Marypp

Hello!
My fiance and I would like to go to Panama for 9 nights in December. We were originally thinking of just spending the 9 days in Panama City (staying at the Bristol for the 9 nights, unless someone can suggest a better hotel), but now I am looking more into it I wonder wether we should split our time with somewhere else..
We live in the Caribbean, so all inclusive beachy resorts may not be much of a holiday!
Thank you!!

glover

Well, what's your budget, what are your interests. If the beachy stuff is old hat for you, why not go to the mountains - Chiriqui - it's beautiful up there - lots of great hiking, wildlife, drives, some nice B&Bs . ..

If you've got $$$ to spend and want some adventure, look at Ancon Expeditions trips to Darien. We did a three night trip down there - wonderful!

Panama City is great too - we spent a couple nights at the Bristol. Lovely place, nice location, great restaurant. You could certainly spend 3 nights or so in PC - it's a fun city - and enjoy its good restaurants, the Gamboa area for nature, and the canal - which is REALLY interesting - especially if you read David McCullough's Path Between the Seas before you go! More specific info as you post your interests. Also, you should post on Lonely Planet site as well, it's a more active board re Panama, so you'll get more feedback!
We spent two weeks in Panama - PC, Chiriqui, and Darien. All were wonderful. Yeah, don't spend 9 nights in PC at the Bristol (as great as both are - it's easy to get out and see more of the country - domestic flights are easy and relatively reasonably priced, driving is also easy!

cmcfong

The Bristol is an excellent choice. Definitely go up to Boquete and Volcan. The Panamonte or Coffee Estate Inn and Los Quetzales are good choices.
Check out Canopy Tower on the Pipeline Road.
El Valle is nice, consider La Casa De Lourdes.

Marypp

Thank you both for your help!
My boyfriend is very much into rainforests, so somewhere like that would be great. I have no clue about anything forest related, but it is always up to me to plan a holiday! As we live in the Caribbean where there is nil shopping, I am quite happy to shop and enjoy civilization! So, I am quite happy with just staying in PC (I think, although I have never been). I am not sure if I would like too much of an adventure holiday…

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I live in San Jose, Costa Rica, so a trip to Panama City is always a real treat, primarily for the shopping. I agree, though, that nine days just there would be overkill.

I go along with Cmcfong's recommendation of Boquete and Volcan. You could catch a short domestic flight from Panama City to David, and from there, Boquete is about 90 minutes by bus. You're in a cloudforest and COULD make that part of the trip an adventure holiday, but there's no reason it has to be. Maybe take a short, organized nature walk. Beyond that, it can be a very realzing place.

faithie

Hi Jeff,
I hope the OP does not mind if I jump in... We love Costa Ricas vibe and great beauty.How does Panama compare? I have read in the past that most think Costa Rica the prettiest country in Central America. Any input?

faithie

Really, really, sorry to the OP. At least I bring post ttt!!lol. Jeff? I see you've been to Colombia as well. I have almost fallen in love with the country and I have not yet been. I was doing my Panama research, which led to Colombia and I am enthralled at what a jewell it is. Truly a shame the political situation kills the tourism for less adventurous folk. Is it as aming as it sounds?

faithie

Sorry, amazing.