Hey,

I am planning a three day trip to Panama City, Panama and would like to stay in a central location where I can see the Canal and Hit up a rainforest tour. Which area or hotels are best?

What is your budget?

I do not recommend renting a car, the traffic is horrendous. So you can pretty much stay in either the old Canal Zone areas, Casco Viejo or downtown. The Miraflores visitors center is the best place to see the Canal and it is easily reached by cab from any of those locations. I recommend either a day trip to Barro Colorado or Pipeline Road. http://www.pipelineroad.org. for exceptional wildlife/ jungle experience. While you are there be sure and visit the brand new Biodiversity museum on Amador. Have a great visit!

You can either choose to stay at one of the standard "American
style" hotels that go as lux as Trump or stay somewhere where you can experience a more authentic experience. Casco Viejo is the UNESCO heritage area, opposite the bay from the modern skyscrapers near the Trump (a fantastic view esp. lit up at night!) and here you can stay in restored mansions (now hotels and B&Bs) such as Cuatro Tulipanes or Canal House or Casa Antigua, with many good restaurants, latin plazas and fun spots for music and views across the water. But it is under restoration, so be prepared for some beat-up buildings--an interesting peek into history to see the contrasts, IMO. Or stay at a B&B in Bella Vista neighborhood or up on Ancon Hill in B&Bs--highest point in the city with a beautiful walk to the top among tropical trees, monkeys and birds and amazing views. No restaurants up here, but a short cab ride to Casco Viejo. I recommend you book a guide to take you to Soberania National park (pipeline road) for birdwatchign and nature (30 minutes outside of PC), or go to Metropolitan Park in the city.

Definitely go to Metropolitan Park for a quick hike. Also check out Pipeline Rd/Rainforest Discovery Center, maybe Captain Carl's boat tour (junglelandpanama.com). A car rental might make you more stressed out than it's worth.

Stay somewhere near Calle Uruguay or if you want to stay in a rainforest area, go to Gamboa Resort.

Great thanks for all your responses. I will definitely look into a bed and breakfast for the first two days, then something lux on my last day. Im top interested in wildlife and canal. Again thanks

my budget is 900

wildlife and canal would see to indicate something either in the Soberani/Gamboa/Colon areas (Canopy Tower, Gamboa rainforest resort) or maybe Cerro Ancon (I saw a tamarin, an armadillo, and about a dozen agouti while walking up to the to from our lodging at La Estancia, which is a very budget friendly option).

I was amazed at all the wildlife we saw around La Estancia on Ancon Hill. The tamarin monkeys are quite cool--Panama is the furthest north any tamarins live. Lots of birds and butterflies on the walk from Estancia to the top of the hill.

On our upcoming trip, we wanted to stay at Sierra Llorona, which is a bit further out, but ended up booking our last night at Gamboa Rainforest resort instead, just cuz SL was more difficult with communication. But it looks like an outstanding place that immerses you in nature and beautiful setting. Gamboa looks beautiful, too, for views, then we will be close to Soberania park and walk around.

We really liked our stay at Gamboa resort (just got back)--it's a little incongruous--modern resort with a lot of cruise ship guests with glass elevator and swim up bar along with capybaras, toucans, and monkeys. But, we found the combination quite enjoyable.

RAC, are you going to post a trip report?

Yes. Highlights include a male quetzal landing and perching from about 7 feet from our bedroom window.

RAC, did you spend any time in the islands of Bocas del Toro?

no, four nights at Gamboa resort, 4 nights in Chiriqui highlands, 1 night Ancon hill.

I'm working on that trip report, I promise!