Our trip was amazing from start to finish.  Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro.  Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative.  He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must).   Carlos, our tour guide in  El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative.  I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of...
            Read more
           
      
        Our trip was amazing from start to finish.  Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro.  Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative.  He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must).   Carlos, our tour guide in  El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative.  I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of natural landmarks over time, and the preservation ideas being considered for the future.  We saw monkeys and sloths in the trees, and lots of beautiful birds.  The  Golden Frog Inn was my favorite of our accommodations. I tried ceviche for the first time, and I liked it.  I tried an electric bike for the first time and after the first mile I wanted to buy one for myself.  Whether we were hiking in a forest, on a boat ride, swimming in the blue waters, or walking around town, everything was enjoyable.  The catamaran cruise to end the week was perfect - great music, great food, beautiful views, friendly people, and time at the beach.  Thank you to KimKim Travel and your partner in Panama, Gapa Travel, for all of your efforts.
          
              
    Hotel Reviews
    
  
    
  
  
  
    
      The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama
    
   
 
  
    
      The Westin was a nice hotel.  We stayed on the 16th floor with an Ocean View.  The room was clean and spacious.  There were lots of restaurants to choose from and several swimming pools.
    
    
    
      Authenticity & Character
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        The common area was open and nicely decorated.
      
    
      Location
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        The hotel was right on the beach.
      
    
      Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        There were communication difficulties occasionally because we don't speak Spanish, but the staff seemed nice.
      
    
      Cleanliness & Comfort
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        The hotel seemed nice, but there was a lot of debris in the swimming pool, and an elevator that was broken.
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
  
    
      The Golden Frog Inn
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      El Valle de Ant贸n
    
   
 
  
    
      The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views from our room, and from the dining area, were like looking at a small piece of paradise.  Very green, lush, and plentiful with flowers and birds.  The staff was accommodating and nice.  The food was delicious, and the drinks were refreshing.  We liked the swimming pool, and we also enjoyed walking around the grounds to look at the many flower varieties.  There was a craft brewery within walking distance, which was an added perk.
    
    
    
      Authenticity & Character
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        Delicious food and drinks. Nice swimming pool.  Golden Frog theme is cute.
      
    
      Location
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views were like looking at a small piece of paradise
      
    
      Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        Staff were attentive and friendly.  They called cabs for us when we need them, since we didn't speak Spanish.
      
    
      Cleanliness & Comfort
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        The room was comfortable and clean, with a beautiful view.
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
  
    
      Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama City
    
   
 
  
    
      This hotel was very nice.  The decor beautifully reflected the name.  It was pretty in all of the common areas, and had all the amenities you would need.  The room was spacious and clean.  The rooftop bar was convenient for evening cocktails.  The rooftop infinity pool was nice, and inviting.  The breakfast buffet was plentiful with a lot of variety.  We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.  
    
    
    
      Authenticity & Character
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        Beautiful decor that reflected the "Zen" theme perfectly.
      
    
      Location
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.  
      
    
      Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        The staff were helpful with answering our questions about the location of restaurants, stores, the Metro, etc.
      
    
      Cleanliness & Comfort
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        Every was clean, and the atmosphere was comfortable.
      
     
 
  
  
    Activity Reviews
    
  
    
  
  
    
      Discovering Panama City: Free Day 
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama City
    
   
 
  
    
      We enjoyed exploring the city, and did some shopping.
    
    
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama
    
   
 
  
    
      I enjoyed walking around the ruins, learning about some of the history, and playing in the crystal clear water at the beach.  Had lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and the food was delicious.
    
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall 
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Valle de Ant贸n
    
   
 
  
    
      The waterfall was very pretty.   A nice place to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty.
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Guided E-Bike Tour in  El Valle de Ant贸n
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Valle de Ant贸n
    
   
 
  
    
      Had a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute.  My first time on an electric bike.  We walked through a little jungle, saw animals and birds in the trees. Visited the town, the market, and a waterfall. Had lunch.  The staff at the bike shop were nice.  The experience was very enjoyable.
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        Carlos, our guide, was great.  I enjoyed his dialogue immensely.
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Taboga Island
    
   
 
  
    
      Great fun!  Perfect way to end the week.  The catamaran crew were all very nice and attentive that everyone have a good time.  The music was lively and fun.  The drinks were delicious.  The food was plentiful and very tasty.  While I didn't go swimming off the boat, the others with me did and they had a wonderful time in the water.  I went swimming at the beach on Taboga Island.  A totally enjoyable experience.
    
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama City
    
   
 
  
    
      Very enjoyable experience.  Took lots of photos and watched a lot of ships.  
    
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama City
    
   
 
  
    
      The boat tour was very nice.  We saw a variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery.
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      Cultural Experience Dinner 
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama City
    
   
 
  
    
      The ceviche was delicious, as was the dinner food.  A very enjoyable experience.
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
    
  
  
    
      City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
    
    
      
        
        
        
        
        
    
    
      Panama City
    
   
 
  
    
      We enjoyed seeing the city and visiting the Panama Canal.  The viewing platform allowed you to see the ships and the locks.  The iMax video was informative.
    
    
    
    
      Guides, Drivers and Staff
      
      
        
        
        
        
        
      
        
      
     
 
  
           
       
      
        Local specialist: Magalie Damour