Thread: When was the last time you went to Panama?

When was the last time you went to Panama? Did you have fun?

hehe.. I never reach panama yet..
but i'm now planning to go there, maybe in the next two years, hopefully it will be a real dream..

I went to Panama last year, it was business purpose cum vacation. The place is amazing, beautiful beaches and food were the best part. I really enjoyed a lot.......

How long have you been there?
How much total cost when you be there?
It is reasonable?

Having been born and having relatives there, I have managed to return at an average of every 5 years. That is until lately. The last time I was in Panama I was there for the Centennial independence festivities in 2003. In fact, that was the second trip I made in the same year (the shortest interval between trips ever), as I was there for Carnival as well. The current interval has been the longest since I imegrated to the U. S. in 1969, as I don't plan to return until Carnival of 2010.

First time: 1998
Last time: 6 months ago
Next time: July 2008

My first time was in December 1966 (by car, driving from Canada. I remember an unpaved Panamerican Hwy mostly big boulders in the stretch north of David. Went with a couple of buddies, sleeping beside the road sometimes ).

My next time will be a week from today going with my wife to an All-Inclusive.

Next time after that, Dec 2008-Jan 2008.

Then, who knows - permanently in a few years?

I just got back this past March. I went in early November when my grandma past away and ended up staying to visit family and just relax. I had to come back home to take care of things since I want to make a more permanent move for an undetermined amount of time.

I have lived here permanently for 3 years and love it!! My husband and I retired here from Chicago.

We are about an hour out of the city, 15 minutes from beaches, and 15 minutes from the mountains!

We have a view to "die for" according to many people, including lifelong Panamanians. We can actually see the curviture of the earth. Our coastline views includes Togabo Island, Pearl Islands, Punta Chame, Coronado, Farillon, Chitre, and the Azuero Peninsula. We watch the cruise and container ships coming and going toward the canal.

Mary
whypanama com

Originally Posted by GordonS

My first time was in December 1966 (by car, driving from Canada.

My next time will be a week from today going with my wife to an All-Inclusive.

How long does a "Tour America" like Yours take?
1966 ? :-)

All Inclusive? In Panama? Examples?

THX

Originally Posted by whypanama

...We can actually see the curviture of the earth...

Is that due to "0" gravity, or lens distortion?

As I assist my mother planning her first Panama visit, I am retracing my January 2006 visit.

I am a budget traveler and my view of a hotel room is simply a clean place to sleep and shower. Coffee, light breakfast and internet connection help. Anything else is a waste of my adventure budget.

Crystal Suites was my first night in Panama City. Dined outdoors and did some Balboa beer tasting. Clean, older hotel that served continental breakfast upstairs.

Caught the bus from Panama City to David day 2. My spanish was just beginning and my attempts to get a bus from David to Volcan, a 45 minute ride, turned into a 4 hour journey over to Bocas del Toro.

Luckily, found a room at midnight, due to the bus driver's help. Next day, on bus ride back to David, saw dense jungles and wildlife.

Hotel Don Tavo in Volcan was perfect for 4 days of exploration around Chiriqui beaches, including Boca Chica and Las Lajas. Rented a car for travel here.

Drove back to Panama City, exploring more on Pacific coast along the way. El Valle is a recommended visit. Visited Coronado and Punta Chame.

Stayed at Hotel Marbella in Panama City. Found a taxi driver, upon front desk referral, who provided a 3.5 hour tour of the city, canal, Ancon Hill, etc. Cafe Pomodoro was a treat. Restaurant at Hotel Marbella provided solid breakfast. Also ate at Bucaneros on Amador Causeway.

Panama was my first-ever trip to Latin America. I enjoyed my vacation and could easily live there, especially in Chiriqui. That trip inspired me to explore more. I built a ocean view home just south of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Right now I am preparing for my next visit.. Last visited in December 2008.... I was planning to visit last week.. but had to postpone my trip due to some personal commitments.. Looking forward to my third visit....

Originally Posted by ford007

Right now I am preparing for my next visit.. Last visited in December 2008.... I was planning to visit last week.. but had to postpone my trip due to some personal commitments.. Looking forward to my third visit....

Good luck with your traveling/tour. Do share you experiences & photos! :-)

ummm i think its when i finished my testking 642-373 certification in 2002. long way back, but i am again planning to visit their soon

4 days ago ..this is the 3rd year we have been there and love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First time was 2006 with AFS exchange program, after that i returned every half year or year, last time was december 2009 and i will be returing to panama in september 2010!

Serving in Panama '71 with the USA MILITARY....I was unable to visit for a few years ---- & since '98, I've been swinging by every six months...I'm planning to retire in Panama....close to THE USA (My adopted country) and close to Cuba (haven't visited since 1962), waiting for the red hordes to vacate tha island...Love Panama and is beautiful & close to my two loves (USA & Cuba).

Sep 1990 to Jun 1994 - U.S. Air Force at Howard AFB/Albrook AFS
Dec 1997 to Sep 1999 - U.S. Air Force at Howard AFB
Jan 2004
Jun 2008
Jun 2009
In three - five years we are planning on returning for good!

First trip - May, 2010
Last trip (but for sure not my LAST trip to Panama) - November, 2010

Originally Posted by Brampton Mike

4 days ago ..this is the 3rd year we have been there and love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any special recommendations or experiences that can be shared? Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by whypanama

I have lived here permanently for 3 years and love it!! My husband and I retired here from Chicago.

We are about an hour out of the city, 15 minutes from beaches, and 15 minutes from the mountains!

We have a view to "die for" according to many people, including lifelong Panamanians. We can actually see the curviture of the earth. Our coastline views includes Togabo Island, Pearl Islands, Punta Chame, Coronado, Farillon, Chitre, and the Azuero Peninsula. We watch the cruise and container ships coming and going toward the canal.

Mary
whypanama com

We will be in El Valle in July looking for a permanent place to live. Can we meet you to gain more insight?

The last time I was in Panama was in 2003 for the centennial celebration. My mother and I fell in love with this country, we stay for four months and bought a house in La Chorrera close to the Nicolas Solano Hospital. This coming August we will be totally and completely moved in Panama. Saludos cordiales para todos uds.

Originally Posted by Rigo

The last time I was in Panama was in 2003 for the centennial celebration. My mother and I fell in love with this country, we stay for four months and bought a house in La Chorrera close to the Nicolas Solano Hospital. This coming August we will be totally and completely moved in Panama. Saludos cordiales para todos uds.

Hi guys! I'm a newbie here. Planning to visit Panama next year. Would be my first time so I am researching all about Panama.

About 4 hours ago . Headed back in August

Research is a great idea also you can ask specific questions on this very helpful forum. You will enjoy Panama as we did. Enjoy

I'm in Panama now. I'm getting a little more comfortable with driving in Panama City traffic. Maybe the boat on my roof distracts them?

The weather is hot but not terrible, people are generally very nice.

Just got back! We purchased 3 acres in Sora last year, and had a wonderful 8 days planning our home, snorkeling the Contadora Islands, and meeting new friends!