Thread: Excited to Be There

I will be making my "check out trip" around the first of March. We plan to spend a few nights in P City when we arrive, but am much more interested in exploring the mountain areas, and of course the beaches.

Any recommendations on places to see or rentals would be greatly appreciated. I'm bringing only 1 suitcase. Shorts, t-shirts, a couple of casual dresses, capris & tops, suitsuits, light jacket & hiking clothes are what I plan to pack. Since I've never been there does this sound right? (I know, typical female.)

Welcome. I'll have to leave to others to comment on your clothing, and certainly don't want to sound like an expert, but my experience is that men generally do not wear shorts in Panama. Despite the heat and humidity, men reserve wearing shorts to the beaches. It's not like anyone cares that much one way or the other; just an observation in case a male companion wants to look like a native!

Again, the following would be among the list of places to visit in the city:

- Panama Viejo (old ruins of missions)

- Casco Viejo / Casco Antiguo (city settlement following destruction of mission; very Caribbean / Colonial look and feel; Panama Canal Museum; old cathedrals)

- Mira Flores locks on Panama Canal

- Ancon Hill (quick drive up gives you panoramic view of canal and city)

- Metropolitan Park (huge natural rainforest adjacent to city)

agree with BalaBeacher...also try to visit some famous places during carnaval: Las Tablas, Chitre, Penonome. Although hotels must already be full, try to go for a day or night... Ans if you like shopping in the city (no malls) try La central, next to Casco Viejo en the Mercado de Artesanias in 5 de mayo!

About your clothes...sounds good to me, just be prepared for some what colder nights in the mountains (boquete/chiriqui), longsleeve shirts for hiking (mosquitosetc.).Panama City and David are pretty humid and hot.

Maybe in the city the men wear pants, but not in the country. Don't forget a hat, bug spray, and sun block. Sounds like you have everything else covered for the trip, now enjoy!

hey there . . . !!!
another newbie here , happy to find this forum . . .
would love to have some friends from here . . .
I have a pretty long list that i once make and now i follow it every time when i have to travel . . .

I wear shorts all the time because it is hot. The color of my skin and my accent make it clear I am a gringo, so wearing shorts isn't my "give away". I have never felt like I stood out because of my attire. Wear whatever is comfortable to you.