Gamboa vs. Decameron
 

Myself, my husband and our 14 year old son are going to Panama in March. I know that there is so much to see, but we would rather do day trips than do a lot of traveling between resorts/hotels. My feeling is that Gamboa should have plenty to interest all of us as well as being closer to more places for day trips. My husband enjoys golfing, fishing and lazing in the sun. My son doesn't care what we do but doesn't like loooong bus rides. I love the idea of seeing wildlife and like to see as much of the country and people as possible. I definitely want to go to Kuna Yala. What are the opinions regarding Gamboa vs. Decameron? To me Decameron seems really out of the way and also very large.

I just can't imagine going to the San Blas (Kuna Yala) as a day trip. I'm not sure it's even possible. We flew down and spent two nights at Dolphin Lodge. It was really fun.

I'm not a resort type person. We did spend our last night in Panama at Gamboa. It was a nice place, food was better than I expected, I'd heard it was pretty bad. I do think the location for activities would be better than Decameron. I guess it partly depends on whether you feel a need for beach time. We spent six nights on Bocas del Toro, although the town of Bocas isn't right on the beach, it was a fun area. If you want to see pictures e-mail me at: [email protected]

You are absolutely right about Kuna Yala. Planning at least 2 nights, which should provide our quota of sand. Everyone raves about the Decameron, but someone I know that stayed there said that you could have been at a resort anywhere. Didn't get any flavor of the country at all. If I take my 14 year old out of school, then he needs to get a feel for the culture, etc. of the country we visit. I am still leaning towards Gamboa, even though mixed reviews. I am impressed that I emailed them with a question and had a detailed reply within 24 hours.

I think you'll be happy at Gamboa. Like I said, we were only at Gamboa for one night. If you don't want to move around, I think the location is very good for numerous activities. We didn't make it to the Boquete region on our trip last January. It's definitely on my list for the next one. We even enjoyed Panama City. Good restaurants, nice hotels and everything is relatively cheap.

I drove around Decameron a few weeks ago, but didn't stay there. It is more or less out by itself, a few miles off the InterAmerican Highway, and it is pretty large. I guess if you like all-inclusives and don't really want to see Panama, it would be okay. The beach looks nice.

--Lan Sluder

Gamboa. Decameron? Think Cancun...

My husband and I were at Gamboa at the end of February 05, and absolutely loved it. We travelled on a package all-inclusive tour, well worth it. Day 2 I was already planning 2 weeks there for another vacation. The food was excellent, the service was quite good, rooms interesting (Villa), very clean and tons of wildlife. Toucans, capybara, agouti, sloths, white face monkeys, turtles, caiman, crocodile (by restaurant at water),tons of birds. Nice pool area, needs more lounges, nice spa. Very large property. Kuna would be at least an overnight trip. We did the Embera Drua and the partial canal tours and loved them. We took the ferry across to Isla Taboga for a beach day. Panama City is only 30 min away. Tour desk is very helpful and can arrange most anything. Buses come right into the property. There were guests at Gamboa that had also been staying at Decameron and most weren't crazy about it, too big, lousy service, long lineups, etc. but it does have the beach if that is important. You will love Panama, it is very interesting, people are very nice and the country is beautiful.

Definitely Gamboa vs. Decameron. It is so much more convenient to seeing the sights, and when you return for the day, it has a great pool, which your son will love. There are trails into the rainforest right down the road from the hotel that if you walk early in the morning, you'll see monkey and feel like you're really on your own little adventure. If you have lunch down at the marina--the crocodiles, turtles, etc., are right there. The guided tour of Barro Colorado (again right down the road) was one of the highlights of our trip. We did the El Valle canopy tour, which was more of a glorified ride than canopy tour, but still fun and our kids loved it. Our kids also loved the San Blas experience. Just be sure to bring some snacks (peanuts, chips, fruit, beef jerkey) because you eat the catch of the day for the most part (family style dining)and the kids (and husbands, I might add) were not too thrilled with conch, octopus, etc., every meal. Be sure you go to the Metropolitan Park and zoo in Panama City and of course, the Miraflores locks (you can do those things on your own if you want). Also, drive out to the end of the Amador Causeway for a breathtaking view of the Bridge of the Americas spanning the entrance to the Panama Canal on one side and a panoramic vista of Panama City on the other (and good restaurants out there to boot). If you don't like long bus rides, hire a taxi driver for the day (many speak English)--it's really quite affordable.
Have a great trip. Your son will love it and you will too.