I want to tour Panama first just to see what its like

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Member since 03 June 2024

NObody No oneMember03 June 2024 13:00:53

Hi, I am planning a trip anywhere from 6-8 days to Panama this November. I was advised to stay in a hotel in Casco Viejo by a coworker who was stationed in Panama. He also advised I should tour the locks, and swim in the Pacific and Atlantic on the same day. I'd like to spend 2 solid days doing walking/exploring as well. I am also considering to see San Blas, Bocas Del Toro, Baru Volcano, tour a coffee plantation, and try surfing class at Santa Catalina. I assume a week is long enough for all of this, so my question is would staying in one hotel be wise? Never been to Panama before.

Rush Alvarado Active member

Member since 25 August 2023

Rush AlvaradoActive member15 July 2024 16:14:00

6-8 days is short for all you want to do. But I can help you with some suggestions.

Hotel in Casco Viejo?

Expensive. There are other hotels better located and cheaper. And you can get to Casco Viejo by Uber. If you aren't moving in peak hours, you can be there in minutes.

Bocas del toro?

Visit Isla Colón and near by islands. There are some hotel located right at the edge of natural parks like Isla Bastimentos and you can get to see dolphins and whales if you are visiting in the season.

Tour the locks?

there are complete transits and partial transits. I'd recommend the partial transit going for Miraflores and Pedro Miguel so you can squeeze more of your day. There are also options for flying over Panama City that's a really good experience. You should also visit Miraflores Visitors' Center.

San Blas?

is a must. There are 2 options of going there: 1. Charter flight to San Blas, 2.Ground Transportation. I'd recommend the ground transportation if you are doing a day pass and a charter flight only if you are staying more days. You cannot come to visit without going to San Blas. This will take the whole day.

Exploring?

A good recommendation is the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. It has a tower and several trails. You can adventure the pipeline road if you feel like an explorer and it's pretty safe to do.

Baru Volcano?

There are 2 ways of doing this: 1. hiking and takes 2 days (1 day to reach Chiriquí and 1 day to hike) and the other option is via 4x4. I'd recommend the 4x4 because of the comfort of having a team looking for you and enjoying sunrise at top. BUT it's a matter of honor to hike and camp on top and see sunrise. On a clear day you can see both oceans.

Coffee Plantation?

You can't come to the land of the best coffee in the world and not having a sip of geisha coffee right at the plantation. These farms have tours and other amenities.

A week might be enough but you must cut on the travel and transportation times. Moving from Panama to Boquete, for example, can take around 8 hours if everything goes fine.

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