I've been to Costa Rica, but never to Panama. I'm looking forward to a visit this summer. I'm assuming that a few well-placed flights will save time, given the road conditions in some areas (similar to CR).

Here's what I was thinking:

2 nights in Panama City (Canal, Casco Viejo)
2 nights on the Pacific Coast (maybe Farallon/Playa Blanca area)
3 nights in Boquete (canopy tour, rafting, hiking, coffee plantation, Caldera springs)
2-3 nights in Bocas Del Toro area (snorkeling in Bastimentos Marine Park)

I'm not opposed to taking buses, but Bocas-PC looks like quite an endurance test (560 km.) Not planning on a car rental, as I have read taxis are plentiful and very cheap.

Any veterans of similar itineraries care to share? Thanks!

mamllena.com good general info.

lots of rain in summer plan for that.

Coiba best diving dnorkel lasolas.com

Santa Clara Las Sirenas for surf

Kuna Yala amazing exotic Yandup Island

might be good additions if time.

Bocas kind of dodgy bocastesoroescondido.com my fav there.

Happy Travels,

www.lasolasresort.com

sorry for typo...

Thanks qwovadis! When you say Bocas is "dodgy," does that mean steer clear or just use extra caution?