essenwein

En route home from Chile in March, we have a scheduled overnight layover in Panama City. We arrive at 5pm, and depart the next morning at 10am. How can we maximize our sightseeing in that short timeframe? Is the canal "open for visitors" in the evening at Miraflores or elsewhere? Could we grab a cab at the airport and head directly to the canal, have the cab wait while we looked around, then possibly see other things before heading to the hotel? Any idea what that would cost?

bellaboo

A cab from airport to the city costs $30. You probably won't leave the airport until 6'ish approx. & it will be dark by then....

I'd head to the Country Inn & Suites on the Canal & have a canal view room booked. You are directly on the canal, you can see the bridge of the Americas...it's beautiful!

Then head for supper to the Amador Causeway to "Mi Ranchito", a restaurant with the famous huge palapa with an unbeatable view of the impressive Panama City skyline. It's a great restaurant, a fave with locals as well.

On the way to the airport(leave early!) have the cabbie tour you up Ancon Hill & through the OLd City, etc.

Just my 2 cents, lol!

Love PC & Panama!!!!

ttraveler

Another option would be to go to Las Tinajas for a folklore show and dinner. You could always head over to Mi Rachito for drinks afterwards to see the skyline. I would also suggest staying at Country Inn and Suites. I don't usually like staying at chain hotels when I am away but the view is wonderful. You could also go for an early am swim/walk before you head to the airport. Enjoy

bellaboo

Yes....we don't normally do chains either, but location & view win out with this one.