AboutLorena Milanes Expertise I can answer questions regarding Panama, its people, culture, places to visit, places to watch out for, hotels to stay, how much your taxi fare should be... specific information on getting around on a safe manner.
Experience I was born and raised in Panama, educated in American schools. Since I enjoy all related to Panama history, I try to keep myself updated on local happenings in the subject. I also enjoy traveling and the internet seems a wonderful tool to use, specially when you are your own guide (which I usually am)- so I am just willing to give some of the help I have received back.
Publications Article - La Prensa Newspaper
Education/Credentials Bachelor's Degree - Marketing and Advertisting
MBA - Emphasys in Management
Thanks for taking time to reply to this email.
My family will be going to Panama for 10 days. (May 31-June 10) We will be renting a car from the international airport and after that we are still planning. Our kids (13, 11, and 9) are well traveled and we have no problems staying in very meek, but safe places. Have stayed with our kids in hostels, but certainly like nice places as well. We understand that Panama City is a one day deal and then we thought maybe a couple of days in the Chitre-Pedasi area, then a couple of days in the Playa Santa Catalina area or Isla De Coiba area, then Bougette area (Volcano) and then Bocas Del Toro area. Just a thought...we have no real idea.
-Will it be crowded at this time or can we assume finding accommodations will be easy. (i know it is the rainy season, probably why the airline tickets were so cheap)
-Places we must go to?
-Places to stay away from?
-Water safe to drink?
-Would like to try and surf, whitewater raft if possible, zip line, hiking, etc.
-Food to eat and try and food to stay away from
-Any lodging tips or places big or small
-If we go to Bocas del Toro, is it safe to park car on mainland and leave while we are on the island?
-Any other tips
-Should we sneak into Costa Rica?
Sorry for the randomness of the questions...please do not feel obligated to respond to any or all of the questions. Hope all is well and thanks in advance for any advice or information.
Cheers-Mike Behan
Answer Dear Mike,
Findind accomodations at any time in Panama has become a little more difficult due to the herds of tourists we are getting. Nevertheless as of today I have yet to see anyone sleep in a park bench - so you will find rooms :)
The places I usually recommend in the city of Panama are: Casco Viejo (San Felipe - old quarter), Panama Viejo (the city burnt down by the pirates), Panama Canal Museum found in Casco Viejo, a visit to the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks.
I am not very familiar with the Chitre-Pedasi area, all I can say is that there is a lot of contruction going on in that area and that just last week there was info on a beach being contaminated in Pedasi.
Santa Catalina is a surf spot and Coiba is a reservation area where you will be in touch with wildlife.
Places you must stay away from are city surroundings and within the city stay out of Chorrillo area.
If you come in a night flight please have someone pick you up and rent the car later.
The airport road is dark, not signaled and itīs an area where there are robberies.
You can do zip line, water rafting in Boquete - but only of itīs not raining or in Panama City in the Chagres river.
There is usually not much problems with food here - so just your basics, make sure itīs clean, but besides that you can eat in the streets without having to worry.
Please let me know if any other place interests you so I can help a bit more... since there were so many questions I only answered the ones I think I can help with.
Good luck
Lorena
