Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
areas such as Santa Clara and Isla Bastimentos have periodically reported thefts and mug-
gings while at night on a completely uninhabited island in Guna Yala you run the risk of en-
countering the odd drug smuggler. The
national parks
seem more set up for camping since
they have set fees (usually $5/person a night), but rarely offer facilities beyond those shared
with the park wardens at the park entrance. Most of the parks and protected areas also offer
dormitory accommodation (usually $15/person) and use of the kitchen.
Homestays
Homestays
, a good budget accommodation option, often help the local economy more direc-
tly while providing an opportunity to engage in cross-cultural interaction. They may also be
the only way of finding a room during major fiestas in a town that is short of formal lodgings.
In indigenous communities, such as in Guna Yala and Darién, a homestay is frequently the
norm when overnighting in a village, which you will need to arrange with the chief or tourist
coordinator on arrival.
Pricing and taxes
Most mid-range and high-end accommodation operates a dual
pricing system
: high-season
rates (mid-Dec to end of April) generally coincide with the dry season, whereas the rest of
the year counts as low season, when it's possible to find significant discounts, especially for
online bookings. On top of high-season rates, some establishments in Panama City and the
major holiday destinations hike their prices even higher for Carnaval, Easter (Semana Santa),
Christmas and New Year. Some lodgings in places that are primarily weekend retreats, such
as Isla Grande and El Valle, charge more Friday to Sunday, occasionally demanding a two-
or three-night minimum stay.
Places with more than nine rooms are subject to a ten-percent
tourist tax
(though even
smaller lodgings sometimes charge), which is not always included in the advertised rate but
has been factored into our prices. For each listing we give the cheapest rate for a double room
(one double bed) in high season (outside the extra price hikes for public holidays) with a
private bathroom - where available; we indicate if only shared bathrooms are available. Note
too that in mid-range hotels a double room often means a room with two double beds and
you might have to specify one double bed (
una cama doble
, or
una cama matrimonial
) if
you want to keep costs down. Room costs are usually based on two people sharing, but many
rooms have an extra single bed, which a third person can have for an extra $10-15. Children
under 12 are often admitted free.
