Things to do in Panama
 

Hello,

I was wondering if it is better to stay in PAnama City or outside(like at the Royal Decameron). How long does it take to get to the City from this resort? Can tourists easily get into the Zone libre(duty Free area) to shop and is it a worthwhile thing to do? I heard only in the a.m. Is this true?
We are in our thrities and want some beach/eco and some city experiences, any suggestions? We were wondering if there are whales in the area and which excursions we should try if we don't want to stay on land! Any suggestions appreciated, we are going in mid January, will we need to worry about weather(are the nights as warm and humid as the rest of the carribean?)

Thanks for all responses,

Robyn

Be sure to take a fishing trip-even a Panga for a morning will produce challenging and exciting results whether Salt or Fresh.
http://www.panamafishingandcatching.com/

Hello "redrobin" I have booked R.Decameron for end of Jan & was told it is a 90 min. drive from the airport. I think that your only about 5 degrees from the equator-so i cant imagine it being cool at that time or year. Would like to hear a response on the duty free area.

Depends on what you want - you can access all the good tourist sites from the city in a day trip but the beaches are 90 minutes away on either coast.
The Royal Decameron has a good reputation as a 4-star all inclusive, right on the beach with lots of sports and activities. It's 90 minutes from Panama City on a 4-lane highway. They do offer tours back to the city for sightseeing, canal transits etc.
The Free Zone is another hour from the city so 2-1/2 hours from the resort - depends on what you want to shop for - it's mainly set up for wholesale rather than retail shopping although there can be good deals on jewelry, electronics, cameras, watches etc.
Shopping in Panama City is good and you can get almost the same prices. A new mall just opened and it is very modern with wide range of stores and great prices.
We had a lot of whales in Las Perlas (Survivor country) but I think they will be gone in Jan. My favorite trip is to the Embera-Drua community and of course the Canal Transit (Saturdays and maybe some other days during the week) - partial transit is sufficient.
Mid January is great weather wise - warm but not too humid - almost never any rain.
If you need more info contact me at [email protected]

Cheers,

Andrew

Do you want

1. A city vacation choose Panama City

2. A beach vacation Choose Royal Decameron

Or why not arrange a package of both (the Royal Decameron has a sister hotel called the Decapolis in Panama City (this is not on their website yet www.decameron.com)

I am a posting an excellent link that describes

http://wrench.4mg.com/excursions.htm

excursions offered at the Decameron ( a special place)

I grew up in Panama and have returned for visits in the last several years. I normally go in late January as it is dry season and the best time to visit. It will be warm but not unpleasantly so.

Panama City is of only limited interest to most travellers. There is great shopping in Panama and access to the Zone is very easy. There are excellent markets with high quality crafts. There is a small quarter called Old Panama which is definitely worth a visit. I recommend you hire a car and driver for the time in Panama City. The traffic police are everywhere! Do a partial transit of the Canal, it is an engineering marvel. Then get out of town.
The Interior of the country, Boquete and Volcan, are fabulous. Great hiking, good food and beautiful sights. The beaches from Santa Clara north are really gorgeous. Try the corbina and ceviche. Oh, and once you try a Panama banana you will be ruined forever for those miserable grocery store offerings!