Panama Trip July/August...any advice?
 

I am planning a trip to Panama in about 1 month. I'm staying at Gamboa Rainforest Resort for the first few days, and would appreciate any suggestions for good places to stay in Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
I have been reading a lot about activities, places to see, etc., but would also welcome any advice on that topic as well.
Thank you!

Haven't been yet so no advice for you other than what you can get from a guidebook (my son lived in Panamá in 04-05 and swears by the Moon Handbook), but could you please post a travelogue for us when you get home? I may be in Panamá next year and would like to live vicariously through you. :)

If you are looking to get away from the crowds and for a beautiful natural retreat, I recommend the Province of Chiriqui. The mountain highlands of Chiriqui (like the little town of Boquette) are known for bird-watching, hiking, touring coffee plantations and visiting the indigenous tribe, the Ngobe Bugle. The coastal area, the Gulf of Chiriqui, has beautiful, deserted beaches on its many, many islands. You could stay at one of several little inns in Boca Chica and hire a boat to go island hopping, fishing, surfing or snorkeling from there.
However, there is little to no night-life or shopping. This would be a nature lover's retreat.

Thanks for the replies so far. Keep 'em coming. I will write a travelogue when I return. Thanks for the interest, Hopefulist.
Perhaps I can write one for my trip to Costa Rica that I took in January.

Does anyone out there know anything about "Hotel Vista Mar" or "Bocas Paradise Hotel" in Bocas del Toro? Both look great on their websites, but aren't mentioned in any of my guide books.

You might want to check Tripadvisor - lots of reviews there, so you might find something there.

You will love gorgeous Gamboa Resort. It is an expensive resort, not for the budget minded. If you are on a budget and looking for a nice place in Bocas, I would recommend dos Palmos. No web site, but just ask and you will be directed to it. It is basic but they have a deck overlooking the bay which is very nice.