Thread: Panama tours?

Do you know if there are organized tours for the whole country? I know of Panama city tours, but I'm interested in traveling throughout most of Panama for 1 to 2 weeks and I was wondering if there are any organized tours for that. I'd like to see Boquete, Bocas del Toro, David, Valle de Anton, Colon (Free Zone), maybe Darien. (I understand the Panama Canal can be visited on a one day tour from Panama City, right? So it wouldn't have to be part of the tour.)

Christie

The only places in your list for which you need a tour guide are Colón and the Darién.

There's no reason to go to the Free Trade Zone except for business. People have the mistaken idea that it's a place to go to find bargains; not true, unless you're buying 200 refrigerators.

And the Darién is far too dangerous, except for day tours operated by people like Embera Village Tours (google it).

For everyplace else on your list, a) buy the Moon Guide to Panama, b) rent a car and/or take a bus and/or book your flights, and c) just go.

Now, in some of those locations there are half-day tours that can be worthwhile; e.g., a coffee tour in Boquete, and boat tours out of Bocas. But you don't need a guide for the whole trip.

For the canal, most people go to Miraflores locks, where there is an excellent museum. That will take a half-day. If you want more, you can book a canal transit tour, for around $125/pp.

You want to visit the Darien National Park? A little bit risky... as FARC rebels sometimes use parts of the Park as their hideouts. But I never heard of any tourists being abducted or harmed by them.

Check out this package.

If I go on one of these tours will I have enough time to go shopping? Or will it be very limited? I don't like it when they tell me to hurry up especially if I'm still trying on stuff. I like to take my time when I'm traveling just to be sure I don't miss any good finds.

Originally Posted by greensneakers

If I go on one of these tours will I have enough time to go shopping? Or will it be very limited? I don't like it when they tell me to hurry up especially if I'm still trying on stuff. I like to take my time when I'm traveling just to be sure I don't miss any good finds.

If you want to tour Darien it will take 4-5 days.. So plan accordingly... "one or two weeks".. Exactly how much time are you having? One week or Two week? Give Darien a miss this time, enjoy the beaches and shopping.

Originally Posted by ford007

If you want to tour Darien it will take 4-5 days.. So plan accordingly... "one or two weeks".. Exactly how much time are you having? One week or Two week? Give Darien a miss this time, enjoy the beaches and shopping.

Depends on our budget, but probably just for a week.

I would really love to just laze on the beach and soak up the sun and take a few shopping trips here and there and of course see the great sites.