Thread: First trip to Panama

Just back from my 50th birthday first-time trip to Panama. Everything was absolutely amazing! We stayed at great places - Mamallena Hostel (thanks Stuart!), Senidup in Kuna Yala (thanks Tony!!), Amador Friendship Hostel and Torres de Alba. Had amazing meals at El Trapiche, Manolo's, Las Tinajas, Mi Ranchito and 1985. And drank ALOT of rum and batidos. If anyone is thinking about going for the first time and has concerns. feel free to ask me anything!

I'm a senior graduating from college this June and wanted to go with some friends to Panama for 7-10 days in august. I have literally no idea where to start when planning this vacation. Any tips on where to start or things you did that worked (or didn't work)?

I'm thinking of flying into Panama City and hanging there for a couple days. Then renting a car and touring the countryside (going to bocas sounds like the best option)

Hey jdr110, you actually have many options. Depends what you like to do and you dont really need to rent a car.

I've been looking around and it sounds like taking a bus is an option that would be cheaper and allow the same scenery. It looks like the main option would be to take the main bus line from Panama City-David then a bus from David-Almirante for a trip to bocas del torro. It seems good, but how easy is it to get off the beaten track when relying on bus (example, if we wanted to take a day trip from David to the beach or other site). Thanks

Wherever a bus does not go a taxi sure will and considering the amount of money you will save versus renting a car it is a bargain. Now I will say there are comforts to renting a car and/or a 4x4 (lots of fun, trust me) but if you have some clue about Spanish you can get anywhere you possibly want (including into Costa Rica) for a few bucks.

You can also consider a combination of bus/car. When I went to Boquete, we took the bus from Panama City to David, then rented a 4x4 Suzuki for the 4 days we were in Boquete. You can easily rent a car in the morning to explore a certain area, and then return it at night. I used Thrifty at the David airport, and was very happy with them.

Originally Posted by fm11709

You can also consider a combination of bus/car. When I went to Boquete, we took the bus from Panama City to David, then rented a 4x4 Suzuki for the 4 days we were in Boquete. You can easily rent a car in the morning to explore a certain area, and then return it at night. I used Thrifty at the David airport, and was very happy with them.

fm11709 has the right idea. You can rent a car in many places, use it for 24 hours, then return it. This will save you money and the pain of driving in and out of Panama City.

It seems like flying into PC then busing it around is a great idea.

Thanks for the info.

I bus all over the entire country and into Costa Rica, no problem and CHEAP!!!