Klam

Has anyone arranged his own transportation from the docks of the above listed ports after arriving on a tourist ship? I would appreciate advice on transportion from ship to historic centers of the cities of Puerte Amador, Panama, Manta, Ecuador, Lima, and Arica, Chile. Are there taxis at the ports and are they reliable to take to nearest place of interest to tourist? Does it make sense to avoid the ship tours, which are very expensive, and hire a taxi at the port when arriving for similar service? We would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

cmcfong

In Panama hiring a cab to take you around is a good plan. I cannot speak to the other locations.

Klam

Thanks cmcfong for the advice on taxi. Can you suggest where to go on a 6 hour tour from the ship docking in Fuente Amador? We will plan on going on our own at that port.

cmcfong

I would suggest you visit the Miraflores locks and the educational center there. Go to the former Canal Zone and visit the excellent craft market. Fifteen minutes from dowtown Panama is the 265 hectare Metropolitan Nature Park. This is one of the few urban parks in the world. It is unique in all of Latin America. The interpretive trail is enjoyed by visitors . The view from the top of Cerro Mono Titi is spectacular offering a panoramic view of the city, the Port of Balboa, and the adjacent Las Cruces Trail National Park. Birding is especially good here. The orchid garden is also worth a visit!Ask your driver to take you to Old Panama, very beautiful ruins. If you have time ask to see the Church of the Golden Altar (there is a "proper" name, which is completely lost to me now, but the driver will know what you mean). Amador is a nice area for a walk and dinner. Panama is a beautiful country. Andrew, who lives there, is a frequent poster on this board. You might do a word search on Panama and see what pops up. Buen viaje.

cmcfong

I am sorry I did not mention Soberania National Park.

25 kilometers from Panama City, Soberania National Park offers two outstanding features: (1) Pipeline Road and (2) El Charco interpretive trail. Pipeline Road, long known to tropical biologists, is one for the record books. According to the Panama Audubon Society, at this site during December1992/January 1993, 525 species were recorded during the annual Christmas bird count. Pipeline Road is a wonderful hike any time of year, for any reason. Howler monkeys, trogons, toucans, Morpho butterflies are among the regulars here. Bridges over forest streams are wonderful rest stops for a snack or trail lunch.
Sendero El Charco [the interpretive trail] is excellent for beginners. It is short (less than 2 kilometers), a closed circuit.

If you are a birder or a naturalist, this is a must do.

Klam

Cmcfong, thanks for all the suggestions. I am sure we can find much to see. The problem with so many choices is deciding where to go when six people are involved! Do you have any suggestions about negoiating with the taxi driver. Are the drivers independent, do they use meters? Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my questions.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I'll tackle Manta, Ecuador: It's actually become quite a modern, prosperous city and that will be the impression that strikes you when you get off the ship, rather than that of some historic, colonial city. (There's are even U.S. military people stationed there. That's a big part of why the place has boomed.) The real place of interest nearby is the artisan town of Montecristi, which is the birthplace of the Panama hat. It's about 30 minutes inland from Manta. Outside of Quito and Guayaquil, taxis in Ecuador usually don't use their meters. You'd have to negotiate a price. I'd think -- emphasize "think" -- you could hire one for three hours for about $50-$60, but it could be more in Manta with the large cruise passenger population.

cmcfong

This was posted by another Fodorite
Author: Nelle
Date: 04/01/2005, 09:28 am
We just returned from Panama and used Roberto Cedeno(507) 642- 9954 as our driver and guide in the city of Panama. We saw the old city ruins, a nice craft market there with people working on their art, the old town and the Canal Museum there, Miraflores Locks, and the causeway...all in a day. Roberto was absolutely great. We hired him to take us shopping the next day and he took us to and from the airport. ´Highly recommended. Got his name from The Bristol.


From my own experience in Panama, I negotiate a day rate and hire a cab for the day. They are not expensive.
You might want to do a word search for some reports by Lan Sluder and JeanH both of whom recently visited Panama.

Klam

I am surprised to learn that Manta, Ecuador is a modern city and taxi is so expensive. Thanks Jeff for the information and the suggestion for visiting Montecristi. Tha is what we will do. I would have expected lower rates, but now will not feel exploited.

Cmcfong, I did the word search on "Andrew" as you suggested. It was helpful. Thanks. The posting by "Nellie" you quoted summarized our needs very well for the time we have in that port. Thanks again.

toid

Arica is not ther most interesting of cities, but it does have the Museo Arqueologicò San Miguel de Azapa just out of town, home to the world's oldest mummies. Otherwise there is the prefabricated cathedral, el Morro museum commerating the capture of the city by Chilean forces in the War of the Pacific and the market.
All this can be done by taxi.