We are going to Panama for 12 days. We spend 4 first days at Gamboa and then move on to Pacific Bay Resort. I read many comments on activities in and around Panama City. We are not fans of cities. Rather into nature/culture trips. If you could please look at my itinenary and see if I miss something or do not need something:

Dec 4 -

Land 10:30 am. Take a taxi to Panama City. Tour Casco Viejo and other city attractions around it (Panama Viejo ?, Ave Balboa ?).
Proceed to hotel (Gamboa)

Dec 5
- Pipeline Road Bird Tour from Gamboa
- Panama Canal Partial Transit w/ Miraflores Museum
- Lunch at Amador Causeway
- Gamboa Chagres River tour at night

Dec 6
- Ancon trip to Embera Drua (whole day)

Dec 7
- Barro Colorado Smithonian from Gamboa
- Monkey Island from Gamboa

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My concerns:
1. Even if we are not city fans, isn't it too little to spend just a few hours in PC on our way to Gamboa?
2. Do I need to do Canal transit or visit to Miraflores Lock / museum is sufficient?
3. Is Monkey Island worth a visit?

Thanks

It looks like a full and interesting schedule. I do think a visit to Miraflores locks is a must. If you decide to do a transit, do a partial. The full transit takes too much time. The Pipeline Road is fantastic. I hope you are something of a birder, because the birding is incredible at Canopy Tower! Buen viaje.

I'm going to Panama in February. We will stay at the Radisson Decapolis for the first 4 days and then fly to the Coral Lodge for some beach time. (We originally thought we would stay at the Radisson for 2 nights and Gamboa for 2 nights, but the cost for transfers between the two and the various airports ruled that out, but it looks beautiful.)

We would also like to do a Partial Canal Transit. Do you have any particular company in mind? I would like to use someone who has smaller boats, so that they are less crowded.

How did you decide on which Embera colony to visit? I'm leaning towards Embera Puru since it's the least touristy and most authentic, although it does take longer to reach. We will use Adventures in Panama.

Thanks.

fluffnfold-
We do not have any particular company yet. I don't even know if I want to do Canal transfer. Many believe it is slow and therefore boring, and visiting Miraflores Locks, Canal museum and watch the ships pass by is sufficient. But others feel it is a must simply because you are touching a part of history.
On Embera: the opinion I read on this board is Embera Drua. But I will research Puru too. My choice of operator is either Ancon or Adventures

ttt
I'm beginning to think about trip to Panama and CR.