby.
If you are into nature then it's near the start of the Pipeline Road one of the world's top birding site and great for seeing other animals too.
Don't do the villas - as mentioned these are the old houses not the newly built resort.
I know a guide who has a small B&B in Gamboa - he did a tour with some clients of mine and only met him briefly but seemed very personable - haven't had a chance to visit his place so can't say what it's like.
Having said that - everything in Panama is so close - you could base yourselves in Panama City and do everything by day trip - the canal is only 20 minutes away, 30 to 40 minutes to Gamboa (town which is 5 mins from the resort) for seeing Pipeline... Metropolitan Park right in the city is a good nature spot, especially early in the morning.
You can do an Embera village tour from the city - 50 mins by road then on the motorized dugout canoes up the river...Make sure its to one of the villages on the Chagres (Embera Drua is the most remote) not the mock village by the Gamboa Resort...
Country Inn and Suites Amador - great location to see the entrance of the Canal but again a bit removed from the action - only the TFIF's on property - all other restaurants are a drive/taxi/hike away... 15 minutes from the city... La Estancia is a decent place but again a bit removed without a car...
Sevilla Suites and the Marbella are close to one another in the center of town - close to supermarkets, lots of restaurants etc...
There is a new hotel opening in June (hopefully) in a residential area - pool and gardens only 24 rooms but can't say for sure it will be ready...
There is a new B&B in La Cresta - residential area - friends of mine actually lived in the house that has now been converted - haven't been up to see it but we used to have great parties there years ago... Can't find the name right now but will do if interested. La Cresta is on a hill about 4 blocks from where Sevilla Suites and the Marbella are (US ambassador's residence is in that area)...
For the best nature experience Barro Colorado is tops - need to reserve in advance as spaces are limited... Boat ride is a bit further than Monkey Island but this is a lake in the middle of the country so rarely gets that rough...
You wouldn't save any money on transport from Gamboa to these tours even if they maybe a bit closer... Travel times to all are not that long...
From your itinerary (4/11) I think you could save a $150 to $200 by booking directly with the tour operators locally...
Canal Transit - we never recommend anyone does the full transit unless they really want to say they have gone ocean to ocean, the partial transit takes you through the Miraflores locks, the Pedro Miguel locks and the Gaillard Cut (or in the other direction) and you see the best part of the canal - the rest is open lake with not much to see until you get close to the Gatun Locks and as mentioned it can be a very very long day. Transits on are only done on Saturdays with the odd exception.
You really should do a City Tour - Panama La Vieja (original Spanish city first on the Pacific coast of the new world), Casco Antiguo - colonial section that's now being renovated, the Canal Museum, Amador Causeway etc...
El Valle is nice (there's a market there that's bigger on Sunday's) and a few other sights - cooler climate but with limited time it might not be worth the day...
Here's my suggestions based on your posts:
1) City Tour
2) Canal Partial Transit
3) Tour to Soberania/Pipeline Road (go as early as possible for best chance of seeing things)
4) Embera Village or Barro Colorado (both have jungle and nature - Embera adds culture)
5) Free day or something else you find interesting...
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info...
Cheers,
Andrew
Just to let you know I live in Panama (9 years now in hotel and tourism industry - only get on Fodors every couple of weeks)... Sorry for the long reply but you now have a bunch of questions that need answering...
Gamboa Rainforest Resort is a decent place for a few days only - it's not close to anything else especially if you don't have a car. You would be stuck eating all meals at the resort as there aren't any other restaurants etc nearby.
If you are into nature then it's near the start of the Pipeline Road one of the world's top birding site and great for seeing other animals too.
Don't do the villas - as mentioned these are the old houses not the newly built resort.
I know a guide who has a small B&B in Gamboa - he did a tour with some clients of mine and only met him briefly but seemed very personable - haven't had a chance to visit his place so can't say what it's like.
Having said that - everything in Panama is so close - you could base yourselves in Panama City and do everything by day trip - the canal is only 20 minutes away, 30 to 40 minutes to Gamboa (town which is 5 mins from the resort) for seeing Pipeline... Metropolitan Park right in the city is a good nature spot, especially early in the morning.
You can do an Embera village tour from the city - 50 mins by road then on the motorized dugout canoes up the river...Make sure its to one of the villages on the Chagres (Embera Drua is the most remote) not the mock village by the Gamboa Resort...
Country Inn and Suites Amador - great location to see the entrance of the Canal but again a bit removed from the action - only the TFIF's on property - all other restaurants are a drive/taxi/hike away... 15 minutes from the city... La Estancia is a decent place but again a bit removed without a car...
Sevilla Suites and the Marbella are close to one another in the center of town - close to supermarkets, lots of restaurants etc...
There is a new hotel opening in June (hopefully) in a residential area - pool and gardens only 24 rooms but can't say for sure it will be ready...
There is a new B&B in La Cresta - residential area - friends of mine actually lived in the house that has now been converted - haven't been up to see it but we used to have great parties there years ago... Can't find the name right now but will do if interested. La Cresta is on a hill about 4 blocks from where Sevilla Suites and the Marbella are (US ambassador's residence is in that area)...
For the best nature experience Barro Colorado is tops - need to reserve in advance as spaces are limited... Boat ride is a bit further than Monkey Island but this is a lake in the middle of the country so rarely gets that rough...
You wouldn't save any money on transport from Gamboa to these tours even if they maybe a bit closer... Travel times to all are not that long...
From your itinerary (4/11) I think you could save a $150 to $200 by booking directly with the tour operators locally...
Canal Transit - we never recommend anyone does the full transit unless they really want to say they have gone ocean to ocean, the partial transit takes you through the Miraflores locks, the Pedro Miguel locks and the Gaillard Cut (or in the other direction) and you see the best part of the canal - the rest is open lake with not much to see until you get close to the Gatun Locks and as mentioned it can be a very very long day. Transits on are only done on Saturdays with the odd exception.
You really should do a City Tour - Panama La Vieja (original Spanish city first on the Pacific coast of the new world), Casco Antiguo - colonial section that's now being renovated, the Canal Museum, Amador Causeway etc...
El Valle is nice (there's a market there that's bigger on Sunday's) and a few other sights - cooler climate but with limited time it might not be worth the day...
Here's my suggestions based on your posts:
1) City Tour
2) Canal Partial Transit
3) Tour to Soberania/Pipeline Road (go as early as possible for best chance of seeing things)
4) Embera Village or Barro Colorado (both have jungle and nature - Embera adds culture)
5) Free day or something else you find interesting...
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info...
Cheers,
Andrew
Apr 22nd, 2006, 06:57 PM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Andrew, thanks for you detailed info. Here are a few more questions:
1. Canal transit: honestly we are hesitated by the idea of getting stuck in a ship for half day only to see the Locks. Should we choose the Gatun lake expedition instead? We really enjoy navigating thru the rainforest. We went to Torturguero last year and the boat trip was the highlight of our Costa Rican trip.
2. Barro Colorado: we are not very active people, bascially 2 couch potatoes. Will Barro Colorado too much for us?
3. It may sound stupid to ask, but are the Embera Village, Gatun lake expedition, Monkey Island, Barro Colorado all very similar?
4.La Estancia sounds a nice place. So close to the nature and birds and animals. We are not into nightlife but, are there restaurants within walking distance?
5."From your itinerary (4/11) I think you could save a $150 to $200 by booking directly with the tour operators locally..." Did you mean I should book the tours after arriving Panama? I thought Ecocircuitos is already a local tour operator. I asked for cost breakdown but was told that they don't do a breakdown and the quote was already a low season discount. The other travel agents provided even more expensive quote. I did send an email inquiry to Pesantez Tours but never got response. Thanks for advice.
1. Canal transit: honestly we are hesitated by the idea of getting stuck in a ship for half day only to see the Locks. Should we choose the Gatun lake expedition instead? We really enjoy navigating thru the rainforest. We went to Torturguero last year and the boat trip was the highlight of our Costa Rican trip.
2. Barro Colorado: we are not very active people, bascially 2 couch potatoes. Will Barro Colorado too much for us?
3. It may sound stupid to ask, but are the Embera Village, Gatun lake expedition, Monkey Island, Barro Colorado all very similar?
4.La Estancia sounds a nice place. So close to the nature and birds and animals. We are not into nightlife but, are there restaurants within walking distance?
5."From your itinerary (4/11) I think you could save a $150 to $200 by booking directly with the tour operators locally..." Did you mean I should book the tours after arriving Panama? I thought Ecocircuitos is already a local tour operator. I asked for cost breakdown but was told that they don't do a breakdown and the quote was already a low season discount. The other travel agents provided even more expensive quote. I did send an email inquiry to Pesantez Tours but never got response. Thanks for advice.
May 4th, 2006, 12:21 PM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Lachat - only just got back on here and saw your reply:
1. You see the locks, Miraflores lake, the Culebra cut and the Gamboa area... It's not a boring trip... Gatun Lake is the 2nd largest man made lake in the world - it's not like Tortuguero.
2. Barro Colorado: Not it's not a strenuous trip - easy walking on trails
3. Gatun Lake, Monkey Island would be similar with Barro Colorado similar but more to see than Monkey Island - Embera village is totally different - My two faves - Embera and Barrow Colorado
4.No there's not a lot within walking distance of La Estancia you would be taking taxis to get to restaurants etc - although taxis are cheap - no more than $2 to get pretty much anywhere in the city from there
5.I thought Ecocircuitos: You are right and that's why they don't break down the price as they are marking it all up quite a bit... Let me know your "final" itinerary and I can find out the individual prices for you...
You can contact me through www.selectsmallhotels.com
Cheers,
Andrew
1. You see the locks, Miraflores lake, the Culebra cut and the Gamboa area... It's not a boring trip... Gatun Lake is the 2nd largest man made lake in the world - it's not like Tortuguero.
2. Barro Colorado: Not it's not a strenuous trip - easy walking on trails
3. Gatun Lake, Monkey Island would be similar with Barro Colorado similar but more to see than Monkey Island - Embera village is totally different - My two faves - Embera and Barrow Colorado
4.No there's not a lot within walking distance of La Estancia you would be taking taxis to get to restaurants etc - although taxis are cheap - no more than $2 to get pretty much anywhere in the city from there
5.I thought Ecocircuitos: You are right and that's why they don't break down the price as they are marking it all up quite a bit... Let me know your "final" itinerary and I can find out the individual prices for you...
You can contact me through www.selectsmallhotels.com
Cheers,
Andrew
