We're headed to Panama at the end of this month and so far, only have tickets to and from Panama. No hotel reservations and a very sketchy itinerary.

Does this look doable/reasonable?

Sun-arrive late in Panama City
Mon-Panama City
Tues-Panama City
Wed-fly to Bocas del Toro(AuNaturel)
Thurs-Bocas
Fri-Bocas
Sat-fly to David(Coffee Estate Inn)
Sun-Coffee Estate Inn
Mon-Coffee Estate Inn
Tues-Coffee Estate Inn
Wed-fly to Panama City
Thurs-Panama City
Fri-depart for home

Questions:

Is it possible to fly directly from Bocas del Toro to David?

Is three days in Bocas too long? Four nights at Coffee Estate Inn too long? Four full days in Panama too much?

We're pretty mellow, but don't like the trapped sort of feeling either (like being on a cruise ship). With a rental car in David, I think we'll feel okay.

Should I try to add a trip to San Blas in there, or would that be too much traveling around?

Do I purchase airfare ahead of time or wait until we're in the country?

Sorry for so many questions... The hubby used some soon-to-expire frequent flyer miles at the last minute when he found he had time off, and now I have just a few weeks to research and book the rest of the trip.

Thanks for your help!

Sounds like a great itinerary to me. You'll find lots to do around PC with the canal and Gamboa area nearby. ..

Do you have your reservations already at Coffee Estate? It's really wonderful - and hence VERY popular (and only 4 (?) cabins).

We went to Panama in Feb. 06 and had an awesome time. We went the same places you did only in a shorter time.
You can get a transfer from Bocas Del Toro to the Coffee Estate.Jane and Barry can set that up for you. We had a driver named Daniel Higgins who was just wonderful. We used him for other transports once we were at the Coffee Estate. We had reserved our airfare from here and then purchased our tickets once we were there. Just make sure you get to the airport in enough time and purchase all of your tickets once you are there. The coffee estate has a nice information packet that they give you once you book. We used many of their recommendations. Have a wonderful time and make sure you enjoy a dinner at the Coffee Estate.

Thanks for the info, very helpful!

Yes, I somehow lucked into reservations at Coffee Estate Inn - and on the days I wanted.

Trip seems to be falling into place.

Thank you for your input, it's appreciated!

Sounds great to me. No, your time in Bocas isn't too long. We were there 4 nights after someone told us we'd be sorry if we didn't. It was great! And still, we didn't get to do all we'd have liked to do. It's a great place to relax---very laid back.

We loved Coffee Estate Inn as well. 4 nights there might be a LITTLE long (we were there 2), but it's a beautiful area.

Have a wonderful time! Anxious to read your report when you return.

ttraveler, How did you reserve airfare on website? They'll let me purchase, but not reserve? Am I missing a trick?

Catherine43,
I had a travel agent reserve my tickets.. It was from the package that Jane and Barry gave me. I think his name was Jose and I believe he was out of Panama City. I also used his service to pick us up from the airport..I don't have any of my information from that trip. I will tell you that we missed our flight out of David. Our flight was reserved (not purchased) and we got there in plenty of time but they had already sold our seats to someone else. We ended up taking the bus back to Panama City from David which actually worked out just fine. Our vacation was over anyway and we were only looking forward to a good dinner on our last night. Instead we got to sample busstop cuisine. Did you decide to rent a car in David?

Thanks, ttraveler!

Yes we'll rent a car, but I'm waiting on that info packet from Coffee Estate Inn. Sounds as though there will be a lot of good info in there. Did you rent car while you were there? How were roads?

I decided to just go ahead and purchase the airfare, but now my credit card won't take... Not sure what the problem is, but have sent an email to airline's customer service. Maybe I'm reading something wrong? (I'm usually sooo good at online shopping!)

Where did you stay in Bocas del Toro? I still have that reservation to make. Can't decide between going upscale at place like Punta Caracol or Au Natural, or something reasonable like Garden of Eden Resort. I'm leaning toward more reasonable as some of the reviews for Punta Caracol aren't that glowing.

Made reservation at Bristol for first three days in Panama and want to try another hotel for last two nights - any suggestions there? Did you take all your luggage with you on airplane or leave it somewhere in Panama? We tend to pack light, but I guess I should put my suitcase on scale and see what it says.

Okay, thanks so much for information!

Catherine43,
I usually only take carry on bags.I can usually only get away for about six days or so and it makes everything so much easier and quicker.
We didn't rent a car but the roads seemed pretty good to me. We really didn't need a car. We either walked into town from the Coffee Estate or had Daniel take us where we needed to go. You are going to be there a lot longer then we were so you might enjoy a car. I don't know what you plan on doing but there are some great hikes in that area. There is also a great guide named Chago who can take you to see the quetzels. It's a wonderful little adventure up a very rocky road.
We stayed at Country Inn and Suites in Panama City. I don't usually stay in chain hotels while in another country but it was recommended to me from a good friend who also travels frequently. It was in a great location with a great view. We were only there our first two nights and our last. We got in really late the first and last night but it worked out well for us.
In Bocas we stayed at Cocomo by the Sea. It is a very affordable little bed and breakfast. You can walk there from the airport.. really.. Check it out on trip advisor as the photos really look like it looks. They offer great free breakfasts.
My friends stayed at Punta Caracol. They liked it but it was a bit isolated and I believe they had to take every meal there. I enjoyed staying in town where I could walk to get dinner ect. You can also hire a little boat from Cocomo and have the driver take you to lunch. Lots of fun.Also don't miss Red Frog Beach. You are going to have such a great trip. Panama is one of my favorite places.

We stayed at Cocomo by the Sea when we were in Bocas a few years ago. Unfortunately for us, we had record setting rain while we were there. Still enjoyed ourselves, and would recommend it as a place to stay.

We stayed at Sevilla Suites in Panama City. Not in the same league as the Bristol, but we had a nice one bedroom suite for $85.00 or so. They kept our extra luggage when we went to San Blas.

Thanks to all! I think I have this trip pretty well wrapped up now.

Found out that I should've waited until I was booked at Coffee Estate Inn before I booked at the Bristol as CEI offers their corporate rate of $165 (instead of the $224 I'm paying). Can't cancel my reservation and rebook according to CEI. Dang.

Booked a few nights at a place called Garden of Eden in Bocas del Toro - they were highly rated on tripadvisor, but can't find anything on this forum about them. Liked their price ($120) vs. Au Natural and Punta Caracol.

(Must say, though, that we have previously booked at hotels that were highly rated on tripadvisor and were really not impressed! I'm wondering if tripadvisor is targeted more to younger crowd? Will decide if I continue to seek advice from them after this trip.)

Got one trip booked on aeroperlas, but website refused the second?? Tried again with hubby's credit card, still won't work. Will try again today. I'm already a tad nervous about these flights, and these website bugs aren't helping my state of mind.

JeanH, what month did you vistit Bocas? I'm curious because I went back and forth deciding between visiting San Blas or Bocas and then read that there were high winds in Jan/Feb in San Blas. Were you able to find things to do?

I think I can pack lightly enough to beat the 25lb luggage rule, just might have to do a load of laundry somewhere along the way.

ttraveler, thanks for your help. I think we're mirroring your trip... Including taking the transfer from CEI to Bocas with Daniel, using Juan for AP transfers, and have booked last night in Panama at Country Inn & Suites.

Whew, I think I need a vacation after all this planning! Thanks to all for your help.

Catherine43,
Your trip sounds just wonderful. If you are really worried about your flights and can't book maybe you should try to use that agency that we used through Coffee Estate.At least they would be reserved for you.
You will really enjoy Daniel, a real Gentleman. He lived in the states for a while. Speaks perfect English.
I think you have to sometimes read through the lines on trip advisor as well. All in all though I have been very lucky using it as a guide. I have stayed in a few places that aren't even on trip advisor though and have been completely pleased.
Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

Catherine, I grew up in Panama and feel sure you will enjoy your trip. I look forward to reading your report when you return.

Re: tripadvisor. I find it helpful to click on the "more about...insert name of poster" when evaluating reviews. I was headed to a hotel in Bermuda which got very good reviews and then a really nasty one showed up. Quick check and found the poster had posted an almost identical review of another hotel (which I knew). I think it helps you balance the effect of any of the reviews. I also check the TA forums which are frequently much more informative than the reviews sections.
Buen viaje.

We were in Panama in January. I don't recall it being windy in San Blas, just rainy in Bocas.

We were only in San Blas a couple of nights. They kept us busy. We hiked the afternoon we arrived. Toured the village the next morning, went snorkeling that afternoon. Left plenty of time to lounge around. There were about 20 people at Dolphin Lodge when we were there, the first night we were the only ones who spoke English.

Were were in Bocas the first week in Feb. and we had perfect weather the whole time we were there.. although we did get caught in a downpour taking the water taxi to Almirante.

You might want to read this article on the San Blas

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/06...tml?ref=travel

Interesting article, cmcfong. Thanks for sharing it. Sounds like a fascinating place to visit.

For the next trip, shillmac? Happy new year to you!

Sure! There's several areas of Panama I'd like to visit still. Just scratched the surface, you know! San Blas is certainly on the list. Sounds like it should be sooner rather than later!

And Happy New Year to you as well!

Topping for travelbaba

And, shillmac, check this out. Grand opening (with teh President of Panama in attendance) is Jan 11

http://www.avifauna.org.pa/

This is a project steered by one of my classmates from Balboa High School in the CZ and it is very exciting!