Seafox, I recently saw a posting on another board about Panama in which someone mentioned that he was also born in the Canal Zone. I'm sure you are aware, but you can declare your Panamanian citizenship for being born on Panama soil, if you so desire.

But to respond to your question, if you are staying in Panama City, there are many choices, but think of them as being in a large metropolitain city. Panama City itself is an impressive and beautiful downtown feel. To get some of "old Panama," consider staying in El Casco Viejo - the old city.

We loved the Canal House. It's lovely and the staff there is simply excellent. From there, you can take several daytrips to see the canal, etc.

Now for beaches, though, you'll have to get out of PC. Spend a few days in Panama City and then hop a domestic flight to Bocas del Toro and stay at the Garden of Eden Resort. There are other GREAT choices for a fun, funky stay, but Bocas del Toro will give you great choices for things to do.

Although I wasn't born in the Canal Zone, I went to high school there and lived in Quarry Heights. There is a very active board czbrats.com which has tons of Panama info.
On my last two trips back I stayed out at Amador most of the time in the Country Inn and Suites, but last night had to be at La Estancia in Quarry Heights. The Panama Vacation Quarters also in Quarry Heights is very popular with returning American visitors. Go, it is more beautiful and interesting than ever.
Panama me encanta.

Yes, since it's an easy flight from Newark - by all means go - even if only for a week. We always stay at La Estancia B&B in Quarry Heights mentioned by cmcfong. But staying in Casco Viejo would be interesting too. The canal is much more interesting than you all might imagine. If you get a chance read David McCullough's Path Between the Seas before you go.
It's a fascinating book about the construction of the canal (and believe me, I'm no engineer). With just a week I'd plan on doing day trips in and around PC - lots to do, the city, Gamboa. Guess there are also some beach resort type places you could overnight at that aren't too far . .. but I can't speak to those. We love Panama

wow - tahnks for the info. and link - I have some work to do!

Transiting the Panama Canal is a traveler’s must do adventure. The tour is amazing and I'm sure you'll feel proud of being born in Panama. Gorgas is now a center for scientific research.

Visit: http://www.gorgas.gob.pa/index.php?lang=en . Gorgas Institute

http://www.panamacanaltours.ivantours.com .Panama Canal One Day Tours

I'd be glad to help, Cell # 954-610-5121 email: PanamaLu@gmail.com
Website: http://panamalou.com/ you may contact me via either my email, cell # or thru fodors, questions are to start, where do you want to stay, city or there is a great B&B on Ancon Hill (old Quarry Hts/Souther Command) owner by a great Asian couple, but you really need a car & it hard to find, name is La Estencia, website is on my website under hotels/B&B button. I'll be glad to answer any questions. The Panama Jazz Fest will be in Jan 16 - 21 FYI. I live in the DFW area, but plan to be in Panama for the Jazz Fest.

P.S. I would recommend staying in El Cangrejo (not Casco Viejo save this for a day visit or clubs in the evening), El Cangrejo is a barrio in the middle of restaurants/cafe, super mercados, casino, clubs, etc. walking distance to all & a safe area. For those that know Panamá, this is the barrio where the El Panama Hotel is located, north of Via España, boundaried by Via Argentia & Frederico Boyd, Cathedral Carmen is on the corner of Via España y Frederico Boyd.
Saludos amigo~~PanamaLu

My father was a "Zonian" (my greatgrandfather went to Panama in 1907 to build the Canal, so I have a real draw to the place) so my husband and I took a trip there in Sept. 2010. We only had 5 nights so we moved fast. We took the redeye from LA and hit the ground running at 10am. We checked in at the Country Inn & Suites on the Amador Causeway. It isn't very Panamanian or charming, but the balcony view of the ships entering the Canal is quite a sight. We spent the day going around the old Canal Zone housing, the Administration Bldg. and other haunts my dad always talked about. We went to the American Cemetery where my grandparents are buried, etc. We walked the length of the Amador Causeway for dinner.(I don't recommend it....it's really long on a humid night) The next morning we drove to El Valle de Anton and did the zip line at Chorro El Macho. We were planning on having lunch in El Valle but there was such a heavy downpour, we couldn't even read the signs to know where to eat so we pushed on. In our original plan we were going to stay at Park Eden B&B in El Valle, but decided to drive on to the beaches of Azuero Peninsula since we only had 4 more nights. We had a great drive along the coast and then into Azuero to Pedasi. We stopped for some information about renting surfboards and had dinner at a great little place called Pedasito! that was owned by some developers in the area. Sadly, the area is turning into a suburb for expats, but they were nice and loaned my husband a surfboard. We had 2 nights reserved at Villa Marina in Playa Venao (Venado)where the good surfing is, and ended up liking it so much, we stayed a 3rd night. I have a short report and photos on trip advisor. We had dinner at the hotel one night when the rain was so heavy we couldn't see to drive; another night at El Sitio, just up the road in Venao. We went scuba diving with a great guide named Juan Carlos from Buzos de Azuero Pedasi Dive Shop. Our dives were off Iguana Island and Juan Carlos took us around the island during our sit time to show us the interesting plants, fruits and animals/birds there. He was a professor at the local college so he was really informative. We drove all the way back to Panama City for our last night, back at Country Inn, stopping at lots of little villages along the way - shopping for local crafts, etc. We ate at a roadside BBQ that was delicious - huge meal and drinks for total $10! We spent the evening in the city checking out the changes that have come - casinos, high rises, traffic. Then our last day was spent at Miraflores Locks and in Casco Viejo for lunch. We hired a cab driver who took us whereever we wanted to go and then on to the airport for our evening flight home - for a reasonable price, though I don't recall now what we paid. It was a whirlwind trip but we really felt we got a taste for Panama and some history of my family. We are thinking about going back next Christmas with our kids. We truly loved Panama and can't recommend it enough.

Louis Seldon
Cell # 954-610-5121
Email: llseldon@verizon.net
http://panamalou.com/


I was born and lived in Panama until I was 15 years old and visit Panama regularly. I am constantly receiving current news on Panama from the internet and friends living in Panama. I will be glad to help you with information & suggestiong for your visit to Panama, some follow:

Panama Hotels & B&Bs

Panama City & Balboa:

Albrook Inn: Old U.S. Air Force base in the Visiting Offices' Quarters http://albrookinn.com (should have a car to stay here & be familiar with the area)
Balboa Inn B&B: Balboa thorwald@thebalboainn.com 314-1520
http://www.thebalboainn.com/index.php
Inn on the Canal B&B: La Boca/Balboa, franzWald@cwp.net.pa 314-0112
www.InnOnTheCanal.com
Esplenador Hotel, Banking District, http://www.esplendorpanama.com/site/home/en/the_hotel
Av. Samuel Lewis y Calle Gerardo Ortega ( NULL)
RESERVATION +507 209-9696
Front Desk 507 209-9600 reservas@esplendorpanama.com
### La Estencia B&B: Ancon Hill-Quarry Heights (old Southern Command HQ)/Balboa
Office: 314-1417&1604 email: enquiry@panoramicpanama.com Website: www.bedandbreakfastpanama.com
www.panoramicpanama.com (should have a car to stay here & be familiar with the area)
***Hotel Las Vegas: El Cangrejo hotel@lasvegaspanama.com 507-300-2020
www.lasvegaspanama.com
***Hotel Marbella: El Cangrejo, see http://www.hmarbella.com/welcome.php 263-2220
***Hotel Milan: El Cangrejo, see http://www.frommers.com/destinations/panamacity/H56896.html hotelmilan@cwpanama.net 263-6130 Fax 263-7723
***Torres de Alba Apartment Hotel, El Cangrejo see: http://www.torresdealba.com.pa/english.htm email: alba@sinfo.net

***My favorites in Panama City, El Cangrego area, convenient to good shopping, casino, restaurants/cafes, supermarket, drug stores, etc.

###My favorite Bed & Breakfast in the old Canal Area located on the old U.S. military Southern Command Headquarters area on Ancon Hill. Owned by a great Asian couple in an old U.S Mil NCO quarters building converted to the best B&B in the area. Great animal watching at breakfast from their balcony.

Beaches including Azuero Peninsular :

Breezes Resort, Playa Blanca: http://www.vacationscostarica.com/panama/hotels/breezes.htm
Casita Margarita B&B, Pedasí: www.pedasihotel.com email peashooter@gmail.com phone 995-2898
Coronado Bay Hotel/Condos: http://solaniumpanama.com
Liz Larroquette-General Manager
Tel. 345-3900
Cel. 6981-1717
Email: lizl@empresasbern.com
Corowalk Inn, Coronado by the PanAm hwy & the El Rey Super Mercado, on the 2nd level of the bldg. www.hotalesdelpacifico.com phone: 240-1516 FAX 240-1135
DeCameron Resort, Playa Blanca-Farallón http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298431-d301154-Reviews-Royal_Decameron_Beach_Resort_Golf_Casino-Farallon_Playa_Blanca.html
Gaviota, Coronado http://www.hotelgaviotapanama.com/index-1.html
Royalton Hotel, Playa Blanca, http://www.latinexplore.com/services/s2962_royalton-hotel-playa-blanca More info, see: http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_17/issue_04/economy_13.html
Playa Venao-El Sitio Resort & Surf Club Azuero Peninsular 6.5 hour drive west of Panama City, site of annual surf competition Email elsitiopv@gmail.com Phone (597)-832-1010 Web info: http://www.leisureresortliving.com/category/197/Resort-Residences-and-Communities/listings/150/Playa-Venao-Villas.html
Rio Mar Surf & Skate Camp, Owned by canal tug captain Alan Barnes, Email: riomarsurf@hotmail.com Web info: http://prueba.riomarsurf.com/index.php Phones: 345-4010 or Cell 6675-2526

Boquete:

THE HAVEN health spa, health clinic, fitness center and hotel
luxury mountain retreat, Boquete, Panama www.boquetespa.com
Phone: (001 507) 730 9345 Email: admhaven@gmail.com or thehavenboutiquehotel@gmail.com
Finca Lerida: http://centralamerica.com/panama/hotel/fincalerida.htm E-mail to Panama@CentralAmerica.Com e-mail Reservation Form Toll free from the US or Canada at 1-888-535-8832 / 1-800-948-3770
Hotel Ladera: http://www.hotel-ladera.com/
Oasis B&B: http://oasisboquete.com/

Colon:

Washington Hotel: http://radisson67-px.trvlclick.com/cuidad-de-colon-hotel-pa-0301-01074/papaco Email nwh@sinfo.net Phone: 441-7133

Gamboa:

Gamboa Rain Forrest Resort: Located 30 minutes from Panama City, Gamboa Rainforest Resort is a unique property nearby the Soberania National Park Rainforest, on the banks of the Chagres River and Panama Canal. Website: http://www.gamboaresort.com/

Ivan´s Bed & Breakfast Birding Lodge, Gamboa:
Some facts about the owners & the B&B
-Ivan & Gladys Ortiz ( Owners and Operators )
- Landline 507 314-9436 mobile 507-6981-4583
-We are a family operated B&B comprising of 4 rooms with a birding and nature observation objectives
-No restaurants, bars or shopping facilities in the Gamboa area except the Rainforest Resort
-Homemade dinners are available under previous arrangments and arrival at our lodge as an option to our guest at extra cost
-breakfast is included in nightly rate
-we do not cook lunches.
-Panama´s current bird species count is 972, Panama Central ( Gamboa ) over 300 species
- The worldwide nature and birding iconic Pipeline Road is located about 2 Km ( walkable ) from our lodge
-all transactions at our lodge are cash basis only
-2 ATM´s are available in the Town of Gamboa
Website:www.gamboaecotours.com
reservations and information email:ivan@gamboaecotours.com

El Valle:
1 ½ hour drive west of Panama City located in an extinct volcano crater, know for it’s week end “Flee Markets”, cooler temperatures & Eco environment:

Hotel Los Capitanes: 15 rooms, tel #: 983-6080 info@los-capitanes.com and website http://www.panamainfo.com/loscapitanes/

The Anton Valley Hotel:
Contact:
983-6097 or 6484-5978
www.antonvalleyhotel.com

The Golden Frog Inn:
8 rooms, Suites
Phone: 983-6117
Cell Phone: 6565-8307
goldenfroginn@yahoo.com
www.goldenfroginn.com

Rincon Vallero:
14 Rooms Tel #: 983-6175/264-9119 Includes breakfast.
Info: info@centroderesservas.net and their website is at http://hotelrinconvallero.com/

Park Eden Bed & Breakfast:
5 rooms Tel #: 983-6167 / 226-8858
Info: www.parkeden.com & www.panamainfo.com/parkeden parkeden@cwpanama.net 5+ rooms, includes full breakfast 2 persons per room, additional cost per each additional person. No restaurant.

La Casa de Lourdes
El Valle de Antón, Panama Hotel: 507-983-6645 Restaurant: 507-983-6450
Info@lacasadelourdes.com
http://www.lacasadelourdes.com/home.htm Breakfast included...

Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa (adjacent and part of a magnificent complex with Casa de Lourdes)
Boutique Hotel & Restaurante
http://www.losmandarinos.com/ info@losmandarinos.com
Hotel: 507-983-6645
Crater Valley Adventure Spa:
8 Rooms Tel #: 983-6942
http://www.crater-valley.com/ info@crater-valley.com Tel #: 215-2326 & 983-6942 Fax: 215-2329

Taboga Island:

B&B Hotel Cerrito Tropical, Isla Taboga,
Owner/operator: Cynthia Cudmore Mulder
Email: info@cerritotropicalpanama.com
Webpage: www.cerritotropicalpanama.com
Web: http://www.tabogaislandhotel.com
Taboga Blog: http://www.cerritotropicalpanama.com/blog/

Volcan:
Hotel Don Tavo http://www.volcanbaru.com/hoteldontavo/index.html
Cielito Sur B&B : located between the towns of Cerro Punta and Volcan in the Province of Chiriqui.http://www.cielitosur.com/



　
My favorite places to eat in Panama City:

Balboa Yacht Club, Amador beside Country Inn & Suites & FGI Fridays on the Panama Canal (typical Panama food +), great for sunset drink, week end live live music with local groups.
Costa Azul Restaurante (typical Panama food +), on side street from Via España between the Continental Hotel & the Marriott Hotel, Banking District
Jimmy’s Parrilla Restaurant (typical Panama food +), , two locations Banking District & San Francisco, see: http://www.parrilladajimmy.com/
Lung Fung (Chinese) Restaurant, Betania area, Vía Simón Bolívar (Transístmica) and Calle 62 C. Oeste Take a taxi, parking is tight under the building, but there is a parking lot up the street. Taxi drivers know the name.
Manolo’s Cafes, several in the city, Via Veneto, Via Argentina, etc.
Martin Fierro (Argentine cruise), El Cangrejo, Calle Eusebio Morales, down the street from the Las Vegas Hotel
see: http://panama.mydestinationinfo.com/en/parrillada-martin-fierro
Mi Ranchito (typical Panama food +), on the first island on the Amador Causeway, see: http://www.restaurantemiranchito.com/en/home.html
Napoli Italian Restaurant, original off Avenida de Martes near the old Canal Zone & the new one south of Via España on a side street in Obarrio
Niko’s Cafes (buffet-cafeteria style), all over Panama City & Balboa, see: http://www.nikoscafe.com/
Pomodoro Restaurant Italian cuisine in a bohemian cafe atmosphere, located on the left side of the entrance to the Las Vegas Hotel on Via Veneto see: http://lasvegaspanama.com/en/restaurant
Pangea Restaurant & Club (International cuisine, El Cangrejo, www.pangeapanama.com
Rincon Aleman, Germany Restaurant, one block off Frederico Boyd & one block north of Calle 50 beside Tinajas Restaurant, see: http://www.1985.com/restaurant_rincon_aleman.html
Rincon Suizo, Swiss Restaurant, El Cangrejo, Calle Eusebio Morales, down the street from the Las Vegas Hotel, see: http://www.1985.com/restaurant_rincon_suizo.html
Rino’s Italian & International cuisine, Banking District, Ave Federico Boyd & Calle 49.
Tinajas Restaurant, (typical Panama food with typical Panama dance shows most nights), one block off Frederico Boyd & one block north of Calle 50 beside Rincon Aleman Restaurant, see: http://www.tinajaspanama.com/en/about-us
Wine Bar, on the right side of the entrance to Las Vegas Hotel offers cheese varieties, pizza's and other gourmet choices mixed with live music of local groups. See bottom: http://lasvegaspanama.com/en/restaurant

U.S. Chain restaurant:

TGI Fridays, Bennigan’s, Hooters + many U.S. chain fast foods: KFC, McDonalds, Subway, etc.

Outside of Panama City:

Los Camisones, PanAmerican highway (typical Panama food +), 1.5 hour drive west of Panama City or about 15 kilometers past the entrance to El Valle, KM 104, north side of the Pan Am Hwy, look for a small sign, it’s easy to miss. The restaurant is on s short one lane road up a hill. http://loscamisones.com/
Las Ruinas Restaurant (typical Panama food +, American chief & owner), Boquete, Chiriquí province, see: http://www.boqueteguide.com/?tag=las-ruinas-panama

Calle Uruguay has many good restaurants, clubs and bars, it is like the “South Beach“ of the city. Located one block east of Frederico Boyd & south of Calle 50.

Vegetarian Restaurants in Panama City.
Me gusta Comida Vegetariana is off via España on the side street between the Continental Hotel & Marriott Hotel (across the street from Restaurant Costa Azul on the “rounded“ corner).

There are other vegan restaurant in the city, but not being one I do not have names or locations.

Golf:
Coronado Golf & Beach Resort, 1.5 drive west of Panama City, see: http://www.coronadoresort.com/
DeCameron Golf Course, located at the DeCameron Resort, Farallón Beach, 2 hour drive west of Panama City. See: http://www.decameron.com/eng/panama/royal/golf.html
Panama City Golf Course: Panama City, San Miguelito area, see: http://clubdegolfdepanama.com/
Santa Maria Golf & Country County (Future/Planned), Costa del Sol, between Tocumen International Airport & Panama City, see: http://www.santamariapanama.com/eng/location.html
Summit Golf Course, located about 35-40 minute drive north of Panama City on the road to Gamboa & by-past to the transmission highway, see: http://www.larsenoutdoors.com/html/golf_panama.html
Tucín Country Club & Resort, west bank of the canal, see: http://www.tucancountryclub.com/
Vista Mar Golf Club, 1.7 hour drive west of Panama City, see: http://www.vistamarresort.com/Default.aspx?tabid=55

Communication:

Internet cafes are all over the area for 50c-$20/hour & international telephone service, calls to the U.S. between 10-20c/minute. Phone calls are charged by the minute, cell phone call are more expensive. Cell phone numbers have 6 digits, others have 5 digit numbers. Best way to use phone to make local calls is to use a Cable & wireless plastic credit card looking item that fits in a slot on the front of pay telephone. These cards can be bought from vending machines in $5, 10 & 20 denominations.

Computer Repair:

Luis Carlos Hooper a.k.a Hooperman Phone: 6640-0102

Tour guide & van service:

Jesus Deleon Cell # 6754-3378, Jesus has a van/taxi/tour service, I met him when he was a security guard (suit) at the Marriott Hotel. He had played minor league base ball in the U.S. and his English is good. He charges $15 per hour for his service which includes taking you to tourist areas & $30 or 40 to & from the airport.

Bare Foot Panama Tours: Bare Foot Panama is tour company run by a Kevin O’brien, an American from Boston, Mass with all kinds of tours ranging from a top ranked City Tour to 2 week cross country trips. Kevin has 15 years guiding experience. Check out Kevin’s web site www.barefootpanama.com or contact Kevin directly at kevin@barefootpanama.com or call Kevin at # (011-507) 6780-3010 or U.S. # 781 479 2011.

Night Life/Clubs:

Many casinos in the city at all major hotels, clubs/restaurants on Via Veneto & the near the Marriott Hotel, Via Uruguay, Via Argentina, Balboa (Amador) Yacht Club & on the islands at the end of Amador Causeway (Panama’s South Beach). Pangea’s off Via Argentina, see www.pangeapanama.com , Casco Viejo (Antiguo)

Things to see & do:

Panama City area:
Old Panama (Panamá Viejo) destroyed by the Pirate Capt Morgan.
New old town: Casco Viejo: city build after the destruction of Panamá Viejo by Capt Morgan. This is the combined “barrios” of San Felipe, Santa Ana & El Chorrillo. Central Avenue is the a close street-“walking mall” for shopping, Ave B is the Asian shopping street with bargain shops. “Sale se Puedes” is a side street close by vendor with shops in the middle of the street, warning “Sale se Puedes” translates to “get out if you can”, good bargains and I’ve never personally known of anyone not to get out, but “¿quien sabes?”

Amador Causeway: Shopping/clubs/yacht facility including Mi Ranchito Restaurant first island on the right, best view, prices & view. Balboa (Amador) Yacht Club before the causeway (Amador) by the TGI Friday/Town & Country Inn. See http://www.balboayachtclub.com/

Balboa: Shopping at the Artisan Center back side of the YMCA building in the old gym for gifts & souvenirs.

Azuero Peninsula:
including Las Tablas, Pedasi & the beaches in this area. This area is a 5-6 hour drive west of Panama City. Best B&B Casita Margarita email peashooter@gmail.com website www.pedasihotel.com

Beaches-west of Panama City:

1-2 hour drive, beaches include Chame, Gorgona, Coronado, San Carlos, Rio Mar, Santa Clara & Farallon. The PanAm highway “dips” down along the coast in this area & the beaches in this area stretch for about 40-50 kilometers. Hotel Coronado: Gaviota Hotel, Coronado http://www.hotelgaviotapanama.com/index-1.html Coronado phone 240-4526, Panama phone 224-9056 Also the DeCameron & Breezes all-inclusive resorts are located on these beaches.

Canopy Tower Bird Watching Sanctuary: Gamboa Road, between Summit Gardens & one-way bridge to Gamboa: http://www.canopytower.com/error.lasso

David, Boquette, El Volcan & Chiriqui Province:
This area is a 6 - 61/2 hour drive west of Panama City.
Very popular for the higher elevation & cooler temperatures located north of David.

El Valle:
Volcanic area 1½ hour drive west of Panama City, week end flee markets, mud bathes, Zoo & a number of excellent B&Bs. Also a number of great B&Bs.
See http://www.el-valle-panama.com/

Miraflores Locks tourist center:
museum, viewing area of the locks operation & restaurant. See: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/anuncios/cvm/index.html

Summit Gardens Zoo & Gardens just past the “Y” to Gamboa on Gamboa Road.
See http://www.worldheadquarters.com/panama/destinations/summit/

Taboga Island: Located just south of the Pacific entrance to the canal, about a 35 minute launch ride to the island. See http://www.tabogaislandpanama.com/

Eco Sites:

Barro Colorado Island: Gatun Lake, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, see: http://www.stri.si.edu/english/visit_us/barro_colorado/index.php

Canopy Tower Bird watching: near Gamboa, see: http://www.canopytower.com/error.lasso

Eco Tours: http://panamatraveltours.com/about_us.html

Embera Village, see: http://www.emberavillagetours.com

Gamboa Rain Forrest Resort: see: http://www.gamboaresort.com/

Gamboa Ivan’s B&B: Birding Lodge (Bird Watching), see: http://www.gamboaecotours.com/birding_tour.html

Panama Railroad, Though not eco itself, you will see a lot by riding the train. see: http://www.panarail.com/home.html

Playa Venao: Azuero Peninsular, El Sitio beach & surf resort, see: http://elsitiopv.com/

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, see: http://www.stri.si.edu/
http://www.taboga.panamanow.com/ferry/boats.html

Taboga Island: Located just south of the Pacific entrance to the canal, about a 35 minute launch ride to the island. See: http://www.tabogaislandpanama.com/

Torti, Panama: about 2 hour drive east of Panama City toward the Darien includes the Hotel Avicar and Restaurant Avicar. The hotel, is a 10 room hotel with swimming pool. Prices ranges depending on the occupancy (beds) from 35.00 to 50.00 US Dollars. The food at the restaurant is a la carte and it ranges from 3.00 to 5.00 US Dollars (steak with rice and salad). Bird watching & jungle tours, for more information contact Luis Gonzalez Nelson at luis_gnelson@hotmail.com or see: www.hotelavicar.com

Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge: Bocas del Toro, see: http://www.tranquilobay.com/home.htm

Whale Watching: www.WhaleWatchingPanama.com

Information websites:

3rd Locks website: http://www.gupc.com.pa/index.php

The Panama Perspective, Travel and Real Estate:
http://panamaadvisoryinternationalgroup.com/blog/

Welcome to Panama: http://visitpanama.com/index.php?lang=en








Itinerary (Tenative, work-in-progress, more coming later)


Day ?: Panama City: Panama Viejo, old Panama, original city destroy by the pirate Capt Morgan of the rum fame *Ü*, including shopping at an artisan center. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panam%C3%A1_Viejo

Casco Viejo http://www.cascoviejo.org/content/cnPanels.php?cid=10 including Central Ave walking mall & Sales se Puedes

Amador Causeway including Balboa Yacht Club, YMCA artisan center, & restaurants & shops on the islands at the end of the causeway; probably have a meal at Mi Ranchito, one of my favorite eating places in Panama.

Balboa, La Boca including the a visit to the Administration Bldg of the Panama Canal.

Day ?: Miraflores visitor center, museum & canal lock observation center http://www.pancanal.com/eng/anuncios/cvm/index.html , Pedro Miguel Locks, Summit Gardens & Gamboa including the Gamboa Rain Forrest Resort
http://www.gamboaresort.com/


Day ?: Atlantic side, Fort Sherman, Fort San Lorenzo-old Spanish Fort http://panamaliving.com/FortSanLorenzo.html , Portobelo-old Spanish Fort http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portobelo,_Col%C3%B3n , Free Zone http://colonfreezone.com/ , maybe overnight at the Washinton Hotel, http://radisson67-px.trvlclick.com/cuidad-de-colon-hotel-pa-0301-01074/papaco .

Day ?: El Valle & Beaches: Gorgona, Coronado, Santa Clara, Farallón, Playa Blanco. El Valle is located in an extinct volcano & has a popular “flee market” on the week ends, several very nice B&B located in the area. El Valle is located about 1.5 hour drive west of Panama City. Beaches are located 1 - 2 hour drive west of Panama City.