Scouting trip

[DOUGHAGERMAN]

Hello - we are planning a scouting trip in July and will have only six days in Panama. This is our first visit and of course we will need at least one more visit before we finalize a decision to reside there. We are city and beach people, so only initial thought is to try to see many PC neighborhoods and also travel down the coast to places like Playa Caracol and Coronado. We plan to stay in two different PC hotels, to split our time between two promising neighborhoods.

Two questions. First, has IL published recommended places to visit in PC on a scouting trip and don't-miss neighborhoods to check out? We would love to hear suggestions. Second, can anyone refer us to a knowledgeable driver to take us on a day trip down the coast to visit some of the areas that new residents from north america find interesting? Thank you!

[jramesch]

Hi Doug, there's a rundown of neighborhoods in the Escape to Panama book (chapter four). If you don't have the book, the neighborhoods I mention as worth checking out include:

1- Ancón: Graced by Ancón Hill, this “Canal Zone” area includes the sectors of
Amador, Clayton, Albrook, and Balboa, to name a few. Filled with family-friendly
neighborhoods and private schools, this is one of Panama’s most expensive,
sought after districts.

2- Greater Bella Vista: Includes major arteries Calle 50, Balboa Avenue (and the
promenades and bike paths of the lovely Cinta Costera, which lead into Casco
Viejo), Via España, Via Argentina, and Federico Boyd. It also includes the sectors
of Bella Vista, El Carmen, Carrasquilla, Obarrio, and El Cangrejo; and perhaps the
most upscale: Paitilla, Punta Pacífica, and Marbella. Filled with restaurants, malls,
and more, this is a trendy, ultra-popular district.

3- San Francisco: Includes main arteries Via Porras, Calle 50, Via Israel (turns
into Balboa Avenue), Avenida Santa Elena; the Omar Park; and the San Francisco
and Coco del Mar sectors. Take the Corredor Sur highway to get from here to
the elite Costa del Este sector, the airport, and more. The bustling San Francisco
district can be loud but it continues to attract new residents with its big park and
many apartment buildings.

There's a lot more detail in the book but nonetheless this is a good list to get you started.

Tours/ground transportation: There are many providers offering road trips, tours (day tours, eco-tours, etc.), ground transportation, airport pickups, trip planning assistance, etc. Here are a few options, and you’ll find more on review websites like TripAdvisor:

• Ancon Expeditions anconexpeditions.com
• Roadrunner Panama panamaroadrunner.com
• Inside Panama transport@insidepma.com
• Namu Travel Group namutravel.com
• (Coronado beach region) Services Coronado servicescoronado.com

Have a great time!

Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

[DOUGHAGERMAN]

Thank you for the very helpful reply. This afternoon I watched an IL video that included an expat named Leisa living in Casco Viejo, which sounds interesting in light of our lifestyle. I appreciate your guidance here!

[jramesch]

Thanks Doug, I'll add that Casco is romantic, beautiful, and fun, but it's also pricey by local standards and filled with tourists and revelers, so it's worth booking a longer stay to see how you feel... some expats adore it and don't mind the tourists while others prefer to visit often but live elsewhere. Happy exploring...