Panama Master Thread

[Denverite]

@Denverite
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=1884.msg1495077#msg1495077

A little late but just reading now

That’s actully hilarious that I not only read your posts but asked you a question and still forgot about it! Both I and @zow have now posted details in our TR about Las Perlas although we both used a tour guide (she was very open though about how much was going to the Boatman because I needed that amount in cash and could PayPal her the rest). Thanks for the reminder and I do think a lot of people might enjoy your style of adventure (and cheaper price) of hiring a boatman on Contadora directly, although for me going with my kids, I’d really want to English speaking tour guide and to know it was all set ahead of time (but I also book flights for trips a year in advance). 😋

[yuneeq]

That’s actully hilarious that I not only read your posts but asked you a question and still forgot about it! Both I and @zow have now posted details in our TR about Las Perlas although we both used a tour guide (she was very open though about how much was going to the Boatman because I needed that amount in cash and could PayPal her the rest). Thanks for the reminder and I do think a lot of people might enjoy your style of adventure (and cheaper price) of hiring a boatman on Contadora directly, although for me going with my kids, I’d really want to English speaking tour guide and to know it was all set ahead of time (but I also book flights for trips a year in advance). 😋

It was spontaneous because I never heard about Las Perlas until the night before I went, I literally had no idea what I would be doing until I got there. I would probably recommend to most people (especially with kids) to get a guide even though it’s possible without. Taking the flight there (or back) is a must, it’s a really fun and beautiful experience, and it’s basically the same price as the ferry.

[Denverite]

It was spontaneous because I never heard about Las Perlas until the night before I went, I literally had no idea what I would be doing until I got there. I would probably recommend to most people (especially with kids) to get a guide even though it’s possible without. Taking the flight there (or back) is a must, it’s a really fun and beautiful experience, and it’s basically the same price as the ferry.

I'd love to try the flight.  The only thing our guide warned about was that the ferry basically always runs no matter the weather, whereas the return flight in the rainy season can get cancelled in a downpour.  We were there in August, so just something to think about in the rainy season.  If we go back in winter, it would be fun to take the flight though.

[Denverite]

For those of you in Israel, my friend just sent me this (I think we are actually going to plan a trip to meet them because of these fares):

Scott's Cheap Flights

A rare sweet deal to Panama City.

One stop en route. These are Iberia basic economy fares, which means seat selection and checked bags aren't included. It costs $$90 total to upgrade to their 'Optimal' fare that includes early seat selection and a checked bag, which is cheaper than just adding a checked bag at $55 each way. FYI if you want to upgrade you need to book these directly through the airline, for a total of $691 return.

Travel tip: Hit up the San Blas Islands (beautiful artwork) or the Bocas del Toro (good party scene) for a couple great side trips from Panama City.
All prices are for roundtrip flights and in USD unless otherwise stated.
TO:
Panama City (PTY)

FROM:
Tel Aviv (TLV) - $564

WHEN: May to June, September to November 2019 and January to February 2020
NORMAL PRICE: $900
AIRLINE(S): Iberia
BUY BY: We think these fares will last 1-2 days

[yuneeq]

I'd love to try the flight.  The only thing our guide warned about was that the ferry basically always runs no matter the weather, whereas the return flight in the rainy season can get cancelled in a downpour.  We were there in August, so just something to think about in the rainy season.  If we go back in winter, it would be fun to take the flight though.

You can book one way in either direction.
I booked my flight to Contadora for $50/pp, and booked the ferry ($45/pp) to return in the afternoon.
Was able to book everything last minute as well with no issues. I like having both experiences, the plane ride, and the ferry with the dolphins/whales. Flying also gives you some extra time to spend on the island if you want to spend just 1 day.

When I was there, the flights flew once a day in the morning (maybe 8:30am?) and the return flight is soon after. Would be best to book the way there.

[Denverite]

You can book one way in either direction.
I booked my flight to Contadora for $50/pp, and booked the ferry ($45/pp) to return in the afternoon.
Was able to book everything last minute as well with no issues. I like having both experiences, the plane ride, and the ferry with the dolphins/whales. Flying also gives you some extra time to spend on the island if you want to spend just 1 day.

When I was there, the flights flew once a day in the morning (maybe 8:30am?) and the return flight is soon after. Would be best to book the way there.

Ah ok perfect, thanks!  Although things have definitely changed since when you went because your rates were so cheap!!
Now the ferry is like $75 (and only that one company, with a discount, the one from Trump Hotel, now JW Marriott, was I think $110) and I think the plane was $120, but yeah the prices are still relatively comparable.

[yuneeq]

Ah ok perfect, thanks!  Although things have definitely changed since when you went because your rates were so cheap!!
Now the ferry is like $75 (and only that one company, with a discount, the one from Trump Hotel, now JW Marriott, was I think $110) and I think the plane was $120, but yeah the prices are still relatively comparable.

I just checked a random date and still see cheaper prices - $49 each way
https://ferrypearlislands.com/en/online-booking/

[yuneeq]

Ah ok perfect, thanks!  Although things have definitely changed since when you went because your rates were so cheap!!
Now the ferry is like $75 (and only that one company, with a discount, the one from Trump Hotel, now JW Marriott, was I think $110) and I think the plane was $120, but yeah the prices are still relatively comparable.

Also checked a one way flight for a random date - I found $73.
https://www.airpanama.com/home.php

[Denverite]

I just checked a random date and still see cheaper prices - $49 each way
https://ferrypearlislands.com/en/online-booking/

Is that to Taboga or another island?  They were cheaper than Contadora.  Anyway, thanks for posting and especially how to book the flights, I think I would definitely do that on the outbound next time!

[yuneeq]

Is that to Taboga or another island?  They were cheaper than Contadora.  Anyway, thanks for posting and especially how to book the flights, I think I would definitely do that on the outbound next time!

$49 is to Contadora (again talking only one way).
I had help from Hilton concierge, your concierge should be able to help next time.

[Denverite]

$49 is to Contadora (again talking only one way).
I had help from Hilton concierge, your concierge should be able to help next time.

I just realized I'm an in idiot and the reason mine was "discounted" at $70 was because it was roundtrip, not one way 

[E R K]

I just realized I'm an in idiot and the reason mine was "discounted" at $70 was because it was roundtrip, not one way 

Also because you booked through Ilene, you got a discount IINM.

[Ploni3]

Does anyone know if there is a late maariv on weeknights anywhere in Panama?

[Minyan]

How many days do you need to spend in Panama?  I would be there over a shabbos.  I want to figure how many extra days to book.

[yuneeq]

How many days do you need to spend in Panama?  I would be there over a shabbos.  I want to figure how many extra days to book.

We spent 4 days there and felt that was a good amount of time.

[Mh1]

has anyone done a proper panama trip with a 7 MO?

including for example pearl island, monkey island

is it feasible? or do i just have to leave it for another time?

[Denverite]

has anyone done a proper panama trip with a 7 MO?

including for example pearl island, monkey island

is it feasible? or do i just have to leave it for another time?

I didn’t travel with a 7 mo old but I think Monkey island would be totally doable and Pearl Islands would make me very uncomfortable to bring a small baby since they don’t have docks and you have to just get out into the surf and could easily get knocked over with the baby.  Even if you flew there instead of the ferry, you wouldn’t be able to do any of the boating activities without this same problem.  It’s doable but I wouldn’t want to. You could do Los Protobellos Islands on the Caribbean side maybe instead. I also wouldn’t recommend San Blas as it could be hours of dreaming in the car on winding roads.

[Mh1]

seems from your TR, that was quite a highlight

i think i`m gonna have to push off this destination for a while:(

[voby27]

If I have a choice of hotels, which one is best:
Sortis
santa Maria
W panama
JW Marriott

Using a 7 day certificate

Thanks

[voby27]

If I have a choice of hotels, which one is best:
Sortis
santa Maria
W panama
JW Marriott

Using a 7 day certificate

Thanks

Any advice?