Panama3-24
Mata may slides
Bocas Del Toro, Panama 2/29/24-3/13/24
If you are not a Panamanian citizen, you MUST have your passport on you at all times in Panama.
scp -r /mnt/e/OneDrive/places/panama/*.* 107.175.134.21:/var/www/html/files/places/panama
getting there
copa BOS<->PTY
https://www.copaair.com/en-gs/
https://mytrips.copaair.com/trip-detail/BG5MI3/MCKENNA Co.
Reservation Code BG5MI3 $1,394 Outbound flight · CM312 Thu, Feb 29, 2024 06h 00m Boston (BOS)02:32pm Panama (PTY)08:32pm Return flight · CM704 Wed, Mar 13, 2024 05h 37m Panama (PTY)07:30am Boston (BOS)02:07pm
airpanama PAC<->BOC
PAC Panama City Marcos A. Gelabert José Ezequiel Hall -> BOC Bocas Del Toro FNZKUG 01-Mar-24 - 13:00hs AIR PANAMA 7P 0980 arrives 14:00hs 12-Mar-24 - 09:15hs AIR PANAMA 7P 0681 arrives 10:15hs
https://www.wanderandsoul.com/inspiration/panama-city-to-bocas-del-toro
Flights leave from Albrook Gelabert Airport, which is one of 3 international airports near the capital city of Panama.
Up to 3 flights leave the airport for Bocas Del Toro per day and the main flight provider for this trip is Air Panama. Tickets cost between $90 and $150 for an economy seat.
If you are flying into Panama City, you will likely land at the Tocumen International Airport and need to switch to Albrook Gelabert Airport. You can get a taxi between the two for around $25 or a shuttle which is the more expensive option, costing around $37.
There are several airports near Panama City and airport codes can get confusing when booking your tickets. The international airport code for Albrook Gelabert is PAC and for Bocas Del Toro, it's BOC. Landing in the country from overseas, you will arrive at Tocumen, and the code is PTY.
When booking your flights, make sure you leave enough time for your transfer between the two airports in Panama City. A minimum of 4 hours between flights is sufficient.
Getting to casco viejo From Tocumen Airport
Most international flights get into Tocumen International Airport Panama, located quite a ways from the center of Panama City. An airport taxi will charge you anywhere from $30 to $50 to get into the city, depending on how easy they think it will be to rip you off. I rarely recommend anyone to take one of these, since they are no more secure than a taxi off the street and they usually overcharge, particularly if you don’t speak Spanish.
An uber will run you about $28 – this is my preferred method of transportation if I have lots of luggage or after a long trip. There is free WiFi at the airport so you should be able to order your car. Keep in mind that it will pick you up from the parking lot, so you need to pick which row you will be in – there are large number signs – and cross the street to the parking to wait for your car to arrive.
The cheapest way to get into the city however is by taking a bus. There is no clear signage for this, but it will only cost you $1.25-$1.50 plus a taxi to your hostel which will usually be less than $3 once you are in the city). To get on the bus, walk out of the airport arrivals and go to the right. There will be a path that goes between a café and the airport building into a parking lot. It doesn’t look like you are supposed to go there, but keep on walking. Then you will see a path with bus-stop-like roofs, just follow that until you get to the main street. You’ll walk up to a bus stop, but that’s not the one you need. To get into the city, you need to cross the street. If in doubt ask someone for Metrobus and they will waive you in the right direction.
Once at the bus stop, you will have two options – an official bus and a non-official bus called pirata. Because you are unlikely to have a metro card loaded with money (although you can offer someone $1.25 if you have exact change), you may want to take a pirata – they are safe, as long as you are traveling during the day. Either way, the bus should say Corredor, which means it’s an express that takes the highway. It will take you straight to the city – for most hotels in Panama City get off at Multicentro and take a cab, don’t pay over $5 for any destination. If you are staying in Casco Viejo, get off at 5 de Mayo and pay $1.50 for a taxi to Casco.
Magnolia Inn pickup: If you would you like an Airport pick-up on your upcoming trip to Panama, we have a local taxi / private car service that we recommend. Our driver charges $35.00 for up to four persons plus $5 p/p additional for each adult from the international airport (PTY), there is no extra charge for children under 10. $25 for Albrook Airport.
If you are interested in an airport pick-up please send your airline, flight number, time of arrival, amount of luggage, whatsapp phone number and the city from where you are flying in from. We will then send a confirmation email regarding your pick up.
[layover guide Food & Drink in Panama City
Magnolia Inn
We have your airport pick up on 2/29/24 arranged. Upon arrival at the airport you will have access to Wi-Fi, we will be in contact from your arrival. For this we need your WhatsApp contact number, any inconvenience in immigration or baggage clain, inform us. Passengers traveling by the airline COPA, are received exclusively in the new terminal T2, when exiting at P17, the driver will be there with the sign with his name.
Our driver will be there! - if there is a problem finding him, There is 30 minutes free WIFI in the airport or ask a local person or the tourist information desk to call the driver (or whatsapp) at +507 6378-3924 or the hotel at +507 202 0872. The price of the service is $35 (up to 4 people) from Tocumen Airport to the hotel, in total to be paid to the driver in cash. Additional passenger $5 USD. Children under 10 years old, free. $25 from Albrook Airport.
Hi, We would love to have an airport pickup.
Hi, Peri and I arrive on March 12. We would like to arrange airport pickup.
- We are arriving to PAC Panama City Marcos A. Gelabert José Ezequiel Hall 12-Mar-24 - 10:15 AM on AIR PANAMA 7P 0681
- There are two of us.
- We will each have a carry-on and a checked bag.
- Tim's whatsapp number is +1 857-498-2574
- Peri's whatsapp number is +1 617-817-8501
Thank You. We look forward to our arrival.
The next day we take a flight from PTY. Copa Air CM704 Wed, Mar 13, 2024 07:30am to Boston. Could we also arrange for a ride there?
- 01-Mar-24 - 13:00hs AIR PANAMA 7P
Thank so much for having this service available.
Thank you for your reservation of 1.
USA 1-786-375-9633; http://www.magnoliapanama.com; cnr Calle Boquete &Calle 8a Este, Casco Viejo. Details speak to the thoughtfulness of this cool inn, a restored three-story colo- nial run by American expats whose service and travel advice excels. Ample top-floor doubles with skyline views rank among the city’s best, with coffee makers, mini- fridges and flat-screen TVs. Grown-ups like the air-conditioned dorm with single beds, orthopedic mattresses, quality bedding, in- dividual lamps and numerous outlets. Very family-friendly.
https://magnolia-inn.panama-city-hotels.com/en/ https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/FMfcgzGwHpXKRSnsSlpMvrBlwXntlkdK https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/FMfcgzGwHpXKRSpVDpSPMjBQcGNFGGrQ
Be sure to try sancocho, Panama’s national dish. It’s a broth of chicken, corn on the cob, starchy vegetables and culantro (not to be confused with cilantro), and it’s reputed to be one of the best hangover cures in the world. Panama’s version of the snow cone, raspao, is a delightful refresher that’s often topped with condensed milk.
There are multiple ways to get from Panama City Marcos A Gelabert Airport (PAC) to Casco Viejo:
- Taxi: The quickest way to get to Selina Casco Viejo Panama City, taking about 19 minutes and costing $22–$27
- Bus: A cheap and fast way to get around, with buses running frequently
- Shuttle: The fastest way to get to Panama City from Tocumen Airport, taking about 16 minutes and costing $35–$36
from BOC ->Old Bank
From the Bocas airport, take a 1 min cab ride or walk ten minutes to the public boat dock that goes to Bastimentos (not the Carenero boat dock) The dock is located next to Chow Kai Hardware store in the center of Bocas Town on Main ST. Anyone can point you in the general direction OR walk out straight from the airport and turn right on to 3rd st (Main St). The park will then be on your left, hostels on your right. Keep walking. If you pass Buena Vista Restaurant, you’ve gone too far. Ask your driver to take you to the public dock in Old Bank.
there
accomodations
changed to march 1 to march 12
places
isla carenero
you can walk along the Carenero island trail to reach some of the best surfing spots in Bocas del Toro. You can find places such as Black Rock, a perfect place for beginner surfers, and La Punta, home to some of the best waves in Bocas del Toro and long barrels for those who dare to paddle hard enough on those epic days. Carenero is also a wonderful place to paddle around on the flat days. Grab a kayak or paddle board to enjoy the beautiful scenery and colorful reef below!
Deep Boarding Deep Boarding is one of those strange, tourist-friendly sports that gets thought up when locations want an attraction of their own… and it is lots of fun.The theory is basically this: you hold onto a plastic board with both your hands, using your forearms and wrists to guide yourself up and down.
food
basti
The Firefly brings you asian style tapas inspired by the Caribbean Once off the boat in Basti, Turn left at the sidewalk and walk about 5 minutes until you get to an Adventista Church on the right, a light colored cement structure. It doesn’t look like a church so look carefully. There is a small cement path just before the church. Look for our teal FIREFLY sign on the pole. Turn right onto the path and you will see the ocean ahead in front of you. Look for our arrow. When you reach the ocean turn right again and you will be able to see us down a bit nestled in the palms. At night, we are pretty well lit and easy to spot once on the ocean path.
Sea Monkey probably not open
Coco Hill Vegetarian bed and breakfast, restaurant and bar, situated up the hill from the dock. Open air atmosphere, porch with ocean view. Makes food onsite including coconut bread and toasted coconut caramel used in the drinks. Dinner available to non-guests from 5pm upon reservation only.Be prepared for a little hike into the jungle to get here but the payout is well worth it. Catered to my diet easily (veg gluten & lactose free) ingredients directly from her garden.
Chavela not great reviews
[Alvin and Ketcha Super large portions, great flavor, beautiful view and very Caribbean-style atmosphere. Athe garlic shrimp looked like prawns. My Caracol was phenomenal, the.The entrance is hidden but just keep going it’s worth it.
Island Time probably closed
Dreamcatcher hostel, restaurant probably closed
Utimate travel guide Where to Eat in Bocas del Toro
Derek’s Caribbean Flavor (Bocas): For the best grilled meats this side of the Caribbean. Ask Derek if he’ll have lobster for one of the days you are there. You will not regret it!
Bocas Blended (Bocas): A fun painted school-bus-turned food truck, this tiny eatery serves up wraps, salads and smoothies.
Bocas Brewery (Bocas): For an island brewery, their craft beer ain’t half-bad! (Read: It’s actually really good) The pub food goes well with the laid back atmosphere too.
Cafe del Mar (Bocas): A cute little cafe dedicated to using fresh local ingredients with no preservatives.
Amaranto (Bocas): Right next door to Cafe del Mar, this cafe serves up fresh coffee, cold pressed juices, and breakfast favorites.
Falafel Bocas (Bocas): This vegan-friendly restaurant is serving up the best authentic middle eastern cuisine in town. Sweet Love Tea House (Bocas): This holistic tea house will give you all the hippie vibes, providing a cosy space to relax and enjoy a hot beverage.
Food in Bocas del Toto Panama
Leaf Eaters Cafe (Carenero): You’ll need to take a $1 water taxi from Bocas Town to reach this over-water restaurant, but the delicious and healthy menu is worth it. Save room for desert as the chocolate brownie is life changing! (Ok…maybe not life changing, but it’ll make your day!)
Raw Fusion (Bocas): One of the more fancy restaurant establishments in Bocas Town, this place deems itself a “Japanese fusion and sea lounge”.
La Bugita Cafe (Bocas): This over-water cafe serves up some delicious favorites for a casual lunch.
Azul Restaurant (Bocas): One of the few spots in Bocas Town for gormet dining.
Om Cafe (Bocas): If you’re looking for Indian food, this over-water restaurant is the spot for you.
El Ultimo Refugio (Bocas): Serving up Caribbean/American fusion with a focus on sea food.
Tequila Republic (Bocas) – If you’re looking for a good cocktail, try the spicy margarita!
Bibi’s on the Beach (Carenero): Serving up surfside seafood with a beachy vibe and great views. You’ll need to take a water taxi from Bocas Town to reach this place.
body surfing
https://bocastours.com/en/surf-bocas
Bluff Beach, Isla Colon
- located about 25 minutes from the city, consists of a long strip of golden sand, accompanied by a perfect tropical forest. is not recommended for swimming, since it has robust waves. Its waves break near the shore,
Wizard Beach, Bastimentos Island
- Located on the east side of Isla Bastimentos when there are no waves in any other part of Bocas del Toro in Wizard there will always be. fun beach breaks.
Red Frog Beach, Bastimento Island
- captivating beach breaks a mix of white sand with coral reefs. Upon arrival you will find surfboards, a hostel.
Paunch Beach, Colon Island
- It is one of the best known places in Isla Colón for surfing.it is the closest place to the city
Silverbacks, Bastimento Island
- for expert surfers and boards of more than two meters, around seven feet, are recommended.
Black Rock, Carenero Island
- the best place to learn to surf. Intended for beginners or people who surf little.
Tiger Tail, Isla Colon
- in front of the Paki Point Restaurant. Small waves make Tiger Tail a recommended site for beginner surfers.It is not recommended for swimming since there is no contact with the sand or the reef, therefore you can be dragged into the sea.
Dumpers, Colon Island
- located north of Boca Town, near Paunch Beach.It consists of a sharp reef, shallow so you must be very careful and it is recommended only to experienced people.
Old Mans, Carenero Island
- beginners who want to surf more smoothly and without fighting against the crowd.
Bluff Beach, Isla Colon
- noted for surfing on it, which indicates that it is not recommended for swimming, since it has robust waves. Its waves break near the shore, both left and right.
Black Rock, Carenero Island
- Black Rock or black rock is a beach that breaks its waves on a deep reef It is also a place for beginners.
Long Beach, Bastimento Island
- Long Beach, also called Playa Larga, is located near the town of Bocas.A place where its inhabitants are sea turtles and national guards who live in a beach shack.
It is a quite lonely place 1 hour walk* Kusapín (Uva Beach), Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca
- located in a part of the semi-autochthonous Ngäbe-Buglé territory, As for its waves, they are a first-class beach break, and it receives more waves than all the beaches in Bocas. those who visit it must show the greatest respect for the local people.
snorkeling
snorkeling Panama
snorkeling old bank
close by
Old Bank -
If you snorkel to the spot from the shore, you will need to find a snorkel entry in the mangrove. In the mangrove the seabed is mostly sandy, sometimes a little muddy. Watch out for roots sticking out of the sand.
You will cross seagrass beds. You will then reach the reef (the central part of the spot, where you will be dropped off if you visit the spot by boat), where the bottoms become sandy with scattered corals and sponges. The water height, less than 6 feet
Bocas Town - Despite a pretty dull marine environment, this spot gives a good overview of a mangrove swamp ecosystem where sea stars, reef fish and numerous colorful invertebrate species take shelter. The spot is located about 1 km west of Bocas Town. It can only be accessed by boat. Swimming closer to the shore, you will discover underwater “forests” made of mangrove trees.
Hospital Point - Located on the island of Solarte, which faces the town of Bocas del Toro, Hospital Point has good snorkeling. Around the rocky point, you can explore a reef flat and a drop-off supporting a diversity of reef fish species Get there by trip($35pp), water taxi or kayak. We recommend entering the water from the small beach (about in front of the small white house) or from your boat/kayak. Once in the water, the best way to explore this spot is to swim all around the rocky point. You will first snorkel over a reef drop-off (↕30 ft/10 m) covered with gorgonians and sponges, before reaching a shallow reef flat that extends all around the rocky point (↕2-6 ft/0.5-2 m). On the west side, the seabed is shallower and the species are a little different. Perhaps a little less attractive than around the drop-off on the eastern side of the point, but with better visibility since less deep. At this location, the seabed is quite colorful
further east
Cayo Coral - The coral reefs emerging around Cayo Coral are among the most beautiful in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.Last updated on September 29, 2022
The coral reefs emerging around Cayo Coral are among the most beautiful in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Their calm, clear waters, sheltered from the open sea. The depth is constant all over the reef area (↕10-12ft/3-4m). This spot is mainly reached by boat tours, which generally include stops in several snorkeling spots (including Cayo Zapatilla and Restaurante Alfonso) and the opportunity to watch dolphins and sloths. The boat trip from Bocas del Toro to Cayo Coral takes about 20 minutes. Ask your tour guide what is included in the price before booking.
Restaurante Alfonso - at the southern tip of Isla Bastimentos, facing Cayo Coral. Around a few buildings on stilts, at the edge of the mangrove, you can see, in less than 3 feet of water, starfish, coral, and many species of fish. A small wooden ladder allows easy water entrance. It is located between the restaurant and the picnic areas. You can explore the entire area around the buildings, up to the edge of the mangrove. The depth is the same in all the area (↕2-4ft/0.5-1m). Swim to the end of the jetty (opposite to the restaurant) and swim towards the mangrove. (sometimes less than 2 feet), be careful you don’t break coral with your swimfins. This area is the fishiest, At the edge of the mangrove,the atmosphere is darker and the coral gives way to a forest of roots,
Cayo Zapatilla- some of the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro. Both Zapatilla North and Zapatilla South are partly sheltered by a coral reef and offer decent snorkeling, despite the occasionally strong current. Full-day tours from Isla Colon often combine one of the Zapatilla Islands, another snorkeling location such as Cayo Coral, as well as dolphin watching and observation of sloths. If you want to visit the two islands, then the best option is to organize a private tour. The recommended snorkel entry at Zapatilla South is from the beach, just right to the jetty. As the current usually runs in a west-to-east direction, it will allow you to drift instead of swimming against the current. As the usual current is in a southwards direction, get back to the beach and exit the water when are at the level of the two islets.
west- Playa Estrella
Playa Estrella is found on the northwestern coast of Isla Colón, the main island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. From Bocas Town, the cheapest way to go to Playa Estrella is by bus or taxi until Playa Bocas del Drago. Here, there is a coastal path that leads to the beach on foot (around 15 minutes). Another way is to book a boat tour to the beach in Bocas Town. Starfish can be seen in front of the beach. If you want to explore the edge of the mangroves, we recommend entering the water at the eastern end of the beach (see map). The edge of the mangrove, found east of the beach, is the most recommended place to snorkel.
indigenous peoples and culture
on Isla Bastimentos, you will find the communities of Bahia Honda and Salt Creek, surrounded by incredible scenery. During your visit you can go hiking, bird watching; explore caves; and navigate in traditional canoes. In addition, the women of the community offer interactive workshops through the Timorogo organization in which you will learn about their traditional dishes, clothing and ancestral customs.
Other Ngäbe-Buglé communities that you can visit in the Bocas del Toro archipelago are: Sandubidi, in Isla Popa 2, as well as San Cristobal and Solarte, in the islands of the same name. To get there you can take a water taxi in Isla Colon. The navigation time will not be more than 30 minutes for any of them.
stuff to pack
You’ll want to make sure you pack a rain jacket and have a dry bag with you in case of a sudden down pour.
- dry bag
- poncho
- solar phone charger
- lightweight chair
- snorkeling pack
not there
