hiker

Ok, my dd's best friend spent last summer in a homestay in Rio de Jesus with the Amigos de las Americas program. She would like to visit her host family over Spring Break and take my dd. They are thinking of flying to Panama City, taking a bus to Santiago where they transfer for the short ride to Rio de Jesus. A member of the host family is a driver for the bus system there and the girls think this will be safe.

Best friend will have just turned 18 and dd will still be 17. They have good heads on their shoulders and speak Spanish but I am worried about the transport. If I had my druthers they would have a driver meet them at the airport and drive them straight to Rio de Jesus.

Was hoping some of you living in the area can give me your views on this plan and/or offer suggestions.

Thanks -

hiker

anyone???

Lalaguayaba

Aloha. Please keep in mind that at least 24 hours is standard for any sort of answer; I would even add some time to that, considering that this is the holiday season.

The route the girls are planning on taking is a well-traveled one along the Interamericana highway; with that said, this forum is less about budget traveling, and more about moving and living in Panama. I would recommend the Lonely Planet website, which has huge sections about travel through Latin America on buses and other cheap commercial transport.

As for my own experiences driving across Panama, I thought it was safe, well-maintained, well-marked and easy-to-use. There are easy to find bus stations in any town of any size, and if the girls speak Spanish, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You mentioned that girls have good judgement; that should keep them out of the bars and clubs in Panama City--let's hope.

Should you choose to try and find a chauffeur, this man might be able to help you:
Rene Guardiola Rene is a lovely man who runs a top-notch operation, has several bilingual drivers and could help you find the info that you seek.

Good luck!

hiker

Lalaguayaba,

Thanks for your response.

I only bumped because the thread was way buried already, sorry. Also, I probably miscommunicated. We're concerned about safety not budget. Reading the consular website and posts about crime traveling to/from the airport and Panama City has us a little worried. Maybe having a driver take them straight to Santaigo where they could catch a bus to Rio de Jesus would be something to explore. It's good to know they wouldnt get into any shady areas along the route, though.

Being an expat myself, I thought this would be the best source versus travel guides. Thanks again!

MRWOOHOO

Hello hiker, I have taken that route personally myself a couple of months ago. I probably would recommend getting them a driver to take them all the way. It seems as though Lalaguyaba has a good driver contact, give them a call. I myself feel pretty safe but I am over 6foot 200+ lbs. One thing I did notice was that American girls do get ALLOT of attention. They would probably be safe (a real concern would be the actual bus condition) but if I had a teenage daughter I would probably think twice.

hiker

Thanks, MrWooHoo - I think you're right. At least I'll sleep better at night. I sent Rene an email and hope we can arrange something.

Lalaguayaba

As a former teenage girl, I applaud your willingness to let your daughter and her friend take an unchaperoned trip; my parents did the same for me in '93, and I will always be thankful for that chance to 'stretch my wings' a bit. But...I do hope that you choose to go with Rene (or whoever) for the full ride! They should enjoy the trip, and not have to worry about whether or not they will make the correct bus in the correct direction, and totally avoid the personal safety issues that crowded local travel can mean.

Best of luck!

hiker

Lalaguayaba,

You have convinced me that this will be our course of action. Also, it enables them to have more time in the village since they will only be there for a week. I haven't heard back from Rene yet so will call them.

My d will be only 17 and I have heard there is a curfew. D's friend thinks it is nothing to worry about. Do you have thoughts on this?

Thanks for all the tips.

Lalaguayaba

I haven't heard anything about a curfew at all, but I also don't imagine that it is tightly enforced--especially outside of Panama City.

I'd make sure to give it a few days for Rene to get back to you after all the holiday festivities are over.

Cheers.