Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The names given to accommodation in Panama are equally varied. Posada and lodge usually
indicate a fair degree of comfort in pleasant natural surroundings, whereas places prefaced
with hospedaje , pensión or residencial are generally much simpler small family-owned
lodgings. The word cabaña may conjure up an image of a simple thatched hut in an idyllic
natural setting, but can just as easily mean a dark, windowless cement cell in an unremark-
able location. Hostal usually signifies a place with dorms for backpackers but occasionally
is merely a synonym for a family-run hotel. Hotel too can cover a mixed bag from a plush
international five-star high-rise to a dilapidated shack, and also includes the famous by-the-
hour push-button motel, often referred to as un push , which rents out rooms short term for
sexual liaisons. In no way unique to Panama, they are scattered all over the country, most vis-
ibly along the Interamericana, with such enticing names as “ Sueño Lindo ” (Sweet Dreams) or
Las Mil y Una Noches ” (Thousand and One Nights). As for the much-abused prefix “eco”, it
may simply denote pleasant natural surroundings, and is no guarantee of sustainable environ-
mental practices or social responsibility. Neither name nor price is much of an indication of
what you'll get for your money though a private bathroom is often squeezed into even fairly
rudimentary and minuscule lodgings. In the lowlands, even the cheapest establishments usu-
ally have air conditioning, though not necessarily hot water; in the highlands air condition-
ing and fans are unnecessary and usually absent though hot water is almost always available.
Wi-fi is widely available, except in Guna Yala and the Darién, and almost always free. As in
most other Latin American countries, toilet paper should not be put down the toilet , but into
the adjacent wastebasket, because it can clog the system in all but the most modern top-end
hotels; if in doubt, enquire at reception.
Hostels
Panama's hostel scene is expanding as the country attracts increasing numbers of backpack-
ers. Currently there are about two dozen in the country - mainly in Panama City, Bocas, Bo-
quete and David - which struggle to meet the growing demand, and advance booking is often
necessary to be sure of a bed, where bookings are allowed. A dorm bunk usually costs around
$12-15, occasionally including coffee or a light breakfast, and increasingly with air condi-
tioning in lowland areas, while some establishments also offer private rooms at $25-35. Most
have common areas, shared kitchens, free wi-fi or internet access and bags of useful inform-
ation about the surrounding area.
Camping
There is virtually no organized camping in Panama, though a few lodgings allow tents if
asked and there are now a few places that will provide tents to rent in summer (Dec-April).
In rural communities you can almost always find someone willing to allow you to camp on
their land for a small fee. Alternatively, there are kilometres of empty beaches to pitch a tent
on, although you should always seek local advice since they are not universally safe. Touristy
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