Ronga

I need advise on where to stay so that we don't get bored staying month of February, 2011 in Panama. About us: 2 men 1 women, age 50, we like drink, eat, exercise, water, music and adventure. Do you advise renting downtown Panama City or Beachside city?

Ronga

We are narrowing it down between Bocas Del Toro and Panama City, Financial District. Any ideas?

SusanInToronto

Two totally different experiences - Bocas del Toro is not a city, it's a small beach community. If it were me, I'd divide my month between a couple of places. For food, drink, etc., I would say that Panama City is great, but I don't think I'd want to spend a whole month there. Same with Bocas - we loved our time there, but I wouldn't want to spend a month there.

What a dilemma - I'm envious - a month in Panama and how to spend it!

dotedunn

I agree to split the time.

Maybe spend a few days at the beginning & the end enjoying Panama City. In between, visit Bocas, but you may also get a bit bored after too much time there too, so you could also throw in a trip to Boquete in the mountains well, which would make it a complete circle. Flying between these place is quick and fairly cheap, but you can also bus it.

SusanInToronto

We really enjoyed our time in Boquete. Another really good experience was a couple of nights at Yandup - totally different from anywhere else and definitely worth our time.

Ronga

Thanks for your comments. We did rent a place for 1 month in Bocas del Toro because of the great price. We went with modern amentities. The owner went as far as moving out twin beds for 1 double for us. Here's the link if anyone interested: http://www.flipkey.com/properties/vi...del+mar+condo/

We're also taking both your advise. We are spending 3 days in Panama City before we go over to Bocas. I love the idea of going to Boquete to break up the "Island time".

Did anyone charter a boat?

EKKatIP

Explore the islands in Gulf of Chiriqui http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUOsm...eature=related

Ronga

Does anyone know a departure city in United States to Panama City cheaper than $420.00? I found Miami to Panama for $420.00 I have to take a flight to Miami so I'm hoping to use Skymiles for the 1st leg to any city, then pay for the leg to Panama City.

Thanks for any ideas.

Continental_Drifter

Try Fort Lauderdale to PTY. You can fly on Spirit Airlines very cheaply. We did it. While it's a discount airline, we only paid $110 each round trip! We did go on the redeye, however.

We spent two weeks in Panama last summer and can't wait to go back. My vote is definately for Bocas Del Toro.

I've written on the board before about finding a boat captain named Bobby in Bocas near the Bocas docks - DH has his cell phone number and I'll get it and post it. He took us from island to island without going on the expensive tours. In fact, they picked us up at our dock at the house we rented and took us out after the tour groups left. Sometimes he sent one of his buddies after us, but ALL were reliable. The typical $125 - 200 day only cost us $50 or $60 for just our family.

We rented a house owned by a surfer from Colorado. We always rent through VRBO. Think simple and a bit rustic surfshack with great linens, plenty of utensils to throw together a quick lunch to pack, and a view to die for! They've constructed a new two-level dock since the photos.

Here's a link: http://www.vrbo.com/175804

Ronga

Thanks mom23rugrats. I'd love to check into that house, however we already paid a deposit on a beach condo in Boca del toros.

I'm looking inot Spirit Air now. I sure would like that boat captains cell number.

Continental_Drifter

Sadly, DH's cell phone is currently under our dock and he is at the AT&T store now.

However, it will be as easy as pie to find Bobby. When you arrive in Bocas (if by water taxi) you come in at the Bocas Water Sports dock. To the right of the Bocas Water Sports Dock is an old privacy fence. This is where the boat captains sit and wait for a patron. Ask for Bobby there. Everyone knows him. We found all of the captains to be reliable.

Ronga

Does anyone know if the San Roque Bed & Breakfast on Richardo Aragon near Av 3 A in downtown Panama City is near food & nightlife? I'm looking for a cheap place because Panama City is just a 2 day layover before going to Bocas del Toro.

Thanks for any advice.

Continental_Drifter

I don't know that hotel.

We stayed at the Canal House in Casco Viejo for two nights while there. If you are a James Bond fan, it's cool because it's where Daniel Craig stayed while filming Quantum of Solace.

It's a bit of a splurge, but unique in it's decor and location. They only have three suites, and the smallest is about $175 or so. It's just off the main square in the historic district. We LOVED it. It feels like staying in a private home with an expert and professional staff.

Ronga

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately $175 is more than we want to spend since we have also rented a condo in Bocas del Toro for the month of February.

Anyone know of a hotel $100.00 with simple accomodations near Panama City nightlife?

Thanks for helping: )

Ronga

Anyone know of a hotel $100.00 with simple accomodations near Panama City nightlife?

Thanks for helping: )

Continental_Drifter

We stayed at the Marriott downtown for the first night using our frequent guest points on arrival. It's a beautiful hotel and is centrally located. It's over $100 per night.

Check Travelocity. There are about half a dozen listed under $100 including a Radisson or the Country Inn and Suites. I've heard that many cruise and tour patrons stay at the Country Inn and Suites, but that it's a bit outside PTY. Most everything is a very short cab ride. Take only regulated/licensed cabs.

You can also check Trip Advisor for their B&Bs. I think there are several on there we considered for our trip. One is a B&B at the top of a mountain and in a bit of jungle, yet in the city in a residential area. I think it was $75 per night or so and had good recommendations.

Too bad you'll miss the Canal House. For a difference of a mere $75, it really is a great experience and you'll feel old Panama there.

Ronga

Thanks for the tips. I may do Marriott with some points too. I'll post my journey as we travel in February.

momScanlon

Hi, we visited Bocas last year, was beautiful.
Our tour was of 8 days, visited Panama City, Boquete and Bocas del Toro. We will be back, I recommend Boquete and the Cloud Forest, Finca Lerida and its trails, with our guide we found 3 Quetzals!
In Bocas del Toro our Captain was Mr Livingston, fun and very well known Captain, ask around for him, everybody seems to know him.
In Panama City we did a small boat tour inside the Canal, tons of wildlife, also visited a Embera Indigenous Village and finally a City tour.
Our guide mentioned Old Spanish forts in the Caribbean coast and a canal transit. Like I said before we need to go back to Panama.
Hope you enjoy your month in Panama, I am envious!

momScanlon

I forgot, when in Panama we used the services of a tour Operator http://www.senderopanama.com, highly recommended!
Enjoy Panama, envious, truly envious, we are going to Costa Rica this year but thinking about crossing over the border and visit Panama again!

Ronga

We began the 30 day stay in Panama Mar 1, 2011. American Airline International travel allowed us to check in 2 luggage per person with no charge. WOW. We had 1 each plus small carryon. We packed for 2 Adults 50ish. As a female, I packed for 1 week and a few extras. Think about it. You go to your favorite few at home mostly. I have 7 pair shorts, 2 pants (1 denim,1 tan)9 shirts all short sleeve except 1 oxford shirt, 7 sets under garments, 3 swim suits, 3 shoes: teva sandal, dress sandal low heel and tennis shoes. Husband did 6 shorts, 2 swim trunks, 7 short sleeve shirts included 2 button up, 2 pants (1 denim 1 black), 7 underwear & 1 little black dress. We both color coordinated the shirts to wear with multiple bottoms. It has worked well so far. No private washer, however it has not been hard to wash 1 load twice per week at common area. Panama City is warm, however locals take pride in appearance. I felt under dressed even walking downtown in shorts. Ladies wear jeans, slacks, dresses all day. Same with men. No shorts. I'm sure this is plenty on the subject of clothes. I've used the Teva sandals the most. Comfort from day 1 and they hike, bike and dine with a dress or pant. Next blog will not be so boring. Thanks for reading, Ronga