Topic Wiki

List of TR's:
Denverite
saw50st8
dvol
dvol Pictures
zow
CGR, CGR #2
itreu001
TripsPls
davidrotts63
yuneeq Contadora (Pearl Islands)
Something Fishy (Cuba)
Something Fishy (Honduras)
Ponash123
PBaruch
Moishes 2/5/24 Panama Extended Weekend



Kosher Food/ Restaurants:
Places to Eat:
Aria
Aroma Café
Darna Dairy/Bakery
Kava
Jeffrey’s Bakery
Pita Pan
Pita Plus
Lula by Darna
Metsuyan
Hilel Sports Bar and Grill- Closed
Darna
La Spezia
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (including 2 at PTY)
Dr. Sandwich
Prime Grill
Forever yogurt in casco viejo- Chalav Yisroel ice cream - Closed down
NEW - Jerusalem Israeli Cuisine by Chabad in Casco Viejo
Supermarkets:
Superkosher
Supermacardo Deli K


Cholov Yisroel:
If you go onto Kosher Panama Website you can search for Cholov Yisroel by entering Jalav Israel in the search, just be aware if the site lists Jalav Israel and Lacteo in the description, the establishment may have both CY and non-CY so be aware and double check with the staff.
SuperKosher also had a nice selection of CY breakfast/snack/frozen items available.

There is a local chalav yisroel that isn't up to everyone's standards. It isn't up to Chabad as they use a lower kasherimg temperature than the alter rebbe holds.
This is what local chabad down there told me. Don't hold me to any of it please.


Synagogue:

The Jewish community in Panama is mainly in Panama City in the Punta Paitilla area.
You must bring your passport with you to enter the shuls. You can bring your passport over during the week if you are not staying in the eruv. They will make a copy of your passport.

Sinagoga Beth El – Orthodox, Ashkenazi. After Shabbat morning services, they have a full sit down Kiddush lunch.
They also serve breakfast after weekday shacharit.
Contact Asistente al Rabino secretaria@centrobethel.com - Déborah Wizel

Shevet Ahim – Sephardic. proper attire required, denied entry for shorts.

Ahavat Sion –

Chabad -  bracha Karniel goldberg  brachagold@gmail.com

Things to Do:
Panama Canal
Amador Causeway
Old City
$30 cabbie for all day
Panama John on FT cab and tour guide
San Blas islands
En Valle Market
Casco Viejo
Barefoot Panama tour company
Boquete
Biosphere
Miraflores Locks
Ancon Hill (tallest point in the City)
Anton Valley (hiking, waterfalls, horseback riding)
Panama Viejo
MultiPlaza (high-end mall)
Parque Natural Metropolitano
Partial canal transit
Monkey Island boat tour
Rainforest Gondola tour
Contadora (Pearl Islands) - whale watching, snorkeling/scuba on Chipera, Mogu Mogu, https://pearlislandsdaytours.com/
Rainbow bass fishing
Ziplining
Rent bikes along the water
Rainforest
Beach- Santa Clara and punta palmar both 1.5+ hours from Panama City
Indigenous tribes
Coffee plantations in the mountains
Whale watching
City tour (includes animals)
Chargres River Tour, hike to waterfall, visit Embrera Indian Village
Hiking Portabello road
Natural Metropolitan Park
www.therealpanamatours.com
Almiza Tours/ My friend mario http://www.bscpma.com/mfm/aboutus.htm (Website not working!)
Colon
Bocas del Toro
Old city/Casco viejo

Hotels:

Getting Around:
Uber is the best way to get around, cheap and reliable (if you go to the rainforest, there might not be any cars available going back, search before)

Notes:


Please Update the Wiki
« Last edited by moishes on February 05, 2024, 05:12:28 PM »

Author Topic: Panama Master Thread  (Read 299881 times)

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1060 on: September 01, 2022, 05:26:34 PM »
Thank you to all who responded.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Aps

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1061 on: September 01, 2022, 05:49:42 PM »
We used Tereza from New Leaf Panama tours - we got her info from Go Kosher panama plus a discount. We were very happy with her.
She was great and well priced. She does the tours herself and she's american

Offline Jm1248

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1062 on: September 01, 2022, 09:39:16 PM »
Going to answer with all the info I found because people keep asking and it’s basically a dead end.

We paid $51/pp one way with Air Panama (returned with ferry for $45/pp at the time). The route was PAC-OTD (OTD is a barely searchable airstrip). That flight has been discontinued and there are no commercial airlines serving OTD.

Curious to see what specific charter options you found. $250 for 4 passengers is a great price, assuming that’s just one way? $500 RT is just an extra $100 compared to ferry.

For me the flight was my most exhilarating and breathtaking flying experience, by far. It was a small 12 seater, and half the way we were the only passengers.
I did a charter flight form PAC last year for $600 roundtrip for 2 ppl. They communicate via Whatsapp and are super easy to deal with and very responsive. You choose the times of your flight (anytime between 7 am  - 5 pm) which is very convenient. It was a small 4 seater and I sat up front next to the pilot. They even let me fly it on the way back! (Obviously only once it was all the way up in the air - no take off or landing.) Was a really incredible experience.

Offline myb821

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1063 on: September 05, 2022, 07:57:16 PM »
I did a charter flight form PAC last year for $600 roundtrip for 2 ppl. They communicate via Whatsapp and are super easy to deal with and very responsive. You choose the times of your flight (anytime between 7 am  - 5 pm) which is very convenient. It was a small 4 seater and I sat up front next to the pilot. They even let me fly it on the way back! (Obviously only once it was all the way up in the air - no take off or landing.) Was a really incredible experience.
can you provide the contact information? @Jm1248

Offline Jm1248

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1064 on: September 05, 2022, 09:19:22 PM »
can you provide the contact information? @Jm1248
His name is Yasu from Skyride Panama. Number is +507 6840 0045
Pm me if you’d like me to make an intro in case you have trouble reaching him or anything like that

Offline myb821

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1065 on: September 06, 2022, 11:29:17 AM »
ATMs are readily available in panama right?

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1066 on: September 06, 2022, 11:30:04 AM »
ATMs are readily available in panama right?

Yes. But I was charged a foreign transaction fee even though atm gave me USD. Insane.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline noah32

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1067 on: September 22, 2022, 01:28:44 PM »
Panama lifts all entry requirements. No need for vaccination or negative test.

https://www.traveloffpath.com/panama-lifts-all-travel-restrictions-returning-to-normal-tourism/


Offline Redbull3

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1068 on: October 31, 2022, 03:18:55 PM »
Did a lot of reading and looking for feedback from anyone who wants to chime in.
We are thinking of Panama for a few days during yeshiva week. We wanted a hot beachy destination and we are also very intrigued by the kosher food scene so we're a little torn between staying by beach vs city and travelling between the 2.
We are leaning to staying in the city somewhere with a nice pool (travelling with a 3.5 yr old so bonus points for something that will be fun for her). Any ideas for hotel, any can't miss food recommendations or activities for kids? We don't care that much about tourist sights, we more just want to chill and have a fun time and eat good food.
TIA!!

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1069 on: October 31, 2022, 03:59:39 PM »
For food I suggest Aria, Aria, and (if you're there for another night), Aria. Three of the best kosher restaurants anywhere.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1070 on: October 31, 2022, 08:54:20 PM »
Did a lot of reading and looking for feedback from anyone who wants to chime in.
We are thinking of Panama for a few days during yeshiva week. We wanted a hot beachy destination and we are also very intrigued by the kosher food scene so we're a little torn between staying by beach vs city and travelling between the 2.
We are leaning to staying in the city somewhere with a nice pool (travelling with a 3.5 yr old so bonus points for something that will be fun for her). Any ideas for hotel, any can't miss food recommendations or activities for kids? We don't care that much about tourist sights, we more just want to chill and have a fun time and eat good food.
TIA!!

We stayed at the Residence Inn - very nice, cheap and convenient as its around the corner from Chabad and a block away from a few kosher places.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline shimib

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1071 on: November 09, 2022, 08:04:01 PM »
Hi. I was wondering if anyone has ever used Mauricio birbragher/turism mbz as a tour guide around Panama. Looking for feedback thanks.
« Last Edit: November 09, 2022, 11:51:47 PM by shimib »

Offline RavKahaneTzadak

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1072 on: November 14, 2022, 08:18:33 PM »
Hi,
Anyone know if buying luxury items in Panama will save a decent amount of money? Looking specifically for watches.
TIA

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1073 on: November 15, 2022, 10:34:27 AM »
How much does Sorhay charge for tours?
And is San Blas doable with a 4 and 6 year old? Did others stay overnight in the area to maximize the time there and then return to Panama city?

Offline DevoraSchenkolewski

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1074 on: November 15, 2022, 10:37:49 AM »
Is this thread talking about Panama or Panama City in Florida?

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1075 on: November 15, 2022, 10:52:05 AM »
Is this thread talking about Panama or Panama City in Florida?
The country. But imagine if Panama City in Florida were a clone city of Panama City Panama  ;D

Offline gartm

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1076 on: November 15, 2022, 02:40:52 PM »
Are there any concerns about traveling to Panama this winter? There were widespread protests there earlier this year.

Offline shmebeble

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1077 on: November 15, 2022, 03:46:06 PM »
Are there any concerns about traveling to Panama this winter? There were widespread protests there earlier this year.
stay home at all costs! Seems like they are over. Would be more concerned about going outside in Brooklyn on a random day

Offline luv2trvlwithfam

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1078 on: November 20, 2022, 07:29:30 AM »
We just came back from a quick trip to Panama (3 days) and this group is awesome - reading through the 53 pages and the trip reports really gives you a solid base to start planning your trip - as they say Gracias!
Here is what we did:
Day 1: Uber to Burke's bike rentals at amador causeway - rented bikes for $5 an hour, found the famous Panama sign at the end of the causeway. Hiked up ancon hill. Lunch at Jeffreys. Dinner at Lula  Casco and walked around a bit in the old city, we got there for the end of Sunrise which is quite neat (there is a rooftop bar that was mentioned in one of the trip reports...)
Day 2: San Blas we used a private driver and boat (as I wrote above) Travelling Souls Panama - Josias, he was a real pleasure to deal with and was exactly what we needed to enjoy San Blas. Dinner at Aria.
Day 3: Went to Nativa falls - to get there to the falls we first went horseback riding half the way and then hiked the rest, and then enjoyed the falls. On the way back to Panama city we went to Chame creek, where you could swim, jump in etc.
Have some pics and will see if I can figure out how to post.
We stayed at Waldorf Astoria and worked for us (we checked out 7:30 AM before our tour to the falls, and they held our luggage as most hotels do, but they also have a business center where there is a shower, which was very useful for us after our day hiking etc) they also have a great spa.
Didn't register for a shul - Beth El didn't let me in, however the security guard told me to go to Shevat Achim and they were much easier, a community member spoke to me and with my passport was able to get in.
For those who have no patience reading all the trip reports and doing the research - we met many people who used Go Kosher Panama and were very happy with the service.
If you want to plan your own trip - highly recommend reaching out to Travelling Souls Panama (in addition to the other great tour guides mentioned).


thanks for all this,
how many people were you?
would you stay longer?

Offline luv2trvlwithfam

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #1079 on: November 20, 2022, 08:26:28 AM »
Hi everyone,
where to start research for a monday-friday trip,
fam of 10, oldest 23 youngest 11
looking for adventure, touring, hiking, water sports, outdoors etc...
shall we stay over shabbat?
monday-sunday?
would be week before yeshiva week...

thank you all!!