Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ivan's Bed & Breakfast
B&B $$$
( 6981-4583, 314-9436;
www.gamboaecotours.com
;
Av Jadwin 111; r per person US$50; )
Decked with memorabilia, this comfortable canal house tends to draw bird-watchers and
hikers keen on quick access to Pipeline Rd. Prices are the same for private or shared
bathrooms. The 3rd-floor rooms with shared bathrooms are fresher than those at floor
level. A 2nd-floor living area is cozy and tasteful, while the covered terrace is ideal for
an afternoon beer.
Guests can rent bicycles or a golf cart (each US$10 daily) to get around the area.
Reserve ahead for large-portioned dinners, which include salad and dessert. English-
speaking Ivan and his wife can arrange bird-watching and fishing tours, as well as airport
transfers.
Canopy B&B
B&B $$$
$$$
( 833-5929, reservations 264-5720;
www.canopytower.com
; Av Jadwin 114; s/d incl breakfast
from US$88/132; )
In an old canal house, this lovely B&B has a clean design of clas-
sic features mixed with bold patterns. Heated towel racks and hair dryers add a nice
touch. In the morning, pancakes, eggs and wheat toast are served at a huge breakfast
table. You can also cruise the pleasant, shady neighborhood on a rental bike (US$5 per
hour).
Upstairs rooms cost slightly more but are significant upgrades. Dinner (US$23) is an
optional extra.
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
RESORT $$$
$$$
( 314-9000;
www.gamboaresort.com
;
d from US$170; )
Near the junction of
the Panama Canal and the Río Chagres, 9km past the turnoff for Canopy Tower on the
road to Colón, is the US$30-million Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Although it's just a re-
sort located in a rainforest as opposed to an environmentally friendly ecolodge, it's hard
to deny its grandeur. All 110 luxurious guest rooms offer sweeping vistas of the jungle-
flanked Río Chagres.
There's echoes of Disneyland, with an onsite golf course, spa, gym, marina, swimming
pool and bar-restaurant. There's even an aerial tram that brings you up into the canopy, as
well as a healthy offering of guided nature walks and bird-watching trips (which cost ex-
tra). The website offers special package deals, which often include activities, meals and
transfers.
