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 300023 times)

Offline saw50st8

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #680 on: January 28, 2020, 11:55:27 AM »
Thanks for all your help guys! Two more questions
-Did anyone stay in the Intercontinental for shab? If yes, What was your experience?
-Did anyone do San Blas with guides/drivers other than Sorhay’s team?

We did but we opted to stay overnight. The island had their own transportation arrangements for everything.  If you are interested, I'll find the link.  I think it is in my TR.

Offline Kobe Bryant

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #681 on: January 28, 2020, 08:26:39 PM »
Thanks for all your help guys! Two more questions
-Did anyone stay in the Intercontinental for shab? If yes, What was your experience?
-Did anyone do San Blas with guides/drivers other than Sorhay’s team?
Going to San Blas essentially can only be done through Tribe approved agents.
So no real difference who you use to book.

Online yitzyul

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #682 on: January 29, 2020, 09:40:49 PM »
Can anyone recommend a tour guide that is good with an 8 month old. Not that I need them to watch the baby but able to help out if needed. Surhay charges approx $450 a day which is kinda steep.

Offline RebTuvia

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #683 on: January 30, 2020, 11:43:56 AM »
Can anyone recommend a tour guide that is good with an 8 month old. Not that I need them to watch the baby but able to help out if needed. Surhay charges approx $450 a day which is kinda steep.


Check out the following list of tour guides provided by the Jewish community center.. 

JEWISH TOUR GUIDES
 
Saralyn Levy ​      (507) 66125262
Patricia Abadi​      (507) 67479370
Arturo Lerner.    ​  (507) 67815467
Jonathan Zelcer.  ​jonathan@trulypanama.com
Reina Bitton.       ​(507) 66745194
Rafael Cohen.   ​   (507) 66714131
Raquel Bezalel​     (507) 66132788

We also booked Alex through MyFriendMario tour company for the indigenous islands he was great, contact him directly on WhatsApp. ALEX +507 6258-4479

We were with a ten month old and Alex was very helpful..
For Pearls Islands we had Ilene which was recommended by afew DDF'ers and she was amazing. I don't have her contact info right now but I'm sure you can find it somewhere in this thread

Offline chuchem

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #684 on: January 30, 2020, 11:46:54 AM »
While Soray was amazing I am happy to see that there is other choices as well
Maybe when she sees jewish guests can also use other people her prices will come down the hill a little

Offline Divora M

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #685 on: January 30, 2020, 04:13:04 PM »
While Soray was amazing I am happy to see that there is other choices as well
Maybe when she sees jewish guests can also use other people her prices will come down the hill a little

Yes, we used Alon for Monkey island, Embera village and Anton Valley. He is such a nice guy and will answer all your questions and concerns with tremendous patience. He is also much cheaper then Other tour guides I spoke to. I think you would be in good hands with him with a baby since he is very safety conscious unlike many of the Panamanian your guides I have seen.

Offline Abey

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #686 on: January 30, 2020, 08:04:37 PM »
I could be wrong but I think staying on San Blas has to be arranged through a guide as the restaurants and hotels are owned communally through the indigenous tribes. My friend just got back from Panama and I believe overnighted on Contadora so I’ll check where and get back to you. There I know there are numerous options.
thanks for your help ! Actually just got back and hope to post TR including my experience staying at contadora for 3 days

Offline RebTuvia

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #687 on: January 31, 2020, 02:33:36 AM »
While Soray was amazing I am happy to see that there is other choices as well
Maybe when she sees jewish guests can also use other people her prices will come down the hill a little

Yes, we used Alon for Monkey island, Embera village and Anton Valley. He is such a nice guy and will answer all your questions and concerns with tremendous patience. He is also much cheaper then Other tour guides I spoke to. I think you would be in good hands with him with a baby since he is very safety conscious unlike many of the Panamanian your guides I have seen.

..while supporting fellow Yiden.

Online yitzyul

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #688 on: February 01, 2020, 06:53:32 PM »
..while supporting fellow Yiden.

Alon didn't reply to my whatsapp (could be he is away?).
Is it difficult to do trips myself, If I rent a good 4 by 4? Could it be much worse then NYC or Tel Aviv driving?  (as long as Waze works)

Offline Divora M

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #689 on: February 01, 2020, 11:57:15 PM »
Alon didn't reply to my whatsapp (could be he is away?).
Is it difficult to do trips myself, If I rent a good 4 by 4? Could it be much worse then NYC or Tel Aviv driving?  (as long as Waze works)

That’s strange that he didn’t respond. He usually responds the same day. His number is +507 6683-1663.
What trips were you thinking of doing by yourself?

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #690 on: February 01, 2020, 11:58:51 PM »
That’s strange that he didn’t respond. He usually responds the same day. His number is +507 6683-1663.
What trips were you thinking of doing by yourself?
Not sure just started to prepare itinerary.  Interested in some beach and some animals...

San Bias or Pearl Islands with an infant? Can i do any of them with an infant?
Which of (major) popular tours can be done with a 8 month old (besides the canal :D)
« Last Edit: February 02, 2020, 12:47:42 AM by yitzyul »

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #691 on: February 02, 2020, 12:59:43 AM »
Keep in mind that the sun is very strong in the islands. Can't speak for pearl but the boat we took to San blas was small and the ride was rough at times.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline cgr

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #692 on: February 02, 2020, 01:27:44 AM »
Not sure just started to prepare itinerary.  Interested in some beach and some animals...

San Bias or Pearl Islands with an infant? Can i do any of them with an infant?
Which of (major) popular tours can be done with a 8 month old (besides the canal :D)

Keep in mind San Blas can only be visited with a tribe (approved) guide. It's possible you can get close to their territory with your own 4×4 vehicle, but not sure.

Offline Divora M

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #693 on: February 02, 2020, 08:42:04 AM »
Not sure just started to prepare itinerary.  Interested in some beach and some animals...

San Bias or Pearl Islands with an infant? Can i do any of them with an infant?
Which of (major) popular tours can be done with a 8 month old (besides the canal :D)

You can absolutely do pearl islands with a 8 month old. It’s a very nice ferry ride there and back that takes 1 1/2 hours and u can walk around and be outside or inside. You can do monkey island, Embera village, walk around the Old city and eat at all the restaurants.

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #694 on: February 02, 2020, 05:21:30 PM »
You can absolutely do pearl islands with a 8 month old. It’s a very nice ferry ride there and back that takes 1 1/2 hours and u can walk around and be outside or inside. You can do monkey island, Embera village, walk around the Old city and eat at all the restaurants.
Or hike Anton valley with a carrier

Offline sunnyplaces

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #695 on: February 03, 2020, 10:50:51 PM »
My husband and I are planning a trip in a couple of weeks to Panama. I've been reading and researching a lot the last few days, on this site and on many others and formed a basic itinerary of what we'd want to cover throughout our stay. We want to be in and tour the city  and its surrounding areas for three days and then head to the islands for two days. Now I know that this question has been asked before, but I am so undecided! Do we do San Blas or the pearl Islands for those last two nights? Pearl Islands seems easier and faster to get to, and is beautiful as well.  I know that for a day trip San Blas is exhausting, but if we go for two nights, is the shlep worth it? We really always dreamed of being in one of those overwater bungalows and it seems that there are some options on the San Blas islands, but don't see such accommodations on the pearl islands. Any info/advice would be truly appreciated!

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #696 on: February 04, 2020, 05:04:34 PM »
Which Marriott points hotel is recommended (luxury and good location)?  If one is in an easier commute area? (less hassle).

TY

Offline PBaruch

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #697 on: February 04, 2020, 05:31:27 PM »
Which Marriott points hotel is recommended (luxury and good location)?  If one is in an easier commute area? (less hassle).

TY

We just stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn. Brand New hotel that just opened. Was upgraded to a suite with connecting king bed room. We chose this hotel as it is  3 minute walk to Chabad-keep in mind it's very hot and we didn't want a 15-30 minute walk on shabbos. Also the hotel is a block away from Jeffrey's restaurant and bakery and across the street from a sandwich place.  There is a kosher supermarket 2 blocks away.

This made the most sense for us.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Online yitzyul

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #698 on: February 04, 2020, 05:39:03 PM »
We just stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn. Brand New hotel that just opened. Was upgraded to a suite with connecting king bed room. We chose this hotel as it is  3 minute walk to Chabad-keep in mind it's very hot and we didn't want a 15-30 minute walk on shabbos. Also the hotel is a block away from Jeffrey's restaurant and bakery and across the street from a sandwich place.  There is a kosher supermarket 2 blocks away.

This made the most sense for us.

TY
Shabbos is not an issue

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Re: Panama Master Thread
« Reply #699 on: February 04, 2020, 05:52:56 PM »
TY
Shabbos is not an issue

The Sortis is well regarded. Jw Marriott as well. But don't disregard the residence inn based on it's name.  We really liked the hotel.
What do you do after your dreams come true?