willtraveldude

I'm planning a 7-day trip to Panama and am looking for advice on things to do and things to avoid. Our main interests are history and architecture, beaches and nature preserves, great seafood and local cuisine, and indigenous cultures.

We are thinking of staying in Panama City. I'm not sure if Casco Viejo is the right place to stay. As long as it's relatively safe and has some restaurants and bars open at night it would suit our needs. It sounds like a more dilapidated version of Old San Juan. Campeche, Mexico, is one of our favorite places so if it's comparable, that would be perfect.

We're also thinking of going to Isla Taboga for an overnight trip. It sounds really peaceful and beautiful. We're wondering if going to Portobelo would be worth the trip. We probably won't rent a car if there is reliable enough bus service. I hear it's only a couple hour ride.

Would love to hear what others think about these places and others I'm not aware of. Thanks in advance.

JeanH

It's been quite a few years ago that we were in Panama. The absolute highlight of the trip was our two night stay in the San Blas Islads, otherwise known as Kuna Yala.

We stayed at Dolphin Lodge, at the time one of the few places to stay in the archipelago which had private bathrooms.

While there we did some hiking, some snorkeling, and a tour of a neighboring village. Absolutely fascinating.

We didn't spend much time in Panama City, I can't be much help.

We did use a local travel agent since, we moved around A LOT in our two week stay. Here's their website.

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

qwovadis

mamallena.com great info on Kuna Yala

Yandup Island or Dolphin Lodge

Gamboa rainforest lodge has some touristy stuff closer to PC

Winter best to travel lots of rain otherwise

weather2travel.com

In PC Radisson Decapolis offers great hotel value Hotel Milan

for budget.... lasolasresort.com for Scuba at Coiba NP

Santa Clara www.lassirenas.com for surf...

In 1 week for me PC and Kuna Yala would br plenty.

flintstonetraveler

In Casco Antiguo you should check Las Clementinas, new hotel in the area, just beautiful. We stayed there just after they open, love it!
Taboga you can also just do a day tour and come back the same day.
Other areas of Panama worth visiting are:
El Valle, comunity inside of a Volcano crater, just peacefull and beautiful.
The Canal area, plenty of trails and things to do, we did a exploration boat inside the Canal, was wonderful.
Pipeline rd, just fantastic, our guide show us so many birds, we got to see a Harpy Eagle.
Bocas del Toro, Caribbean, just beautiful, what you expect from the Caribbean in Central America, very relaxing. We used the services of Captain Livingston, if you go that way make sure you get him as your Captain.

flintstonetraveler

I forgot, also a visit to Barro Colorado island in the Panama Canal, very interesting.

Readershaven

Hi,

I just returned from Panama and had a fabulous experience with Alexis Flores as the tour guide for my daughter and me. We learned so much about history, culture, and nature from him. His trained eye and ears allowed us to see wildlife right beside us that we would have missed otherwise! How exciting! He is a local tour guide who is not only talented in what he does but can match your interests with the best of Panama. I felt like I got my money worth because his rates are very reasonable. Contact him at www.panamalocaltours.com You won't be disappointed! Enjoy your stay in that wonderful country. I can't wait to return!