info needed for 2 days in Panama City
 

I have 2 full days to spend in Panama City. We want to maximize our time. Need some advice to be efficient. Here is what I think might be the things to do:

1. Miraflores locks & musuem for 2-3 hours on Thursday. Should we just take a taxi? Is it best to keep the taxi there while we spend some time in the musum or are there plenty avail for back to the city?

2. Other things we were looking at for Friday were either: A. a day trip of partial transist of the canal on Friday (maybe too much duplication of #1) or B. a day trip up the Chagres river to visit the Embera people (or is this too touristy?)

3. Would we be better to spend a full day at Gamboa? Is this best with a tour?

HOtel: Thinking about the Marriott as I have points I can use-have seen mixed reviews or would the Country Inn and Suites be better? It looks to be a good value. Would like to have some things around the hotel to see-- maybe a little shopping. don't know which location is better for that.

Restuarants: read where the Costa Azul is a good restaurant for casual dining.

Any other Suggestions for these two days? Thanks

-ns

1. A taxi is the best way to get to the Miraflores Locks. You do not need to have it wait for you. There are lots of taxis coming and going and you will have no trouble getting one when you leave. Depending on where you are in the city, fare should be around $5-$8 each way.

2. I actually found the Gatun Locks a lot more enjoyable than Miraflores. They're farther from Panama City, but you can hit them on a day-trip/tour to Portobelo (ruined forts and interesting town on the Caribbean coast) and the jungle around Fort Lorenzo nearby (great wildlife viewing).

How is the best way to get to the Gatum locks? In your opinion, why is it better?

It's been a few years, but I recall that both the partial and full transits of the canal are both only offered on Saturday's.

I think the pipeline trail is close to the city. A hike there is great, we saw a jaguarundi while hiking there. Highlight of the trip.

Jean, thanks. Now that you mention it I think I remember reading the same about the canal transit trips.

Now I am thinking with only 2 days to do Panama my best use of time may be:

Day one: 1/2 Day Miraflores, 1/2 day exploring and walking the Causeway.

Day two: 1/2 day to Gamboa with the aerial tram and 1/2 day in Casco viejo with little shopping sprinkled in.

In case you are still interested in a partial transit trip on the canal, Panama Marine Adventures offers trips on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during peak season. My husband and I are going in Feb. on a Thursday!

JMGJD:

Thanks for the info. I will check into it.

Hi nonstop!i like your nickname!
Two days is perfect!
1.Miraflores Locks open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,is better get in there at 9:00 am because the bigger vessels cargo are passing at that time.
Taxi services is the best option,the cab driver must be wait for you.

Hi nonstop!i like your nickname!
Two days is perfect!
1.Miraflores Locks open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,is better get in there at 9:00 am because the bigger vessels cargo are passing at that time.
Taxi services is the best option,the cab driver must be wait for you.
2.B
3.Gamboa

Hi nonstop!i like your nickname!
Two days is perfect!
1.Miraflores Locks open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,is better get in there at 9:00 am because the bigger vessels cargo are passing at that time.
Taxi services is the best option,the cab driver must be wait for you.
2.B
3.Gamboa
Marriot Hotel is nearby shopping areas.

Hi nonstop!i like your nickname!
Two days is perfect!
1.Miraflores Locks open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,is better get in there at 9:00 am because the bigger vessels cargo are passing at that time.
Taxi services is the best option,the cab driver must be wait for you.
2.B
3.Gamboa
Marriot Hotel is nearby shopping areas.
My sister and I rent apartments in best areas per $150 nigth,full furniture,etc.

Hi nonstop!i like your nickname!
Two days is perfect!
1.Miraflores Locks open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,is better get in there at 9:00 am because the bigger vessels cargo are passing at that time.
Taxi services is the best option,the cab driver must be wait for you.
2.B
3.Gamboa
Marriot Hotel is nearby shopping areas.
My sister and I rent apartments in best areas per $150 nigth,full furniture,etc.
Manolo's Rest. is better,just 1 km away from Marriot and Costa Azul.
I am just the best!
(507)66709374
[email protected]
www.corazondelcielo.com
this is the site of my actual place of residence.
I offer B&B,think in it for your future trips to Panama.
See u!

Nachocabdriver: Curious as to why you think I should have the cab wait at Miraflores. Other people said there are lots of cabs coming and going?

I will check out Manalos restuarant. What type of food and prices?

Thanks for the info

Is safer use one cab driver/tourist guide for all your trips in Panama.
Pizza,panamenian food,american food,etc.you can ask for any type of food here,prices are ok!
Look,write my name ignaciovigil1 in the google search window and you will see a lot of references of my services,per example in the l.a.times,miami herald,new york times,etc.
Use nacho's services is smart!

I prefer the Gatun Locks because they're less touristy and crowded, and you're less removed from the action (I think the museum and documentaries at Miraflores are not good). But because the Gatun Locks are so far from Panama City, I'd only do them as part of a full day-trip.

We did a full (long) day-trip that included a very fun, scenic one-way train ride to Colon, along the Canal, then a tour of Portobelo, the Gatun Locks, and a lot of wildlife around the jungle near Ft. San Lorenzo. We did this through the tour operator at La Estancia. I know Ancon Expeditions offers a similar itinerary too.

For a second full day, I'd definitely recommend Casco Viejo and the Causeway. It's not to everyone's taste, but I also really like the pedestrian stretch of Avenida Central from Plaza Cinco de Mayo.

thanks J99:

what does the pedestrian stip on Avenida Central offer? I tried to find a reference to it in the Lonely Planet guide but could not. thanks