Thread: Road trip from Panama City to David

Here is a rough report for a road trip this weekend from a forum member.

Normally the drive time is 5-6 hours.

1. They had to go to David quickly since someone had broken into the house and stolen all electrical wires, air conditioners, doors and much more.

2. The trip took a total of ~44 hours. They left at 5.30 AM on Saturday morning and arrived at 1.30 AM on Monday. The indians had set up road blocks at 4 points aiming at destroying vacation time and protest.

3. The Ngobe Bugle indians threw stones at their car causing damage.

4. While waiting in line a Panamanian backed into their car. The driver refused to give out his cedula or drivers license number.

5. At each road block the indians illegally charged the drivers a toll of $1. Only to pass them along to their friends for more extortion further down the road.

6. The riot police were hugely ineffective and did nothing to remove the indians from the roads where they were burning tires. But then again, what do they care of thousands of people get their vacations ruined and the property destroyed. Time has no value as always and to be considerate to a foreigner who has spent 3000 dollars on plane tickets would never cross their minds.

Kind of reminds me of a road trip to Puerto Viejo last year. The Panamanian customs were striking so could not pass over to Costa Rica. What do they care if someone has flown here to visit from the other side of earth.

Panama needs rubber bullets (coated). They also need to crush the unions.

Today, the same guy went back to David. Upon arriving the cops pulled them over for no reason whatsover. They accused them of speeding and hitting another car. Eventually the wonderful representatives people of Panama got away with 110 dollars.

Panamanians sure like to piss on their visitors!

Originally Posted by EdBowers

Here is a rough report for a road trip this weekend from a forum member.

Normally the drive time is 5-6 hours.

1. They had to go to David quickly since someone had broken into the house and stolen all electrical wires, air conditioners, doors and much more.

2. The trip took a total of ~44 hours. They left at 5.30 AM on Saturday morning and arrived at 1.30 AM on Monday. The indians had set up road blocks at 4 points aiming at destroying vacation time and protest.

3. The Ngobe Bugle indians threw stones at their car causing damage.

4. While waiting in line a Panamanian backed into their car. The driver refused to give out his cedula or drivers license number.

5. At each road block the indians illegally charged the drivers a toll of $1. Only to pass them along to their friends for more extortion further down the road.

6. The riot police were hugely ineffective and did nothing to remove the indians from the roads where they were burning tires. But then again, what do they care of thousands of people get their vacations ruined and the property destroyed. Time has no value as always and to be considerate to a foreigner who has spent 3000 dollars on plane tickets would never cross their minds.

Kind of reminds me of a road trip to Puerto Viejo last year. The Panamanian customs were striking so could not pass over to Costa Rica. What do they care if someone has flown here to visit from the other side of earth.

Panama needs rubber bullets (coated). They also need to crush the unions.

I think what Panama needs is a major overhaul top to bottom or just accept that it is what it is, and that isn't anywhere near what is advertised. Panama wants to be a first world country but can't due to the inherent corrupt banana republic mindset and culture of its people.

Personally I avoid as much of this petty nonsense as possible and that is the only way to survive in a place like Panama. You need your own water well and backup electricity, preferably solar panels and a decent sized piece of land such that you can be happy in your own space. Then it is possible to enjoy a place like this. Learn how to cook too because you will need it if you crave ethnic food, even simple Mexican cuisine. These comments are not jabs at the country of Panama but the reality of the situation living here. A lot of expats live here for a while and realize WTF am I doing in a place like this? In the end you get what you pay for.


"The Panamanian customs were striking so could not pass over to Costa Rica. What do they care if someone has flown here to visit from the other side of earth."

They don't care. That is problem with the culture in Panama. It seems to have rubbed off on the foreigners too.

Originally Posted by Felicity

I think what Panama needs is a major overhaul top to bottom or just accept that it is what it is, and that isn't anywhere near what is advertised. Panama wants to be a first world country but can't due to the inherent corrupt banana republic mindset and culture of its people.

Personally I avoid as much of this petty nonsense as possible and that is the only way to survive in a place like Panama. You need your own water well and backup electricity, preferably solar panels and a decent sized piece of land such that you can be happy in your own space. Then it is possible to enjoy a place like this. Learn how to cook too because you will need it if you crave ethnic food, even simple Mexican cuisine. These comments are not jabs at the country of Panama but the reality of the situation living here. A lot of expats live here for a while and realize WTF am I doing in a place like this? In the end you get what you pay for.


"The Panamanian customs were striking so could not pass over to Costa Rica. What do they care if someone has flown here to visit from the other side of earth."

They don't care. That is problem with the culture in Panama. It seems to have rubbed off on the foreigners too.

Panama is third world trying to become a second world in some areas. Your point about people getting what they pay for in the end is not accurate. Panama has first world prices in most areas desireable to foriegners. I would suggest people over pay and don't get what they paid for but a whole lot of what they didn't bargain for.

New break-in reported upon arrival in David. 2 drills, variety of tools, hoses, fans, bathroom mirrors.

Nothing violates more than someone robbing your house. The problem is wondering when it will happen again. Everytime you run to the store or leave on a trip wondering if the house will be hit again. It seems like the area around David has a high incidence of robberies.

What are you doing about it, do you have neighbors, try what we are doing in Chorrera, in our neighborhood we are taking care of each other and we are the only english speaking people here.

I'm the thread subject, the postings are mostly accurate. It wasn't a break in, had a guy working here who was great for everything. He was getting paid very well, worked hard etc... but is a recovering alcoholic who's sponsor was my electrician for repairs(more on that below). He went missing after turning over the keys to the electrician friday, wasn't going to be available sat. This by itself was a bit odd because he was the night guard while I was away. His phone rang for a few days, now straight to mail. He left quite a few personal effects...but it's odd. His dvd player gone, but the peripheral stuff and discs left there, wallet empty, bracelet I found...clothing and bedding. He either went on a bender or he got jacked...his 'friends' aren't nice people. Plus he got paid a few hundred before I left...probably wasn't a good idea. I'm a bit worried about him now actually. Will speak with the electrician tomorrow, see if we can track him down.

Rigo...neighbours? This house was sitting empty a few months, stupid I know, wasn't me. Anyway, somehow these neighbours did nothing while a crew ripped half the copper out of the property, all the A/C's, smashed the compressors etc... stole a 30" stove, 5 doors, smashed a couple more, etc... no way someone didn't hear and see all of that being piled into at LEAST two trucks, or they made more than one trip. I've got people living there full time now, added extra lighting etc...renter with a dog going in soon too. I don't trust anyone here for anything unless I know them well.

"I don't trust anyone here for anything unless I know them well".


Sad that the neighbors don't look out for each other. People who look the other way may find it is their house one day. Think I might sell and move to a better neighborhood.

GWilson, I`m so sorry you had to go through that, don`t let this negative experience control you. I did experience something similar like you but it was with a very good friend. I think this experience made me stronger. After the shock and anger, went to all my neighbors and told them what had happened to me, then, I realized that they were as afraid as I was of being robbed, so we decided to watch each other houses also we contacted the police and let them know what we decided to do to protect our homes. Hope things get better for you.

It may be more amusing to note that it IS a 'better' neighbourhood. It's pretty upscale for panama, rich people with nice lawns who cut their hedges into nice shapes. It doesn't matter where you are in this country, if you leave your property unattended without any security for more than 24 hrs it's a risk. They WILL rip the guts out of it and it's highly unlikely your friends will have seen anything, the cops will not want to know(tried reporting it initially) and you will learn the hard way. I'm not all that bitter about it now, shit happens. When you do something foolish life rewards you with the sledgehammer of reality.

I do think that most condo's have an added value in Panama due to the security and added difficulty. I'm having to go with razor wire and broken glass on my walls mexico style...I'm thinking orange and blue for aesthetic value.

Originally Posted by Gwilson

It may be more amusing to note that it IS a 'better' neighbourhood. It's pretty upscale for panama, rich people with nice lawns who cut their hedges into nice shapes. It doesn't matter where you are in this country, if you leave your property unattended without any security for more than 24 hrs it's a risk. They WILL rip the guts out of it and it's highly unlikely your friends will have seen anything, the cops will not want to know(tried reporting it initially) and you will learn the hard way. I'm not all that bitter about it now, shit happens. When you do something foolish life rewards you with the sledgehammer of reality.

I do think that most condo's have an added value in Panama due to the security and added difficulty. I'm having to go with razor wire and broken glass on my walls mexico style...I'm thinking orange and blue for aesthetic value.

Thanks for an excellent response! This is the type of information people need to hear when deciding to move to Panama. Even in nice neighborhoods it is not safe to leave for 24 hrs. Having to put glass, razor wire, high fences, bars on windows is normal in Panama. I believe it is important to have a hidden safe room in your home for valuables. This safe room does little to stop the violation of having the house gutted and the cost of the destruction. There seems to be a theme amongst people who I know have been robbed where it is usually someone they know casually or have done work for them. I remember an old post last year where MRWOOHOO warned about bringing locals into your home, still very strong advice. Having trustworthy neighbors is always a good defense.

Here is an excellent example of the post aboves comments in todays news. Cattle rustlers caught stealing cows turned out to be the nephews of the rancher. Who can you really trust in Panama?
The "Blackberry Cattle Rustlers" Strike Again - Panama Guide

Originally Posted by Gwilson

if you leave your property unattended without any security for more than 24 hrs it's a risk.

So what's the solution if one wants a vacation home in some rural area? Build a guest house nearby and have someone local live in it? Does an alarm system help?

Originally Posted by jonr

So what's the solution if one wants a vacation home in some rural area? Build a guest house nearby and have someone local live in it? Does an alarm system help?

There is no simple solution. I also would eventually like a place with acreage outside of the city. I think where you are at in Panama makes a difference as well. Having a live in maid or grounds keepers living on the property as you suggest is probably a good idea if you can afford it. If you have a rural home you need to keep the thugs guessing as to whether you are there or not. Try not to establish any set patterns. Have concealed parking for your car so they can't tell when you are home by the cars presence. Keep lights on outside and inside at night always so the place looks the same. Plant landscaping such as Bayonet Palms under windows to keep people from gaining easy access. Gate your drive and keep it closed. Use a wireless alarm system on your drive and at points around your home like this one
Driveway Patrol - Drive Way Alert - Wireless Driveway Alarm System
Very cheap and you can set them so a dog will not set them off but a person will. This provides early warning so you will not recieve any surprises in the middle of the night. When you build the house frame the doors extra heavy so that they can't be kicked in. Use heavy safety hinges with 5" bolts. Build a hidden safe room in the house for valuables. Not in the floor where they will look for it. Build it in the bathroom wall behind the linen closet. If properly constructed they can steal everything and not suspect it is a false wall. When you leave your home for extended time place your tv, electronics, jewelry, guns, metals etc.. there for safe keeping. A wireless camera system like the xcam system is cheap and effective. It records to a hard drive or an online storage. If the perps steal the camera you will have their face and hopefully vehicle on tape. It is wireless so they can't find your hidden saferoom by tracing wires. A dog is a great early warning system but not much use when your away for extended periods. A weakness in many homes is the roof and ceiling. Criminals gain access through large gable end vents and then drop down through the ceiling drywall. Install a metal or tile roof with ridge vents and attic fans to help deter this. The exterior construction of the house is key. Block or brick is better than vinyl or wood siding. A criminal with a reciprocating saw will be in your house in a matter of minutes by creating his own doorway. As a child growing up in Texas we faced these same issues and my father had several clever things he did to ensure they safety of our belongings. I can't go into them here but trust me we never had a problem going to Florida for up to a month. The neighbors were robbed but the word was out that coming to our house was a death sentence whether we were home or not. Two tours in Vietnam were not pleasant for my father but the clever security tricks and tactics he aquired have proven to be invaluable.

Interesting side issue... I had to write to TACA air (no response for a week now) because their website does not allow one to book a flight from PC to David... because they fly out of PAC [the local airprot], not PTY [the international one], but the website dropdown menu only lists PTY for any flights originating from PC.

Catch-22... cant book a flight, but it seems driving there could be a big problem as well.

It's with Aeroperlas and not TACA.

^Eureka!!!

Dude, that one has annoyed me for a week now. If you try to book through a 3rd party vendor (Kayak, Expedia, etc), it shows TACA as the airline, then when you click to book it, it says you have to book directly with the airline. So, you go to TACA's website, but it doesnt give you the option to depart from PAC.

Anyway, kinda confusing, but grateful for the new lead...

Well, this is kind of scarey. My husband and I are coming to Panama Feb 5 for 2 weeks. Our plan is to rent a car and drive to the western highands. We want to visit David, Boquete, and the area up there. It is sort of a fact finding mission, as we are thinking of retiring in Panama soon. Does any one have some positive experiences?

Originally Posted by mrimaggie1

Well, this is kind of scarey. My husband and I are coming to Panama Feb 5 for 2 weeks. Our plan is to rent a car and drive to the western highands. We want to visit David, Boquete, and the area up there. It is sort of a fact finding mission, as we are thinking of retiring in Panama soon. Does any one have some positive experiences?

That's a big-time trek! Stop in and fish and drink beer with NakedGuy too. I hear he's a great host.

I did pretty much the same thing. Rented a car in PC and headed west and stayed a night or two in various places over two weeks. It was a pretty uneventful trip. Got to meet a few people. Stayed in some decent inexpensive places. Enjoyed the scenery and the food was fine and quite cheap. The roads are actually better than I've seen in other Central American countries. The people are typically decent. I think you will enjoy yourself and have a good trip.

Check with your credit card companies (you will want to let them know where you are going anyway) and see if they will cover the rental car insurance. Two of mine said they would and that saved quite a bit. A GPS would be helpful. I had very poor maps and was reluctant to get very far off the beaten path due to the possibility of getting lost. I get lost all the time so it probably wouldn't have been a big deal but I'd still rather not.

Hi I have done that trip several times. I don't what your intinerary is but be sure and see some of the smaller communities around Boquete also like Volcan. Be sure and visit Valle Escondido while in Boquete it is a first class place and was the culmination of my good friend sams life work. David is hot and is kind of an industrial town. Balabeacher is correct Nakedguy is an excellent host if you visit the Pedasi area and you can count on him to tell you things with candor about the area. When traveling from PC to David, Santiago is a great place to stop and have lunch or dinner. If staying the night try the hotel David in Santiago. Ask for annabella she will give you a good nightly rate. Directly acroos the street is a local Restuarant, I can't remeber the name but the food is good and so is the service. The portions are large and very inexpensive. I ate there for dinner and had fish which was cooked perfectly and had breakfast there and it was very good also. As you approach David expect some large potholes in the road, be careful of these especially if it has been raining because you won't know the depth because they are full of water. This is no joke if you hit a large one doing 60 miles per hour. I stayed at the hotel National in David and it was ok. There is a casino across the street and it is noisy on weekends. If you stay there ask for an upgrade to a suite for whatever price you were quoted. I got their largest suite for 80.00 a night and it was nice. I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip and feel free to ask me more questions if you want!!!

Originally Posted by BalaBeacher

That's a big-time trek! Stop in and fish and drink beer with NakedGuy too. I hear he's a great host.

Well we were thinking of sight seeing on the way. stopping for a beer and fishing somewhere along the way. Driving from our home here to the coast (pacific) is 6-8 hours at least.