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Panama travel guide

Cheap Hostels in Panama City

Search Panama City hostels with up-to-date availability and book a hostel in Panama City

Panama City , the capital of Panama, doesn’t lack historical sites and also offers plenty of other things to do. Aside from your flight, the accommodation is also a big part of the travel budget and that usually means we tend to spend quite a bit of time finding a place to stay which is suitable for our needs and budgets.

While there are hotels in Panama City for every budget, a good option is always the hostel. You don’t need to stay in a dorm if you don’t fancy the idea because most hostels also offer private rooms. Also, the major advantage of the hostels is that they are located close to the city center and major sites.

Here are some places to consider for your stay in Panama City.

Hospedaje Casco Viejo

This hostel is located in a colonial home in the Old Quarter of Panama City. There’s a luggage room and the towel and linen are provided free of charge. There are self-catering facilities, internet on site and a lounge area for the guests to use. In March 2012, expect to pay US$22 per night in a double private room.

Hostel Villa Michelle

This is a luxurious family guesthouse , located in a secure part of the city. All rooms a totally private and can also be rented long term. Linen and towels are provided free of charge. There is AC and internet on site. The guests can use the self-catering facilities and the swimming pool. In March 2012, expect to pay US$46 per night in a double private room.

Baru Lodge

The lodge is located close to tourist attractions and offers free breakfast, linen and towel. All rooms have AC, free wi-fi and TV. In March 2012, expect to pay US$74 per night in a double private room.

Hostal de Clayton

The hostel offers a complimentary breakfast and the towel, linen and internet are also free of charge. There’s a luggage room and there are also self-catering facilities and washing machines. In March 2012, expect to pay US$89.20 per night in a private double room (garden view).

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Panama travel guide

Cheap Hotels in Panama City

Search Panama City hotels with up-to-date availability and book a hotel in Panama City

Blessed by the nature, Panama’s cities welcome visitors and offer plenty of things to do and see. The capital city – Panama City – doesn’t lack historical sites and also offers a multicultural experience. When planning a vacation here, one of the most important things to consider is the accommodation. Thankfully, the city caters for all types of travelers so you can easily find budget , mid-range and luxury hotels for your stay.

Here are some places to consider from each category:

Budget

Hotel Santana

The 3 star hotel is located in the city’s old town. The Canal Museum is just 500 m away It offers free parking and free wi-fi. All rooms have private bathrooms, TV , minibar and AC. There are a restaurant and a bar on site.

In March 2012, expect to pay US$45 per night for a double or twin room.

Hotel Andino

The 3-star hotel is located close to Albrook Mall. There’s free wi fi within the hotel. All rooms have safe deposit box and TV.

In March 2012, expect to pay US$45 per night for a double room.

Mid-range

Hotel Benidorm Panama

The 3-star hotel is located in the center, close to the Balboa Avenue. There’s free parking and free wi-fi (including in the room). All rooms have AC. The on site restaurant serves Italian food.

In March 2012, expect to pay US$66 per night for a double room, breakfast included.

Hotel Bahia Suites

This 4-star hotel features a rooftop swimming and terrace. The transfer to/from the airport is complimentary. Located just 1 block from the main avenues, the hotel’s on site restaurant offers view of the Panama Bay. All rooms have TV, private bathroom, AC and free wi-fi. Those who want to work out can use the gym. And if you don’t travel with a laptop, there’s the on site internet café at your service.

In March 2012, expect to pay US$79.50 per night in a queen room (sleeps two) including breakfast.

Luxury

Riande Aeropuerto Hotel & Resort

The 3 star hotel is located 5 min from the Tocumen airport and offers free transfer to/from the airport. All rooms have flat screen TV, AC and private bathroom.

In March 2012, expect to pay US$140 per night in a standard double or king room, including breakfast.

Albrook Inn

The 4-star hotel is located about 4 km from the city center, close to the Albrook airport and to the Camino de Cruces National Park. The hotel offers a swimming pool and a restaurant. All rooms have flat screen TV, free wi-fi and AC.

In March 2012, expect to pay US$100 per night in a standard double or twin room, breakfast included. The junior suite (sleeps two) is US$154 per night , including breakfast.

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Panama travel guide

Things to do in Panama City

Panama City is the capital of Panama and an enchanting place with great shopping, excellent local cuisine and plenty of historical sites to check out.

See the Panama Canal

This is a must-do activity while in Panama City . Go to the Miraflores locks and visit the museum to learn more about the Canal. While you are here you can choose to take the luxury train along the Canal. Or , obviously, you can take a boat.

Visit the old part of the town – Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the old part of Panama City and comprises many colonial style buildings. There are some good dining options in the area but prices for accommodation are high here.

Visit the site of the original city

Panama Viejo is what it’s left of the old city of Panama which has been sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in the 1600s. As a result, the city moved to Casco Viejo. Entrance to the site is US$11 for an adult.

See the city from above

Cerro Ancón is the highest peak in Panama City and offers lovely panoramic views. There are marked walking paths and make sure to bring your camera as you’ll be able to do some bird watching while here.

Visit the San Jose Cathedral

Iglesia de San Jose (San Jose Cathedral) is known for its Baroque golden altar. Admission is free.

Bike or jog on Amador Causeway

Amador Causeway connects three islands to the mainland and is used as breakwater to protect the Canal. You can walk, jog or ride a bike here. Also, enjoy a meal with a lovely view of the city.

Learn Spanish

If you always wanted to learn Spanish or you want to improve your skills, Panama City is a great place to do that. Immersion programs include salsa dance lessons and cultural activities.

Soak up the sun on the beaches of Portobelo

Portobelo is located just 1 h (by bus) from Panama City. It is a port city and offers a lot of interesting things to do. Soak up the sun on the beach, visit the forts or try horseback riding.

Shopping

The native handicrafts rival Mexico’s in beauty, so you really shouldn’t leave Panama without buying something to remind you of the trip. Molas are made by the Kuna Indian tribe and are intricate reverse appliqué embroidery. The hand-woven baskets and the tagua nut sculptures are also interesting things to pick up.


Photo credits: Panama Canal , Casco Viejo , Panama Viejo , San Jose Cathedral , Amador Causeway , Portobelo , Souvenirs

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Panama travel guide

Getting from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

Panama City , the capital of Panama, is also the transportation hub in the country. If you travel from abroad, this is where you’ll land and from where you’ll depart to visit the rest of the country. The city offers great shopping and even if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll be happy to know that some English is spoken here.

Bocas del Toro is located in the Caribbean West region of Panama. The city is small and can be tackled on foot. Other good options include renting a bike or a scooter. One of the activities Bocas del Toro is popular for is scuba diving, but of course you can also soak up the sun and enjoy the beach related past time.

Quick summary

The cheapest option for travel between Panama City and Bocas del Toro is the bus via Almirante, followed by a ferry or a water taxi. Another option is the plane, but airfare costs about 3 times more than the bus fare.

Flights from Panama City (airport code: PAC) to Bocas del Toro

While your international flight will land on Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, the flights to Bocas del Toro depart from Gelabert/Albrook Airport (PAC). The airport is located just 1.5 km from the city center and the majority of the flights operated here a domestic.

Bocas del Toro is served by Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC) , which is also located just 1.5 km from the city center.

Flights between Panama City and Bocas del Toro are operated by Aeroperlas and Air Panama. The rumor is that both companies will start operating flights from Tocumen as well, starting with June 2012.

You don’t be able to find the flights via large search flight engines (i.e. Kayak), so you are left with checking the airlines directly. Expect to pay US$80 one way on either Air Panama or Aeroperlas. The flight time is an hour.

>>book flights to Panama and read about Airports in Panama

Buses and ferries from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

There are direct buses from Panama City to Bocas del Toro , via Almirante. The bus departs Panama City from the terminal near Albrook Airport. In Almirante you need to transfer to the water taxi or ferry to Bocas del Toro. The total travel time is about 8 ½ h and the fare is around US$27 one way. Indirect buses are also available via David.

Your best bet is to show up at the bus terminal a day or two before the departure and get your ticket.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Panama

Driving from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

You can rent a car in Panama City and drive to Almirante and then transfer to ferry or water taxi to Bocas del Toro. The distance is 508 km and the drive time is about 8 h.

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