Anyone have recs for Panama (the country)?

[amberlyrose]

We booked a super sweet flight for a trip in November, but I really have no idea what I want to do. DH is thinking an all-inclusive and I like that idea but I'd also take opinions from someone who has been

[calledout]

What do you like? H and I went to Panama City, Boquete and bocas in 2008. I loved Boquete (I'm sure that's misspelled, by the way...) Great hiking! PC was ok, but not incredible. Bocas was an experience:). We stayed in a sort of structure consisting of abandoned train car meets plastic-tarp. I'd avoid that particular accommodation next time, lol. The boat tours were awesome. Overall - I describe those islands as "good shitty" if that makes sense:)

[amberlyrose]

Jan 26, 2015 15:10:58 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Panama the country or Panama City USA?

lol. Oops, Panama the country

[amberlyrose]

Jan 26, 2015 15:23:25 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Jan 26, 2015 15:18:31 GMT -5 amberlyrose said:

lol. Oops, Panama the country

I thought so but decided to check!

We went there for our honeymoon in 2010. We spent 4 nights at this place (http://www.losmandarinos.com/) which is in El Valle de Anton. It was so quiet and peaceful - we slept lots and just relaxed. Our room had a jacuzzi on its veranda which overlooked the mountains.  It's in a volcanic crater so there are lots of cool outdoors things to do. If you go there, eat at this place (http://www.lacasadelourdes.com/index.php/restaurant-es) - the food was amazing. 

We then spent four nights in Panama City. We had a day on the canal (loads of different tour companies) which we both enjoyed (DH is an engineer and I like the social history side of things) and i would highly recommend that. We spent a day touring the old town, a day in the newer part of town and shopping and then a day playing golf (for DH with me relaxing at a pool). 

Thanks!!!

[compassrose]

I did fieldwork in the rainforest there, so my hotel recs are nonexistent. However, spend a day in the city and go to the old part (Casco viejo) and eat at Manolo caracol. Then go dancing at Habana Panama. The next day, take a boat down the Panama Canal if you can- it's beautiful.

For beautiful destinations and the beach, go to bocas del toro. It's amazing.