Amy

In summer of 2007 I'd like to go solo to Nicaragua, then do a partial transit on the Panama Canal, and end up in Iquitos, Peru, to revisit Explorama and meet up with a friend there. Am I mad to attempt all this in about 16 days of time? I've been doing some reading, but of course this is in the very prelim stages.

I'd love to hear any ideas, advice, even good places to look; I realize this will be "rainy season", but, hey, I've been soggy before.

I'm into nature/history/culture, not a beach bunny (I get too antsy) and I'm a semi-budget traveler, but I'll spring for flights rather than spending enormous amounts of time on buses.

Perhaps I should be concentrating on this years trip--I leave June 29th for Poland and Lithuania--but somehow I'm more caught up in Latin America right now!

cmcfong

Don't think of Panama only in terms of a canal transit. There is a lot more to this fabulous country. It has history, culture, fascinating animals, jungle, cloud and rain forests . Yes, there are some gorgeous beaches, but you could stay busy for 16 days and never go near one. Panama is fantastic.

hopefulist

Even flying between countries that seems like WAY too much traveling for barely over 2 weeks. If you don't want to spend much time in Peru, you might be okay if you pick between Nicaragua and Panamá. I'm planning to head to Panamá in 2007 and have roughed out a 4 week itinerary - already sad to be leaving so much out!! A canal transit isn't on my list - there are so many other things I'd rather do more. Can't imagine splitting 16 days between 3 countries and getting a feel for any of them. That's my 2 cents' worth...

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I don't think the Panama Canal is well geared toward independent transit, either full or partial. Cruise ships go the length, but then you'd be on an excursion that takes you to many other places too. As far as just showing up in Panama and wanting to traverse the canal, can you even do that?

hopefulist

Certain days of the week you can - though I've read mixed reviews.

cmcfong

Full and partial transits can be arranged by local agents. I grew up in Panama and agree seeing the Canal is a must. But I would go to Miraflores locks, see the exhibits, maybe go through on a partial transit and then spend the rest of my visit exploring this magnificient country. Buen viaje.

Amy

Thanks for the responses; I figured that it was a bit too ambitious! Perhaps a Panama/Iquitos combo will work best for me; alas, so many places, so little vacation time!

(Oh, and the canal thing...I'm a history geek, what can I say?) I'd seen posts about the partial transit here--cruises aren't my style--so I was hoping to get a "feel" for it perhaps going out of Miraflores.

Thanks again, and keep the suggestions rolling!

cmcfong

Amy, if you are a history geek, check out http://www.czbrats.com. It is maintained by a couple of people who grew up in Panama and it has a wealth of information. Also in Panama the Viejo Panama area is fantastic. Like I said, Panama has it all! Buen viaje.

Amy

Wow, great site--thanks!

Now I'm trying to figure out ways to stretch my vacation time...sigh. Let's face it, 16 days is already stretching two weeks...Ah, well, guess I should be happy I can travel!

cmcfong

I am glad you like the site. Just wait till you see the country!