Planning first trip to Panama. Need advice on:
1. Best area to stay
2. Daily budget
3. Safety concerns
4. Online vs in person?
5. Duration - thinking 7 days
Tips appreciated.
Panama — hotel recommendations near the action
Started by PortlandPaul · 14 Mar 2026 · 2134 views
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14 Mar 2026 at 16:04
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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15 Mar 2026 at 04:58
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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15 Mar 2026 at 14:28
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
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17 Mar 2026 at 01:53
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
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18 Mar 2026 at 02:57
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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19 Mar 2026 at 21:17
Agreed on all points. Make sure to book hotels in advance.
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20 Mar 2026 at 17:10
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 7/10 destination.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Miami, FL
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21 Mar 2026 at 00:56
Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.
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21 Mar 2026 at 18:08
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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Location: Newark, NJ
23 Mar 2026 at 12:43
I was there in February and prices were great value.
Spent about $99/day all-in. Quality was good.
My tip: avoid weekends.
Spent about $99/day all-in. Quality was good.
My tip: avoid weekends.
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Location: Boston, MA
25 Mar 2026 at 05:40
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 8/10 destination.
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25 Mar 2026 at 22:02
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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25 Mar 2026 at 22:09
Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.
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Location: Liverpool, UK
25 Mar 2026 at 22:27
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Liverpool, UK
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26 Mar 2026 at 02:23
Agreed on all points. Make sure to book hotels in advance.
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26 Mar 2026 at 10:20
Agreed on all points. Make sure to use a VPN.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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26 Mar 2026 at 11:06
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
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26 Mar 2026 at 13:46
100% agree. The quality is hard to beat.
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26 Mar 2026 at 16:06
Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
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27 Mar 2026 at 07:06
I was there in March and prices were slightly higher.
Spent about $84/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
Spent about $84/day all-in. Quality was excellent.
My tip: go early evening for best selection.
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