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 299856 times)

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #320 on: January 21, 2019, 04:59:40 PM »
Which one?

We went to Bet El. They have a Shabbos luncheon with reservations beforehand.

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #321 on: January 22, 2019, 12:49:40 AM »
I am reposting my questions, but I took off the ones that were answered already. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I will be in Panama for 5 full weekdays IY”H.  Traveling without kids. 

I read through all the posts and they are extremely helpful. I have the following questions.  If anyone can answer, would be much appreciated.

What activities can be done in Panama without a tour guide?

Was thinking of doing 1 day the local stuff like the canal and Monkey Island. I day San Blas or Pearl Island and 1 day El Valle .  What do you suggest for the other 2 days?


Is it Whale watching season now. If not, would it be worth it to go to Pearl Island regardless?

No point in doing both San Blas and Pearl Islands. It’s just either or. Correct?

I saw mentioned “Darien Provence”. Where and what is that?

Monkey Island Boat tour -what other day activity can it be combined with?

Parque Natural Meropolitano –what activities are located there?

Boquete-is that something that comes into my plans for a 5 day stay or that’s for a whole other trip? 

Bocas Del Toro- is that something that comes into my plans for a 5 day stay or that’s for a whole other trip? 

Rainforest gondola tour-where is that?

Portobello Road/ Portobello Island-where and what is that?

Which dairy restaurants are Cholov Yisroel and which are not?

There are so many kosher Restaurants there. Which ones are lie the top ones not to be missed?

Thanks again for your help.

Offline Suave

  • DansDeals Developer
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 1229
  • Total likes: 616
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • SWIZU Web Development
  • Location: ♥ Ukraine
  • Programs: Photoshop
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #322 on: January 22, 2019, 12:43:48 PM »
I am reposting my questions, but I took off the ones that were answered already. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I will be in Panama for 5 full weekdays IY”H.  Traveling without kids. 

I read through all the posts and they are extremely helpful. I have the following questions.  If anyone can answer, would be much appreciated.

What activities can be done in Panama without a tour guide?

Was thinking of doing 1 day the local stuff like the canal and Monkey Island. I day San Blas or Pearl Island and 1 day El Valle .  What do you suggest for the other 2 days?


Is it Whale watching season now. If not, would it be worth it to go to Pearl Island regardless?

No point in doing both San Blas and Pearl Islands. It’s just either or. Correct?

I saw mentioned “Darien Provence”. Where and what is that?

Monkey Island Boat tour -what other day activity can it be combined with?

Parque Natural Meropolitano –what activities are located there?

Boquete-is that something that comes into my plans for a 5 day stay or that’s for a whole other trip? 

Bocas Del Toro- is that something that comes into my plans for a 5 day stay or that’s for a whole other trip? 

Rainforest gondola tour-where is that?

Portobello Road/ Portobello Island-where and what is that?

Which dairy restaurants are Cholov Yisroel and which are not?

There are so many kosher Restaurants there. Which ones are lie the top ones not to be missed?

Thanks again for your help.
3 days in Boquete should be enough (visit coffee growers, go rafting, chill in the hotsprings etc)
I would recommend spending more time in Bocas Del Toro - Scuba, ATV tours, Snorkling, Dolphin/whale/stingray/shark watching, Boat tours etc. (there's a chabad there, so Kosher food will be easier)
San Blas deserves more than a day. 2 nights at least, turn off your phone, get a REAL vacation, reconnect with yourself.

EDIT, Just noticed you said 5 weekdays - not weekends. I guess Bocas should be it's own trip then. You can skip Boquete. San Blas will cost you in travel time.
DDMS Built with ♥ by SWIZU

Offline Denverite

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 2006
  • Total likes: 181
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Denver
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #323 on: January 22, 2019, 05:14:56 PM »
I am reposting my questions, but I took off the ones that were answered already. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I will be in Panama for 5 full weekdays IY”H.  Traveling without kids. 

I read through all the posts and they are extremely helpful. I have the following questions.  If anyone can answer, would be much appreciated.

What activities can be done in Panama without a tour guide?

Was thinking of doing 1 day the local stuff like the canal and Monkey Island. I day San Blas or Pearl Island and 1 day El Valle .  What do you suggest for the other 2 days?


Is it Whale watching season now. If not, would it be worth it to go to Pearl Island regardless?

No point in doing both San Blas and Pearl Islands. It’s just either or. Correct?

I saw mentioned “Darien Provence”. Where and what is that?

Monkey Island Boat tour -what other day activity can it be combined with?

Parque Natural Meropolitano –what activities are located there?

Boquete-is that something that comes into my plans for a 5 day stay or that’s for a whole other trip? 

Bocas Del Toro- is that something that comes into my plans for a 5 day stay or that’s for a whole other trip? 

Rainforest gondola tour-where is that?

Portobello Road/ Portobello Island-where and what is that?

Which dairy restaurants are Cholov Yisroel and which are not?

There are so many kosher Restaurants there. Which ones are lie the top ones not to be missed?

Thanks again for your help.

Can't go through all these but yes, I'd just do Las Perlas or San Blas if you only have 5 days although if you have the money and really love beaches, both would be fun.  I actually just posted some more about our day in Las Perlas in my trip report.  In the Parque Nacional is the national zoo, which is a poor 3rd world zoo but the harpy eagle was super cool.  It's very close to the rainforest tram (that you asked about) in Gamboa.  We took a cab to the zoo and ubered back.  We did the tram and it was ok but if you aren't dragging kids around you could do cooler stuff that isn't as touristy and actually hike in the rainforest.  Hands-down do not miss Aria meat restaraunt.  It's insanely good and literally across the street from the Sortis.  Have a blast there!

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #324 on: January 22, 2019, 06:27:09 PM »
When is the best time of day to see canal traffic?

Offline Denverite

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 2006
  • Total likes: 181
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Denver
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #325 on: January 22, 2019, 07:04:23 PM »
When is the best time of day to see canal traffic?

It’s all day long lined up waiting to go trough.

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #326 on: January 22, 2019, 11:06:28 PM »
We did Pearl Island on Sunday and San Blas today. Both very different experiences.

Pearl Islands has beautiful fish and good snorkeling but water was colder at first. It’s not whale watching season now. Lots of private beaches if you go with a tour guide- We used Ilene based on @Denverite’s TR. Ilene was very informative and took our cues as to what interests us. Water was beautiful. Cost was $250 for up to 5 people on Ilene’s boat (we were only 2) + $78/pp ferry ride reduced from $98/pp because we booked with Ilene.

San Blas has gorgeous water. Water was warmer then Pearl. We did a group tour through Sorhay which was $155/pp and she took care of every detail down to the  $.25 for the bathroom when you first come in. (Other bathrooms are free!) we went as a group to 3 different islands so it’s not private. The ride there was very windy and had lots of potholes but the driver had obviously driven these roads before. Since it was a group, Sorhay was not there and no one spoke Emglish except another tourist so she translated.

Personally I can’t see doing more than a day trip in either place. I love swimming and snorkeling but I think I would be bored.

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #327 on: January 23, 2019, 08:48:24 AM »
Thanks for the live trip report. If you had to chose 1 over the other, which one would you choose?

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #328 on: January 23, 2019, 11:57:30 PM »
Silly question. Does Panama use same electricity as US or you need an adapter like in Europe? 

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #329 on: January 24, 2019, 12:17:12 AM »
Silly question. Does Panama use same electricity as US or you need an adapter like in Europe?

Same electricity and currency is American dollars

Thanks for the live trip report. If you had to chose 1 over the other, which one would you choose?

I keep trying to write an answer to your question and I keep going back and forth. I’m not sure what you’re into. If you want beautiful snorkeling then Pearl Islands. But the beaches at San Blas were gorgeous. Both trips are long. If someone gets carsick then the trip to San Blas is not for you. If money is an issue then I would skip both and use Sorhay for Embrera village (which we did today). We did the kosher version and it was spectacular. She is very detailed oriented and takes great care of her clients. And the trip includes a waterfall which Denverite wrote about. It was a spectacular day.






Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #330 on: January 24, 2019, 12:26:03 AM »
  Hands-down do not miss Aria meat restaraunt.  It's insanely good and literally across the street from the Sortis.  Have a blast there!

We ate there tonight. While we thought it was good we enjoyed Luna better. Service was very slow. Could be they had an off night because my sister and brother in-law ate there last night and thought it was very good. ( And they also loved Luna.)

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #331 on: January 24, 2019, 12:41:44 AM »

I keep trying to write an answer to your question and I keep going back and forth. I’m not sure what you’re into. If you want beautiful snorkeling then Pearl Islands. But the beaches at San Blas were gorgeous. Both trips are long. If someone gets carsick then the trip to San Blas is not for you. If money is an issue then I would skip both and use Sorhay for Embrera village (which we did today). We did the kosher version and it was spectacular. She is very detailed oriented and takes great care of her clients. And the trip includes a waterfall which Denverite wrote about. It was a spectacular day.

I booked with her Monkey Island for Sunday. Monday she  had no availability. I booked San Blas for Tuesday And Anton Valley for Wednesday. Monday I booked Bayano Cave with My Friend Mario. You are writing that if I want to save money I should do the village. San Blas she quoted me $320 for 2 and the village is $375 I think.

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #332 on: January 24, 2019, 12:47:48 AM »
San Blas she quoted me $155pp and Embrera $135 pp back in December.

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #333 on: January 24, 2019, 12:49:31 AM »
Btw you know you have to get picked up st 5:15am for San Blas?

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #334 on: January 24, 2019, 01:30:11 AM »
San Blas she quoted me $155pp and Embrera $135 pp back in December.

Interesting. Dont know. Did you get a quote from her for monkey Island and Anton Valley? 

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #335 on: January 24, 2019, 01:30:47 AM »
Deleted
« Last Edit: January 24, 2019, 01:37:00 AM by travellove »

Offline travellove

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2015
  • Posts: 121
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #336 on: January 24, 2019, 01:36:26 AM »
About the 5:15


I do know. Only problem is i didn't tell my wife yet...

Offline davidrotts63

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2017
  • Posts: 7218
  • Total likes: 978
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 26
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hertz Gold, Hyatt Member, BA Blue, Ebay banned, Amazon Prime
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #337 on: January 24, 2019, 03:37:09 AM »


Hands-down do not miss Aria meat restaraunt.  It's insanely good and literally across the street from the Sortis.  Have a blast there!
+10
And cheap too!!


Same electricity and currency is American dollars
Well they kinda have their own currency, but it it fluctuates with the American Dollar, and the Dollar is accepted as well.
We ate there tonight. While we thought it was good we enjoyed Luna better. Service was very slow. Could be they had an off night because my sister and brother in-law ate there last night and thought it was very good. ( And they also loved Luna.)

Are you referring to the Lula by Darna? Or another place called Lula?
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #338 on: January 24, 2019, 06:35:47 AM »
Are you referring to the Lula by Darna? Or another place called Lula?

Same one. Lula by Darna ( meat) is walkable from Sortis. And there’s the sister   place called Darna behind the JW Marriot. It’s dairy.

Offline E R K

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #339 on: January 24, 2019, 07:18:25 AM »
Also for San Blas, I think besides wanting to get a fresh start in the morning before it might get crowded, the toilets, when you first arrive, are more appealing. Bring toilet paper (or tissues) and wipes. But the last island we visited (Don’t remember the name) had TP and water. We even could rinse off in the shower.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2019, 07:24:01 AM by E R K »