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Panama Canal | Tagged Posts

2019
24
October
How can we make the most of our time in Panama City and Bocas Del Toro?

Question:

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Dustin

My girlfriend and I (late 20s) are flying into Panama for a few days before going to Bocas Del Toro for a week. Looking for recommendations and must see's for both the islands and Panama City. For cash should we bring US$ or Panamanian $ maybe mix of both? We'll just be using uber to get around Panama city and staying in Airbnbs that we already have figured out so we are good on both those fronts.
Thanks this community has helped me lots in the past looking at peoples feeds.
Cheers!

Humans say...

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Bianca

I’m currently in panama. USD is the currency!
See if you can go to San Blas and i really liked Boquete. I’m near El Valle de Anton and it’s quite nice here. I’m not a fan of the city — too busy and not my scene.

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Colleen

Take US dollars, Panamanian currency is rarely used. uber is super cheap as are the taxis that are not affiliated with the hotels ( never got ripped off) We enjoyed the sea wall into the old town, Panama Canal visitor centre ( go early=less busy) checkout the black beaches of Coronodo ( about an hour out of city, but you can take bus). It’s a great city and we never felt unsafe.

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Ying

Panama has its own coins but not paper money - it uses US bills so bring US bills for the smaller cities and towns, you can use your credit cards in Panama City

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Steph

USD all the way! Lots of great ideas for a couple of days in my blog post below, suitable for a couple of days in Panama City:
https://www.siaaroundtheworld.com/blog/2018/3/30/panama-city

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Linda

As already stated just take US currency, check out Casa Viejo(old town) and maybe the ferry to Taboga for a few hours, hike up to Camino Del Cruz for gorgeous views, don't book a tour just take the local ferry and walk around, go for lunch, do the hike and enjoy the beach and views of the city from the water

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Jamison

Check out blue coconut. There is a bat cave tour that is cool. Starfish beach is beautiful. We also enjoyed fishing with
Sportfishing Bocas DEL Toro. Make sure to have lots of 1's for the boat shuttles between islands when we were there in 2016 it was a buck or 2 for most shuttles abd up to 5 for farther out destinations.

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Rosaura

There is Metro train around the city faster a safe $2 pass card after you ad few dollars and you can get around from one side to the other without seeing traffic jam, . Taxis are cheaper than uber, make sure have the right amount of charge that means under $5

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Stacie

I was there a few years ago, you can't use their currency, only USD.

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Bek

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Launie

US$ and have small bills for the water taxis.
We used Bocas Frog for all our transportation in Panama City and a day tour which was super affordable.
Make sure you have lots of time between air Panama flight from Bocas and your flight home as the flights sometimes don’t go....
Walk the jungle highway in Bocas which is at the end of Bluff Beach.

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Anutham

Recommend going out to the San Blas Islands. There are a number of tour companies that take you out there but charge an exorbitant amount of money for it.
If you're a little adventurous, you can do it yourself. Granted my experience was from a few years ago.
We rented an SUV and drove over to Carti. There is a check point along the way where your passport is checked (I think) and you have to pay a small fee for entry into the area.
The road was in fairly decent condition.
Once we got to Carti we found a local with a boat to take us out to the islands. This cost us about $20 per person and we went to a few different islands.
This was definitely one of the coolest places I've ever been too and I would highly recommend it.

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Riley

Go get some ceviche at the fish market near casco Viejo! So good

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Veronica

Riley agreed!

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Meghan

Isla Zapatillas is a must see in Bocas Del Toro! There are many options for boat tours if you shop around Bocas Town which I would also highly recommend (ours included a 2 hour visit to Zapatillas, snorkelling, lunch, dolphins, and sloths!). The Flying Pirates quad trails/tour from Skully’s hostel on the main island (Colon) was also excellent. Playa Estrella (Starfish Beach) was incredibly beautiful, calm clear waters and plenty of starfish to see! In Panama City you can take an uber and then a short hike to the top of Ancón Hill for panoramic views of the entire city (Old and new) and lots of wildlife on the way up and down!

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Laís

Visit Boca del Drago when in Bocas and pay a visit to
Juany Valdes Serracin at Yarisnori Restaurant. They also have super cheap accommodation if you would like to extend the visit. If you like diving, contact Scuba 6 Eco diving (talk to
Ginette Bariteau or Michel)

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Mike

Just bring american cash, that's what you'll get for change in bills but you get Balboa (Pan $) in coins. Casco is fun at night with some good rooftop bars, I didn't get to go to the fish market nearby but it right by the sea wall and I've heard a lot of good things about it. When in Bocas town, make sure to go to Bocart, probably the best meals we had in all of Panama

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Dale

Following

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Kathleen

The Panama Canal Tour is interesting... We were underwhelmed by Panama City...although we did a heli tour and by air
Could see the new city and the diversity of the old and new cultures
Side by side and worlds apart..

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Sunny

Take a water taxi to Red Frog Beach! One of the best beaches I’ve been to, essentially untouched by any development or mainstream tourism.

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Reg

The Biomuseum in Panama City is a great way to learn how the isthmus developed. I found uber great if you don't speak Spanish and. We are visiting Panama now. Ceviche this week at the Mercado is an experience, but it's not the tenderest fish right now.

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Sydney

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Kevin

There's an amazing hostel between Bocas and David called The Lost and Found hostel. I highly recommend it. You walk up from the main road into the forest. There's great hiking on your doorstep, amazing views and glorious sunsets, nice and social too. It's an experience


A.I. says...

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Panama City and Bocas Del Toro: A Perfect Blend of City and Island Life

Congratulations on your upcoming adventure to Panama! You're in for a treat, as this beautiful country offers a unique mix of urban experiences and stunning natural landscapes. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of your trip:

Panama City Highlights

  • Casco Viejo (Old Town): Spend a day wandering through the charming colonial streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the breathtaking views from the Metropolitan Cathedral and the lively nightlife scene.
  • Amador Causeway: This picturesque stretch of road offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the iconic Panama Canal. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
  • Panama Canal Visitor Center: Learn about the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal through interactive exhibits and observation decks.
  • Mercado de Mariscos: Indulge in fresh seafood at this lively fish market, where you can find delicious ceviche and other local specialties.

Bocas Del Toro Adventures

  • Starfish Beach: Take a boat tour to this stunning beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of starfish. Snorkeling and swimming are must-do activities here.
  • Red Frog Beach: Named after the tiny red frogs that inhabit the area, this secluded beach is a true paradise. Explore the nearby hiking trails and enjoy the tranquility.
  • Zapatilla Cayes: These two small islands offer pristine white-sand beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Pack a picnic and spend a day basking in the Caribbean sun.
  • Dolphin Bay Sailing Tour: Join a sailing tour and witness the majestic dolphins in their natural habitat. You might even spot whales during certain seasons.

Money Matters

Regarding cash, a mix of US dollars and Panamanian balboa is recommended. While the US dollar is widely accepted in Panama, having some local currency can be convenient for smaller purchases. Most ATMs dispense both currencies, making it easy to get a mix. Just remember that the exchange rate is fixed at 1 USD = 1 PAB.

With its vibrant city life and breathtaking islands, Panama promises an unforgettable experience. Embrace the local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you. Have an amazing time!



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August
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