Panama City, Panama: Accommodation, Dining and Sites

Panama in March 2009 turned out to be a great time to visit. Although it was spring break in much of the mid-western United States, Panama has not yet become a prime tourist destination. Airfares were reasonable ($300-$500 from Chicago). However, many of the more popular accommodations were sold out. If booking in advance, there are many options and reading reviews on various websites such as www.tripadvisor.com proved to be helpful! The weather in Panama in mid-March 2009, was in the 90's (F) all week with low humidity and a constant light breeze. The lows were in the 70's, which was pleasant even without air conditioning.

Driving in Panama can be a bit challenging. From the Toucaman International Airport a toll road travels from the airport, along the Pacific coast into downtown Panama. Once in Panama City, it is best to have very detailed directions with landmarks and distances. In 2009, there were limited, poorly placed signs and the road names on maps didn't match the names on the few signs that are posted. Asking a local for directions can cause frustration because they don't use maps, but prefer to use personal landmarks (eg. the old oak tree by Juan's house) with a lot of hand gestures when giving directions, which are often in Spanish. It is best to try to get detailed directions from your accommodation.

In March 2009, most of the roads in Panama City were under construction, causing additional challenge. The main roads across the country are paved and in decent condition, with the exception of speed changes about every 10 km (100km to 40km and back up again). Driving from Panama City to David which is only about 400 km will be a consistent 6-8 hours due to the speed changes and several sections with only 2 lanes. When planning a driving route, use the time estimates provided on various websites, rather than estimating based on distance at a constant speed.

The food in Panama is good and reasonably priced and the water is safe to drink. People are friendly and helpful, but not everyone speaks English, even in higher quality hotels and B&B's.

In the Ancon Hill area of Panama City, about 40 minutes from PTY airport and less than 10 minutes from the domestic airport,La Estancia B&B is a great place to stay. La Estancia is close to the Panama Canal, Soberania National Park, Casco Viejo, and Amador. The area is quiet and about 10 minutes from a large grocery store (Rey) and a few restaurants. Several restaurants will deliver and La Estancia has menus, but La Estancia is not within walking distance of any shops or restaurants. In March 2009, the on-line rate at La Estancia B&B was $75, which included a continental breakfast as well as a hot, cooked breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon or an omelet. La Estancia also provided excellent, detailed directions complete with odometer readings and landmarks from the airport.

In a former military area, the rooms at La Estancia are simple, military style barrack/dorm rooms, but they are clean and comfortable. The La Estancia staff is extremely friendly and helpful. There is a computer with Internet to use for free, as well as free wireless Internet. Breakfast is served on the balcony or in a small dining/common area. The balcony overlooks a residential area, with monkeys coming for breakfast, along with a lot of different birds and the rumor of resident sloth. There is a refrigerator with beer, sodas and snacks that can be purchased on the honor system. If items you may want later are running low, just make sure the staff knows so that they can restock. The service and location make La Estancia an excellent place to stay while in Panama City.

Mrs. Mendoza's Tacos is 5-10 minutes driving distance from La Estancia and next to Rey's grocery store. Mrs. Mendoza's tacos and burritos are good and offer decent portions. In March 2009, a burrito cost $5.99, taco for $1.29 and beer for $2.00. A salsa bar is also available with a selection of salsas to try with all meals. The outdoor patio has a television. for the sports fanatic and believe it or not, restaurants in Panama are non-smoking!

Also near La Estancia, in Balboa Ancon is a restaurant called Bar Parrillada La Boca. Bar Parrillada La Boca, which is off the beaten path, near the docks, had $.95 beers in a frosty mug, in March 2009. Bar Parrillada La Boca is located behind the car wash/repair shop. The meat sampler has bite size pieces of meat - beef, pork, sausage, chicken and plantains with green pepper and onion. Although the portions are large, the food is not the best. The meat sampler, fries and 4 beers came to a total of $17 in March 2009. Bar Parrillada La Boca is open air and has multiple televisions to watch one of several sporting events.

There are several things to do and see in and around Panama City. The Panama Canal - Miraflores Locks located about 20 minutes outside of Panama City is a bit touristy, but a must do. The visitor center has a restaurant, presentation, displays and of course, a platform to watch the ships move through the canal. There are various priced packages based on what you would like to see and do at the locks.

Soberania National Park at the Pipeline Road entrance had a fee of $15 per person, in March 2009, to visit the discovery center tower and trails. The Soberania National Park Pipeline Road entrance is about 30 minutes from Panama City. From the Pipeline Road entrance it is a 2 km walk/drive to the discovery center. During our visit, there were many birds and the call of monkeys, but we did not go up in the tower for a better view, we just walked the trail. The Pipeline Road is just one of the entrances to Soberania National Park, there are other entrances if you are coming from another direction.

Amador, just south of Ancon Hill and west of Panama City on a peninsula, was under construction in March 2009. Amador looked to be the up and coming resort area with security, a large band shell, walking paths, beaches and a view of Panama City.

Causco Viejo, the old city, is the typical old town, with a nice, central square surrounded by restaurants. The area around the square was nice, although late on a Sunday afternoon, most shops and restaurants are closed. Casablanca restaurant has outdoor seating for drinks and food on the square and is reasonably priced. Being in the middle of the city, navigation to and from Causco Viejo is very confusing and taking a taxi is recommended. Many roads are one-way, others don't go all the way through and most roads change names causing just a few of the challenges.

Panama City, Panama has much to offer and offers easy access to other areas of Panama. Aeroperlas and Air Panama offer inexpensive and frequent flights around Panama. Panama does not yet have the tourism infrastructure of some more popular destinations, but is safe, friendly and has a wonderful climate. A good reference site when researching and booking a trip to Panama is www.visitpanama.com

See my other Panama reviews on Bocas del Toro, Boca Chica and Boquete.