Panama and Panama City for Short Stop Overs

A brief stopover or a short stay in Panama will surprise all its visitors! Within 30 minutes from the international airport you could be relaxing in a boutique hotel in the center of the colonial Casco Antiguo or a top-notch luxurious hotel in the Banking District, close to internationally known restaurants and Jazz Bars. Visit museums, parks, and historical areas all within the Panama City limits and just slightly beyond these limits adventure options are endless. Access national parks known for hiking, birding, biking, kayaking and cultural encounters or just have a day relaxing on the Pacific Coastline or a surfing adventure. Take a train to an area once owned by pirates or transit the engineering masterpiece, the Panama Canal!

Casco Antiguo

HIking tours

Soberania National Park

Portobello

boat tour to Gatun community

Kayaking tours

EcoCircuitos can tastefully design short programs for our clients stay in Panama City that goes beyond the typical City Tour and Panama Canal visit by combining areas of interest and outdoor adventures.  The following are some our current tour options:

• Rainforest and Ruins – Metropolitan Park, Old Panama and Casco Antiguo
• Gastronomy Tour – Casco Antiguo, coffee tasting, chocolate production, ceviche, rum and beer tasting.
• Inner City Tour – Casco Antiguo tour with ex-gang members that will tell you about the history of Casco.
• Biking tours the rainforest and the City
• Full Day City Tour (traditional) – Casco Antiguo, Old Panama and Miraflores
• Half Day City Tour (traditional) – Casco Antiguo and Old Panama

The follow options can be used to tailor a city tour that fits your client’s wishes

• Old Panama/Panama Vieja – Panama City’s first city
• Cinta Costera – walking and biking area along the Bay of Panama that leads to Casco Antiguo
• Fish Market – have a ceviche and people watch
• Casco Antiguo – Panama City’s second city, colonial style. Home to churches and historical buildings, distinct architecture, shops, restaurants, hotels etc.
• Amador Causeway – Stroll or bike along the Panama Canal, this causeway connects three islands Naos, Perico and Flamanco. You will find marinas, duty free shops, restaurants and Punta Culebra where Smithsonian has a small nature center and the Biodiversity Museum
• Smithsonian Nature Center – open air marine center
• Museums (see the list below)
• Parks (see the list below)
• Ancon Hill – Panoramic views of Panama City and the Canal
• Miraflores Locks – Panama Canal
• Panama Canal Forts

Parks

National Parks

Open: Morning to dusk

Metropolitan Natural Park

Location:

Open: Monday – Sunday 6:30am- 4:30pm

Rainforest Discovery Center

Location: Soberania National Park

Open: 6am-4pm

Museums

Biodiversity Museum

Location: Amador Causeway

Open: Tuesday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Contemporary Art Museum

Location: Ancon Hill

Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

Miraflores Locks

Location: Clayton Area

Open: Monday – Sunday 9am-5pm

Old Panama/ Panama Vieja

Location: Parque Lefevre, southeast of Panama City

Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30am-4:30 am

Panama Canal Interoceanic Museum

Location: Casco Antiguo

Open: Tuesday – Sunday

Explore Panama with us!

Gastronomy experience in Panama

By Juliette Darmon

There is no culture without gastronomy!

But too often and unfortunately, people tend to think that a gastronomy tour vulgarly means eating all day…

But here is the mistake! Gastronomy fully takes part of a cultural journey!
It’s a real rich and unmissable experience for a complete trip!

Of course the main goal of a gastronomic tour is making you tasting the best, traditional and local products and specialties of the country, but it also means showing you a cultural area of the city and the best places and locations to discover this culture, some typical and hidden sites you wouldn’t have thought about.

A gastronomic tour is also learning more about the culture, and your passionate guide will follow you throughout the itinerary. It’s a real adventure unlike a lot of people can think!

More than just tasting in our Panama Gastronomy experience, you will learn about how traditional dishes and local products as chocolate, coffee or honey are made and their whole process, and you will even have the possibility to visit some factories!

You could admire the view on the extensive skyline of Panama City while trying a ceviche at the Mercado de mariscos or the famous “raspado” on the Cinta Costera.

To end your culinary tour in the capital you may get on a guided tour through the microbrewery and taste some of their beer specialties. Also if time permits you could visit a Rum factory to try the artisanal Panamanian rum.

One day or one week, a culinary journey can be fascinating and so rewarding!

Out of the city, in the Azuero Peninsula you could so visit a local Rum factory, learning about the complete process of rum production – from harvesting the sugarcane until tasting the golden liquid. Then enjoy discovering the manufacturing processes of the traditional products of the Herrera Province: sugarcane, salt, clay and bread. In addition, you will have the chance to lodge in an eco coffee farm in the Boquete province.

The day after you will visit the coffee plantations and learn about the complete process of making coffee before tasting it at the end of the tour while enjoying an extensive view on the surrounding highlands.

Once the coffee tour ended, you will go on a local honey plant located on a small farm in the highlands of Boquete to end with a world-class honey tasting.

And what’s better than ending by a tour in the jungle to visit the Embera community and trying their fresh fish lunch?
In case you were skeptical, you are now aware of what does a gastronomic tour mean, and that is not just “stuffing” yourself with food…

So book a culinary tour now with EcoCircuitos to get into the Panamanian culture!

Zoom on Casco

By Juliette Darmon

Spending a week-end in Casco is always so pleasant! Take some time to walk around and you will discover so many hidden places…!

During a free day, let’s try the hidden Mediterranean restaurant Siroco to have lunch, in the middle of the historic Casco Antiguo. With its private and cozy terrace, you will taste some delicious Mediterranean dishes.

For a dessert or a break, you could try Granclement ice-cream. Near the Central Hotel, these gourmet ice-creams are one of the best of the city. With such a wide selection, and a lovely place, you will feel obliged to taste more than just one!

You also could enjoy your ice-cream by walking around and having a nice view on Panama by turning on your right Avenida Central.

To stay with sweet, if by any chance you like chocolate, then go straight to Oro Moreno coffee and taste these amazing and authentic Panamanian chocolates, as the maracuja, the coco, the honey, the coffee one and so many more favors. Take a delicious cappuccino and chill out on this European atmosphere!

Furthermore, if you are curious to try the traditional and sweet Panamanian raspao’, you will find some by street (in front of the Panama view, Avenida Central for instance).

For a good dinner or a simple happy hour, why wouldn’t you try the Villa Palma Hotel for a relaxed and peaceful drink in their rooftop on the center of Casco?
The nice view on the sea along with a fresh sangria or smoothie will remind you an holiday atmosphere! This boutique hotel also has a chic and warmly restaurant downstairs. Do not miss it!

For a trendier and fancier place, you definitely have to go to Tantalo or Zaza restaurant! Both also have a rooftop bar/ club.

Both are recommendable for their food, and prices are more or less competitive.
On Tantalo, the roofbar is bigger and higher (which also means more crowded, mainly on Friday and Saturday night) than the Zaza’s.

Tantalo is more trendy and cozy than Zaza which is more spangled!

Note: The Zaza restaurant became a night club around 12am during the week end and it’s closed on Sunday.

Take some time to discover the nicest area of Panama and enjoy some city or gastronomic/ culinary tours with EcoCircuitos!

 

 

Where to Eat and Drink in Panama?

local gastronomy

Panamanian gastronomy

Octopus

Calamari risoto

Organic Meat

Annie´s Dining Suggestions

Panama offers a wide choice of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste and budget. From great cuisine and international chefs  to real Panamanian food experience.   I love to eat and here are my suggestions to make your gastronomic experience in Panama City unforgettable.

IN PANAMA CITY:

AMERICAN TRADE HOTEL  (Colonial Section of the City – American Trade Hotel) Offering sophisticated lunch and dinner menus offering local cuisine using fresh, local and seasonal products. This is great venue for groups. Panamanian Clara Icaza is the chef. Tel: +507 211 -2200

ATLANTIC & PACIFIC Co.  (The Miraflores locks at the Panama Canal) with the best view in town overlooking the Panama Canal, this restaurant offers a delicious menu created by one of the best chefs of Panama Cuquita Arias.  Fresh ingredients and Panamanian gourmet dishes.  Open: Monday to Sunday  Tel:  +507-232-3120

LAS CLEMENTINAS BAR AND CAFE (Casco Antiguo) –  The menu is best described as Panamanian classics lovingly updated and made with care.  Each dish–from risotto con coco to ropa vieja–has been researched and refined to perfection by the  Chef, who has created Panamanian food as it was meant to be, using fresh, local ingredients, many of which come right from Las Clementinas garden.  Open:  Monday to Saturday.  Tel:  +507-228-7613

CALIOPE (Casco Antiguo – Colonial Section of the City, Av. Central, Edificio Teatro Amador, 3^rd floor) Casco Antiguo`s first farm to table dining, using fresh and local ingredients, the chef is very creative and the food is fantastic.  My favorite is Cedula 3.  Reservation is a must.  Tel:  +507 212 – 1565

 INTIMO (Calle 27 Este, San Francisco) – Recently written up in the New York Times, this 20 seat restaurant provides unique dishes that have be created with local seasonal products.   Tel: +507-388-1365

TANTALO KITCHEN (Casco Antiguo) – Offers an internationally inspired tapas-style menu with a Panamanian touch. Each dish is a creative combination of local meats, fish and vegetables with local, Mediterranean and Latin American influences.  Open:  Monday to Sunday.  Tel: +507-262-4030

LAS BOVEDAS (Casco Antiguo) – Exclusive setting in the colonial part of the city. Good French cuisine with excellent atmosphere in the subterranean prison vaults said to have been used during the Spanish era. Try the soups, cream sauces and mushrooms. Seafood dishes are delicious. Friday and Saturday nights live jazz shows.  Open:  Monday to Saturdays.               Tel:  +507-229-80258

VINOTECA (Obarrio, Edificio de las Americas) This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Panama.  It is a family business run by Chef Ciniglio and his daughter.  You will feel at home while eat amazing combinations with excellent wines.   Go for the chef recommendation.  Open:  Monday to Saturday.  Tel: +507-223-7734

LAS TINAJAS (Bella Vista, Calle 51) – Rustic and charming ambiance, specializing in traditional Panamanian cuisine and folkloric shows. Try “pixbae crab salad” and “Tamal de Olla.” Nice typical desserts.  My favorite:  flan de coco.  Open:  Monday to Saturday.  Tel:  +507-263-7890

SAL SI PUEDES AT THE BRISTOL HOTEL – The creation of Panama´s renowned chef, Cuquita Arias. Panamanian gourmet made from the freshest native ingredients. Deserts to-die-for. Try the panamanian ceviche.  Open:  Everyday.                             Tel: +507-294-7890

MERCADO DEL MARISCOS – (Avenida Balboa & Cinta Costera)  – The city fish market, is Panama City’s seafood haven and a paradise for seafood lovers. With over 70 stalls selling the country’s freshest produce, there are also stands serving some of the best ready-to-eat Panamanian ceviche.  My favorite:  Jumbo Shrimp cocktail and ceviche combinación.  Open:  daily.

LA POSTA: (Calle 49, Bella Vista) – A real secret, hidden away from the noise. It is in a house from the last century. Try the homemade bread and pasta, fresh seafood and my favorite El chuleton chiricano. This restaurant  is an old and beautiful house with a very nice decoration.  Open:  Monday to Saturday.  Tel: +507-269-1076

IL POMODORO (El Cangrejo) – In very nice outdoor ambience the restaurant offers a wide variety of Italian specialties, including pasta, pizza, meat and seafood dishes. Casual and pretty, with delightful internal patio setting. Finish up with the rum cake. The Wine Bar next door, by the same owner, is also one of Panama’s best wine & cheese spot.  Open:  Monday to Sunday.  Tel: +507-269-5836

SIETE MARES (El Cangrejo) – Serves Atlantic and Pacific Ocean delicacies in a new and luxurious setting. Specializes in seafood and has an extensive wine list.  Open:  Monday to Sunday.  Tel: +507-264-0144

MARTIN FIERRO (El Cangrejo) – Specializes in fresh Argentinean-style meats and seafood.
Dishes arrive at your table sizzling from the grill!  Open:  Monday to Sunday.  Tel: +507-264-1927

LOS AÑOS LOCOS (San Francisco) – Specializes in fresh Argentinean-style meats. Dishes arrive at your table sizzling from the grill!  If you like meat, try Entraña is a very good cut.  Open daily.  Tel: +507-226-6966

SEGUNDO MUELLE  (San Francisco) – Specializes in fresh and Peruvian seafood.  Delicious desserts, this is one of the best seafood restaurants of Panama.   My favorite dishes here are La Causa and the peruvian cebiche.  Open:  Monday to Sunday.  Tel:  +507-391-9234

EGO/NARCISO (Old Quarters) – Fusion of Europe and Asian food.  Very good for wine, drinks and tapas.  The octopus is very good.  Open daily.  Tel; +507-262-2045

MAREA CEVICHE & LATIN FOOD (Multiplaza, Paitilla)  specialties are ceviches and seafood and very good cocktails.

DONDE JOSE (Avenida Central y Calle A – Casco Antiguo) Panamanian food with a twist.  If you want to try this restaurant we suggest you to reserve with one month in advance.  Try the octopus, very good.

Open:  Tuesday to Saturday.  Tel:  +507-262-1682

MADRIGAL (Casco Viejo)  Very good and creative menu.  The Spanish chef is fantastic and very good selection of wines.  You will need a reservation in this place.  Open:  Monday to Saturday.  Tel:  +507-211-1956

CHALET SUIZO (Via Argentina) – A small, and intimate restaurant, specializes in a variety of Swiss dishes, Including: Raclette and Cheese Fondue, Wienerschnitzel, Sauerkraut, Sausages, Veal. The famous chef Willy Diggelmann assures that his Swiss dishes are unsurpassed. Open Monday to Sunday.  Tel: +507-263-8571

MANOLO CARACOL (Casco Viejo) – A kitchen focused on the fresh, on the historic roots of his epicenter, the fisherman Barbate from his childhood in Spain, on the traveled and the lived, on the European, African, Asian and American influences, they all cook on the brain of Manuel Madueño, also known as Manolo Caracol. He produces food according with his feelings, on how he lives: generous of spirit, generous pockets, plenty of creativity, such as the tropic that hosts him. 

MARKET (Calle 48, Marbella) – Market is one of the most popular restaurant in Panama City, providing a fresh selection of dishes to serve a wide variety of tastes.  From a quick business lunch of hamburgers and wraps to a night out for premium grade steak and a bottle of wine, you’re guaranteed to experience a delicious meal in a lively setting.  My favorites: BBQ  Baby Back Ribs and the sliders.

MAITO (Via Cincuentenario y final de Calle 50) –  An old house converted into a modern restaurant.  It offers a great atmosphere, delightful cuisine, and extremely accommodating service.  My choice here are Rissotto Colon and Calamares Rellenos.

HUMO (San Francisco Calle 50 y Calle 70)  The atomsphere is billed as southern smokehouse BBQ. The food and service are excellent. My recommendation is the brisket.  If you like BBQ this is one of the best places in Panama.  Also for vegetarians the veggie burger is excellent.   Many choices as the lobster taco on season one of my favorite.   Reservation is a must.

MASALA (Bella Vista, entre Calle 44 y 45) – Great Indian food and if you are vegetarian this is a very good option.  Here my options are Mango Lassi and Butter chicken.

THE GARDEN 2112 (Calle 48, Uruguay) – A new Thai restaurant with a wide selection of dishes and beautiful decoration.  The staff is friendly and chef is from Thailandia.

THE CORNER 76 (Cale 76 San Francisco, next to supermercado El Rey) – This is a great places for burgers.  Nice ambience, great service and excellent quality.

PATAGONIA GRILL (Via Cincuentenario y Calle 4ta Sur – San Francisco – Panamá) – One of my favorite places to eat a good steak.  Their specialty is the Argentine Parrillada with great cuts of meats.   If you are vegetarian… don´t go!

MATSUEI (Eusebio A. Morales 12A)  Matsuei is my favorite japanese restaurant in Panama and one of finest sushi and raw fish experiences.  They offer a varied of Imported fish from unagi (eel) to maguro (tuna).   The owner is an excellent chef and always welcoming new guests.

Restaurants outside Panama City:

LOS CAMISONES (Pass Coronado and Santa Clara Beaches and you will find the entrance on your right.) – Seafood specialists. Try the shrimps with garlic sauce and coconut rice. Delicious!

CASA DE LOURDES (El Valle) – One of Panama City’s best chefs (Golosinas Restaurant) has created an Itialian villa weekend retreat in the “hill station” of El Valle de Anton. The food is rich, inventive, nouvelle gourmet with wonderful Panamanian accents. Excellent wine selection and an experience not to be missed as you dine poolside with Lourdes.

EL SITIO-(Playa Venao, Pedasi) – Very good atmosphere, beach front and one of the best restaurants in the area.  Their specialty is Octopus Pad Thai, not to be missed.

CUATRO (David) – a place of unique flavor in Chiriqui province.  A Panamanian style food with a touch of quality.  Try the ribs, fresh tuna among other options.

ESA FLACA RICA (David) If you love burgers like me, this stree car is an excellent choice.  Open from 5.00PM to 10.00PM and with locations in Costa del Este Panama and David, Chiriqui.

PANAMONTE (Boquete) – This charming restaurant  is one of the best in the highlands. Inventive dishes based on traditional Panamanian cuisine include pumpkin soup, shrimp-and-plantain croquettes, mountain trout sauteed with almonds, and grilled beef tenderloin topped with a three-pepper sauce. It’s served in a historic European atmosphere that’s hardly changed over the past century. Sunday breakfast is popular.  My favorite:  Egg Benedict with Panamanian Tortilla.

THE ROCK (Boquete) –  A very nice atmosphere and different options.  Ribs and burgers are very good and the garlic soup not to miss.

EL PIANISTA (Boquete) – An Italian in the highlands offers a wide selection of dishes.  Pizzas, Parmesan eggplant, risottos and more.  The ambience is nice, close to a river and with a good selection of wines.

GUARI GUARI (Bocas del Toro)  –  This restaurant should not be missed while visiting Bocas! It is not easy to find but the food is very good!

THE FIREFLY RESTAURANT & BAR (Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro) beautiful and romantic ambience and you will need reservation.  It is a tapas style and my favorite is the ahi seared tuna and the prawn skweres and very good cocktails.

Nightlife in Panama City – Bars

Casco Viejo is the place to go at night in Panama City. Stroll in the cobblestone streets at night and you can discover always a new fun place. Also, explore the City and the new breweries that are popping up in different neighborhoods.

Below some of my favorites places.

GATTO BLANCO (Casco Viejo)  This is one of my favorite little bars in Casco.  Located at the rooftop of Casa Nurati Hotel you can find this rooftop that offers a great view of Panama Skyline and a relax setting.

DIVINO ENOTECA (Casco Viejo) – Opened by three friends united by the same passion for wine, DiVino Enoteca specializes in serving quality, international wines. The bar hosts educational tasting nights for those interested in boosting their wine knowledge and offers tapas style plates with an Italian touch.

TANTALO (Casco Viejo) Located at the roof top of Tantalo Hotel, this small rooftop bar has nice views of the City skyline and the old Quarters.  Very nice ambience and usually good DJs.  The drinks are a bit expensive. 

BARLOVENTO (Casco Viejo).  The good thing is that the entrance is free for women.  This is a relaxed bar that offers views of Casco Viejo at night and a nice screen.  Nice ambience and good for dancing. 

CASA JAGUAR (Casco Viejo)  Another bar that is usually free for girls. A very nice ambience, good music, excellent drinks, but a bit pricy.

RELIC BAR (Casco Viejo) Located in the bottom floor of Luna Castle Hostel, this rustic bar offers an indoor and outdoor areas.  Indoor, depending on the hour of arrival, it might be crowded and the music is loud. Outdoor it´s more relax, offering tables and chairs so you can sit, talk and have some drinks.   This is a laidback place where backpackers and a young crowd  hangs out.

1400 ROOFTOP BAR (Blue Bay Hotel in Obarrio)  From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm they have promotions in Champagne and Sushi. After 9:00 pm, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday they offer a variety of music. They have an outdoor area.

EL SOTANO/EL APARTAMENTO (Casco Viejo) Location: Bella Vista. Entry fee: Depends on the event.  In El Sotano you can find live rock music and by going up the stair you arrive to El Apartamento where you can find indie music and have some drinks. They have several events during the month with themes or even special DJs.

Beer Bars in Panama City

Some of these bars offer local craft beers, national beers and original house brew beers.

CASA BRUJA  (Costa del Este) This is a brewing company that produces very good beers ince 2013.   They create quality and very different beers.  My favorite LA FULA!

LA RANA DORADA  (Casco Viejo and Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Calle 11) –  A very original pub offers good homemade local beers.  The brewery, which can be glimpsed from the interior of the restaurant, adds to Rana Dorada’s beer-themed décor with its soft, yellow-painted walls and classic wooden furniture. Along with an appetising food menu offering finger foods, pizza and more recently ceviche, the pub serves premier pilsner, pale ale, blanche and porter beer, all brewed in-house.

THE BREW STOP (Calle Andres Mojica & San Francisco) This pub is great for beer lovers, good ambience, excellent selection of local and international beers and my favorite, good apple cider.

ISTMO BREW PUB (Condado del Rey, San Francisco y el Cangrejo)  They offer entertainment (pool table), food and a wide variety of local, crafted and international beers.

 

Things to do during your vacation in Boquete

Boquete is a small town nestled in the green mountainous highlands located in the westen-most Chiriquí Province that boards with Costa Rica.  The Caldera River makes its way through this picturesque town.

Due to its elevation 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) above sea level, its climate is cooler than that of the lowlands. Its beautiful mountain landscape, temperature, and natural environment make it popular destination for the adventure traveler.

horseback riding in the highlands

bridges

gone hiking

amazing nature

birding tours

hiking the cloudforest

Quetzales trail

river rafting in boquete

Our staff suggests the following activities while during your stay in Boquete:

1.  White water river rafting –  Experience adrenaline-filled, world-class white water rafting in amazing scenic rivers.  We suggest the following outfitters:  BOA and Chiriqui River Rafting.
2. Horse back riding tours – Boquete and Caldera offer amazing horseback riding adventures through the stunning Chiriqui landscapes. This local tour supports community farms in Boquete and use local farmers as guides. We suggest Franklin’s horseback riding.
3. Hiking the Baru National Park – you don´t have to go to the top of the mountain to experience a great adventure.  There are several trails in the national park for all levels.   For safety always go with a local expert guide from  EcoCircuitos Panama.
4. Los Quetzales Trail – this is one of Panama’s most spectaculars hiking trails of the western highlands. The 8km route takes between 5 and 7 hours. It runs between Boquete and Cerro Punta, crossing Caldera river.  For those in very good shape.
5. Hot Springs and Caldera Petroglyphs – enjoy nature at its finest and discover Caldera’s famous hot springs. You will visit a typical town and walk to the petroglyphs where you will be able to observe part of the history of Panama’s indigenous past.
6. Coffee Tours – Boquete offers some of the best coffees in the world and you can´t miss the unique opportunity to visit a coffee plantation, discover the processing mills and learn about how coffee makes it journey from the coffee bush to your cup.   Don´t miss to taste a cup of Geisha coffe from Ruiz coffee shop.
7. Rock Climbing – Boquete is becoming a world-class rock climbing destination. You can learn from the masters and climb one of the most incredible natural columnar basalt rock formations with different levels from easy to very difficult.
8. Birding tours in private reserves, national parks and pipeline trail – don´t miss the opportunity to admire a great variety of the species from the highlands of Panama.  The Resplendant Quetzal, Bell Bird and Volcano Hummingbird are some of the stars. Make sure to reserve a birding guide with our team!
9. Canopy Adventure / Zip lining -glide on zip lines through the canopy of old cloud forest, high above rivers and waterfalls, an unforgetable adventure with 3 kilometers in total length and 12 different platforms.
10. Try the local gastronomy of the area – we suggest El Pianista, Finca Lerida restaurant, La Roca, Panamonte and if you have time to drive towards volcan, why not Cerro Brujo Restaurant.

Amazing Gastronomy in Panama

Organic Meat

Seafood Panamanian Jambalaya

Octopus

Panamanian gastronomy

Calamari risoto

If you like Seafood, Panama offers a wide variety of options – with catch from the Atlantic or the Pacific, you will be delighted by the flavors and colors of the gastronomy of Panama.

This Central American Isthmus is a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean, Latin American and European cultures, and the gastronomy of Panama’s reflects the beautiful and diverse heritage: from simple and delicious ceviche from the Seafood Market to exquisite recipes with Organic ingredients.   Restaurants in Panama will please the most difficult and will tempt any palate. The Panamanian cuisine includes seafood with coconut rice, yellow curry, local herbs, accompanied by local fruits and vegetables such as name and yucca (root vegetables), corn, coconuts and plantains, organic meat and chicken and much more.  Come and explore the gastronomy of this amazing country and experience a wide selection of dishes in Panama!   For some restaurant options, click here.

If you would like to learn more about the different options or take a cooking class, contact us!

 

Fam Trip to Bristol Buenaventura, Panama Pacific Side

To get to know the luxurious 5-star beach resort Bristol Buenaventura, located at the Pacific Ocean, we were invited to a fam trip. So, early in the morning we met the representative of the hotel and left Panama City with a small group of travel agents. After crossing the famous bridge of The Americas and the Panama Canal we enjoyed a nice journey through the interior of the country. Only one and a half hours later we arrived at the impressive resort. Firstly, the 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course was visited including the golf shop and the area of the restaurant and terrace where nice parties can take place. The golf course can only be reserved by clients and residents of Bristol Buenaventura, and some golf packages can be created for clients who stay at Bristol Panama. Playing golf in the course of Bristol Buenaventura is also a great opportunity to enjoy stunning landscapes.

Afterwards the different parts of the resort were presented. We started at the open lobby where the team of Buenaventura welcomed us very nicely with a refreshing drink. It is nicely decorated in bright and matching colors. The tour continued with an inspection of the fitness area, the gym and the spa. Guests can enjoy great treatments like massages in a relaxing atmosphere, take a comforting bath in the Jacuzzi or have a sauna. The whole spa area is nicely decorated and calming music in the background helps to relax throughout.

Then, we proceeded to the luxurious rooms of the resort including deluxe rooms and suites which are also able to be combined. From the rooms guests can enjoy amazing views over the resort area, pools as well as lakes and the ocean. The resort offers 114 spacious guestrooms, 5 exquisitely appointed suites and 4 large and elegant lagoon villas. Our group continued the tour with visiting the two spacious salons for corporate meetings and social events with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and the elegant ballroom for social gatherings. Also, we visited the classy restaurant which offers modern Panamanian cuisine in a variety of outdoor and indoor dining areas. The exquisite breakfast and desserts are realized by a new French Chef.

The Salon Palapa which is built out of glass windows is located near the El Afresco Restaurant and over the river, a perfect romantic setting for weddings and anniversaries.

After the inspection visit, we entered a villa where we had some drinks and could rest a moment. It was announced that we are going to the beach soon where we would participate in some teambuilding activities. Therefore we met our teamers and animators who explained us the program and the rules. We got prepared for the activities and put on our bathing suits. Arrived at the beach three smaller groups were formed and we started the competition which consisted of rally, where we had to get the tools for the next assignments out of the ocean by swimming and with kayaks. We had to fill up a bucket with water and the last task was a creative one: we had to draw the logo of the Bristol hotels in the sand. It was very exciting and a lot of fun. In the afternoon we enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet in one of the elegant three restaurants of the resort. Finally we had some relaxing time at the beautiful pool with an integrated bar in the water and used the opportunity to drive quads at the beach.

After a perfect combination of excitement and relaxation we returned to Panama City.

By:  Anne & Clemence

 

Kuna Yala – Forests, Culture, amazing Islands and Beaches

The Paradise on Earth

Anne Kehmeier

Early in the morning we left Panama City to begin our one-day adventure in Kuna Yala, also known as San Blas. We went by car to Kuna Yala, which was one of the best choices during the trip as the countryside is marvelous and the route is very interesting. We passed through the impressive forests and crossed several small and big hills which created feelings close to rollercoaster rides. The route was very fascinating; we were almost the only car as far as the eyes could see. It felt like a world disconnected from the rest of the planet. After the three hour ride we arrived at the pier where we met the local guide. We boarded a motor boat and started our trip around the amazing archipielago of San Blas or Kuna Kingdom. Firstly, we visited a small village of Carti. We got to know many local kuna people and explored the village and learned about their daily life on the island. We visited for example the school, the library and saw the museum of culture of the Kuna people and so we experienced the friendly attitudes and curiosity of the local people. It was very exciting to see how the Kuna people organize their lives, for example by designing the traditional Molas, made by the Kuna women, which are really beautiful. We continued our trip to one of the other paradisiacal islands where we enjoyed the pure and white sand and the ocean of dazzling turquoise and clear water, a paradise barely describable. We had the opportunity to swim and relax a bit in the wonderful water and to explore the nearby coral reefs close to the island. After this small break we kept on with the trip and crossed the ocean to different other islands. After arriving at the island El Perro or Achu we had nice and traditional lunch in a locally Kuna owned restaurant. The lunch consisted of a delicious meal of fresh fish, coco rice, salad and patacones (fried plantain) and fresh watermelon as dessert. In the afternoon we had some time to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the island. We also had some time to explore the small island by walking around and by taking some amazing pictures. Then, after this wonderful day in paradise, we headed back to the pier and started the way back to Panama City.