Our trip to Panama was amazing. Reyna did a ...
Panama | Jul 22 - Aug 4, 2023

D
Denise K.
Fairfield, CA | Reviewed on Aug 05, 2023

Our trip to Panama was amazing. Reyna did a spectacular job working with us to plan our itinerary and fun, exciting, informative outings. We learned a lot about Panama's history (and how it is linked to CA history), were immersed in incredibly beautiful rainforests, mountains, and beaches, saw SO many animals and plants in their natural habitats, and ate some delicious food. Reyna also was very responsive during our trip to help with a couple of small bumps we hit along the way and shift our agenda when we found something else we wanted to do :). I would not hesitate to plan another trip to Panama or any trip Reyna recommends!

Hotel Reviews
Central Hotel Panama
Panama City

The location of the hotel is perfect and the hotel itself is beautiful and relatively comfortable. The room we got for 3 people was *very* small - we could really not all be standing at the same time without bumping into each other. If it were just 2 of us, I would have given it 5 stars. But the room was clean, staff were very friendly, breakfast was delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
There is no way 2 beds should have been in a room that size. Way too small for 3 people.
Los Mandarinos Boutique Spa and Hotel
El Valle de Anton

Los Mandarinos was probably one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at. The views of the mountains from the hotel AND the pool were incredible. Our room was very comfortable, and the location was quiet and peaceful. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to/through El Valle.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The pools were fantastic; rooms very clean and comfortable; bathroom well stocked.
Palmar beach lodge

The Palmar was a very nice hotel and the only reason I gave it 4/5 stars is personal preference. Our room was very comfortable (A/C was critical to cool down once or twice a day), staff very friendly and helpful, RIGHT ON THE BEACH. The restaurant and bar were very nice and we enjoyed the variety for a week without tiring of the menu. The only drawback of this hotel (for us) is that some nights can be a little more of a party atmosphere - nothing too big and certainly not loud enough to keep us awake. I probably would have loved this in my 20s....

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Coast to coast trip to Portobelo
Coast to coast trip to Portobelo
Panama City

I think this was one of my favorite days of the entire trip. Our guide Jose was very knowledgable about the rainforest plants and animals, as well as the fort at San Lorenzo. The drive to the fort and the walk down there road were spectacular - we saw so many animals and really got to quietly observe and have branches dropped on us by howler monkeys! The views were beautiful, and even though the workings of the Canal Locks was not my primary interest of this outing, I found them fascinating and am very happy we were able to watch a huge container ship going through the lock system.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sea Kayak - Panama Canal (half day)
Sea Kayak - Panama Canal (half day)
Panama City

Beautiful setting for a kayak trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canal Rainforest Boat experience
Canal Rainforest Boat experience
Panama City

Loved this tour - what an amazing place. If we could put videos below, I'd add the 3 species of monkeys we saw up close. We also saw a crocodile, numerous bird species, iguanas, and turtles. Our boat driver knew where to find certain animals and being on the lake with the big ships nearby was surreal. Also, being in the shade on the boat kept things a little cooler and more comfortable in the heat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Casco Antiguo walking tour
Casco Antiguo walking tour
Panama City

It could have been the timing of the particular tour we took, but we were a little disappointed with this tour. We shifted the time to 4pm to try and avoid the hottest part of the day. We did not get to do the chocolate tasting that our son was looking forward to b/c of the day it was scheduled for, and we were only able to see the interior of one church in town (and not the one directly across from the hotel). We also weren't even aware that the Presidential Palace was in the area until our driver the next day mentioned it while we were leaving town. My guess is we only experienced a portion of what this tour should have been... and again, this could have been b/c of the shifted time. It was a little disappointing b/c those were our surroundings during our stay and I would have liked to learn more about it. What we did see and learn about was very interesting. But there was not really any discussion about the current political environment around some of the changes the area has undergone to revitalize tourism (eg; we saw some signs on our own that locals were trying to resist gentrification - would have liked to learn more about how the will of the locals is balanced with tourism).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Taboga Island
Taboga Island
Panama City

The island is beautiful, the water was warm, the food and drinks were delicious. It was a nice relaxing day after a few busy touring days.

Quality of Experience
We really loved it but probably would have preferred to come back a little earlier.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Slot canyon waterfall
Slot canyon waterfall
Valle de Antón

This day was beyond amazing - tied for my favorite day of the whole trip. Cecelio was such a kind, fun, and warm host for us and the mountains are breathtaking. I kind of wish we had more days like this!!!! The slot canyon swimming hole is SO beautiful and refreshing - I cannot imagine a more perfect place.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa
Reyna
Reyna Ulloa
Local specialist in Managua | Replied on Aug 05, 2024

Hi dear Denise, nice to greet you!

Thank you very much for sharing your kind feedback with us.
We are more than glad that you enjoyed your trip around Panama! :D

It was a great pleasure to welcome you for this adventure and assist you during your stay as well,
Panama will be waiting for you both for the next time!

All the best wishes for you, and thank you for trust in our services,
Best regards,