idealess

Hello,
I've gotten a kick out of the postings and am so grateful to those who take the time to provide information.
My hubby and I are going to Panama for our anniversary and are somewhat adventurous, love nature and learning new things about our world. That being said, we've booked a trip the first week of April. We land about 2PM and plan to see Micoflores Locks and the old city in Panama City. Right now, we're planning to spend 1 night in Panama City, one night at Gamboa Resort and 4 nights at Punta Caracol. We plan to arrange at least 2 daytrips with Ancon from the PC to go snorkelling and possible rainforest hikes. The more I learn about Panama, the more I feel stretched for time. We are limited to this one week so I'm sure we'll plan a future trip but I'd like to have some input regarding narrowing choices and available transportation.

1: Should we stay in the city that first night after a long day of travelling or head up to Gamboa for a 2 night stay?

2: What are our transportation options to get from the international airport to Gamboa? I thought I had read that there is public transport up the river.? Gamboa will transport us one way for $50/couple. Sounds a bit steep to me but maybe this is my only option.

3: I plan to do the tram ride, hike early morning on the trails on the Gamboa property and maybe do the trip to the indigenous settlement but I'm not sure I can do all of this in a 1 1/2 days. Any suggestions? What is the schedule of the tours to the settlement?

4: How would I get to the Punta Caracol in Bocas del Toro from here? I assume that I drive back to the national airport in Panama City and go by plane. Is this the quickest route?

5: What daytrip tours would you recommend from Punta Caracol? Bird Island? Red Frog? Hospital beach?

Thanks in advance for any advice. We can't wait to see this part of the world finally!
Kelly

wapanda10

1: Should we stay in the city that first night after a long day of travelling or head up to Gamboa for a 2 night stay?
R: one of the best thing in Gamboa is watching the wildlife and hiking on the trails early in the morning, due that is better have 2 morning to enjoy than only one, please go head up for a 2 night stay in Gamboa.

2: What are our transportation options to get from the international airport to Gamboa? I thought I had read that there is public transport up the river.? Gamboa will transport us one way for $50/couple. Sounds a bit steep to me but maybe this is my only option.
R: Hire a taxi to do a short tour in PC + transfer to Gamboa and in this way you can save some money and enjoy of Panama form the first minute. I know a guide with a SUV for USD12/hour around PC and USD40 transfer from PTY to Gamboa hotel.


3: I plan to do the tram ride, hike early morning on the trails on the Gamboa property and maybe do the trip to the indigenous settlement but I'm not sure I can do all of this in a 1 1/2 days. Any suggestions? What is the schedule of the tours to the settlement?
R: SURE you can do, first do the hike (6:00 am - 8:00 am), secound take the breakfast (8:00 - 8:45 am), then take the aerial tram (8:50 - 10:30 am) and finally go to the indian village from 10:35 am - 4:00 pm) the same guide can do the Embera indian village trip for USD75 p/p.

4: How would I get to the Punta Caracol in Bocas del Toro from here? I assume that I drive back to the national airport in Panama City and go by plane. Is this the quickest route?
R: You will need to take a light aircraft in the domestic airport "Marco A. Gelabert" in Albrook (25 min. from Gamboa Hotel)

5: What daytrip tours would you recommend from Punta Caracol? Bird Island? Red Frog? Hospital beach?
R: no idea, all depends about what you like to see or do.

Before to hire any services, I recommend you to get at least 3 quotation to be sure that you will pay a good price.

Good luck and enjoy your first trip to Panama,

JeanH

We were in Panama in January. Here's my thoughts, I'd look into finding a driver/guide to take you from the international airport to Panama City and see the 'old city'. Do you mean Casco Viejo or the older part (name escapes me) that is basically ruins? Then head to Miraflores lock. Miraflores really isn't all that far from Gamboa. Alternatively, just see Panama City, stay in town that first night and head to Miraflores the next morning.

We had arranged transfers from the airport to our hotel in PC, I think it was $25.00 one way. From Gamboa back to the airport (the airport is the other side of PC)was $50 or $60.00. It's a fairly long drive, even really early in the morning with no traffic.

We looked into staying at Punta Caracol. We ended up staying in downtown Bocas instead. It's expensive, and you really are sort of 'stuck' there. I'd consider splitting your time between Punta Caracol and one of the hotels in town. It's a fun town, with great food and lots of options. Also, while we were there, lots of rain. Which is another reason I'd rather be in town. Lots of other people to chat with while you watch the rain come down.

There aren't a whole lot of flights to Bocas from Panama City. We flew on Aeroperlas, I know there's at least one other airline.

You also might consider contacting Tammy Liu at Panoramic Panama and let her help you make arrangements. She did a great job for us, all transfers were right on time (except for some delayed flights, nothing she can do about that).

It's a wonderful country, you'll have a great time. Jean

idealess

Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I would like the name of the guide and contact info (wapanda10), please. I will also contact Tammy, Jean.
kelly

wapanda10

The guide is Mario Wong at myfriendmario dot com , Cel 6782271 also you can get good feed back of him in some yahoo group like RetireinPanama or ViviendoinPanama

Now you have 4 company to compare price: Ancon Expedition, Gamboa Tour, PanoramicPanama and MyfriendMario

Good luck,

ojoy

I'd go along with the post that recommended just hiring a taxi/guide from the moment you land, and have him take you through the city for a quick overview tour then if you're still up for it, tour the Miraflores Locks on your way to Gamboa Resort--might as well just stay there for the short amount of time you have and for the activities that you are planning. Less hassle that way.

cmcfong

You should look into a visit to Canopy Tower, the premier birding facility in Panama. It is just down the road from Gamboa Rainforest Resort.