Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing holidays. At times like these, it's best to call for a radio taxi. Listings for reliable radio
taxis can be found in the yellow pages of phone directories throughout Panama, under the
heading Taxis.
More expensive 'sedan' taxis operate from particular upscale hotels. These drivers
charge at least twice what you'd pay a hailed cab.
Tours
Panama's tourism industry is still young, though the number of tour operators is growing
rapidly. While increasingly navigable for the independent traveler, Panama does have
special conditions (complex logistics, limited public access and big wilderness) that make
contracting a tour operator a good option. Top attractions including the Darién and Coiba
are relatively inaccessible without a guide.
Prices vary depending on the services you require and whether you are prepared to join
a group. It's increasingly common for hostels to provide their own budget tours for guests.
The following are highly recommended for guided tours of Panama. In general, Panama
City and Canal Zone tours may be booked as walk-ins, but book multiday tours well in ad-
vance.
Ancon Expeditions
( ; 269-9415;
www.anconexpeditions.com
;
Calle 49 A Este, El
Dorado Bldg) Created by Panama's top private conservation organization, Ancon offers a
superlative level of service and employs the country's best nature guides, many with dec-
ades of experience. Regular departures visit the Chiriquí highlands, Bocas del Toro and
Isla de Coiba, the Canal Zone and Comarca de Kuna Yala. The company also operates
the Punta Patiño lodge in the Darién. English spoken.
A portion of tour proceeds are used in the ongoing fight to protect Panama's natural
heritage.
Ecocircuitos
( 314-0068;
www.ecocircuitos.com
;
Albrook Plaza, 2nd fl, No 31, Ancón)
A great outfitter offering a range of tailored tours throughout the country, including wildlife-
watching, adventure tourism and beach destinations. They are also a member of APTSO
(Asociación Panameño de Turismo Sostenible), Panama's sustainable tourism alliance.
English is spoken.
Yala Tours
( 6641-6676, 232-0215;
www.yalatourspanama.com
) This small outfitter
specializes in nature travel and indigenous culture. In the canal area, It offers wildlife ob-
servation in Lago Gatún by boat or kayak. Day trips include Parque Nacional Soberanía
and Emberá village visits. Swiss-run and recommended, with multiple languages spoken.
Also has good experience in the Darién for tailored expedition-style trips.
Jungle Treks
( 6438-3130;
www.jungletreks.com
) A new company started by a bilin-
gual naturalist guide, Jungle Treks runs a number of unique, recommended expeditions.
