Although I’m one of the farthest things on earth from a vegetarian I appreciate good food whatever the type. A friend recently recommended a small little restaurant called El Jardin Vegetariana in very close proximity to my house so I decided to give it a shot even though it was vegetarian. Spending only $2.50 for a meal consisting of 4 dishes of delicious fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, an eggroll and fresh juice I felt incredible and sad all at the same time. The incredible feeling came from food that was tasty, fresh and with an excellent selection that left me feeling good afterwards. The sad feeling was from knowing that I have been in Panama for so long and didn’t Read more
Cholo’s – Most Authentic Mexican Food in Panama
As moving to Panama was quite a random decision for me (read about why I moved here) I had virtually no preconceptions of what the cuisine would be like. Because of its relatively close proximity to Mexico, Spanish language and Latin culture I automatically assumed it would be somewhat similar to Mexican food. However my time in Panama thus far has taught me that aside from the abundance of rice and beans used in their dishes the types of meals are vastly different. Panamanians rarely use tortillas or cheese so large hearty burritos, tacos and enchiladas are typically out of the question. As this gringo comes from Colorado where a large hispanic population has created a some of the Read more
The Best Island in Panama
Classifying something as the best is not always an easy task, but after a recent weekend adventure I think I can say with some confidence I’ve found the best island in Panama. Now I have visited the gorgeous party islands of Bocas del Toro and peaceful native islands of San Blas and been thoroughly impressed, but my vote for the best island is neither of these. Slightly lesser known but gaining popularity at a swift pace, Isla Iguana is in the Los Santos province of Panama lying just east of the Azueron Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The waters surrounding this legendary island are well known for seeing whales and huge sea turtles when the season is right, but that Read more
Best Panama Deals: Special Travel Deals from Giggi Travel
Giggi Travel offers you a chance to discover everything El
Valle has to offer at an unbeatable price! Only $49!
Our tour includes:
Transport to and from El Valle
Visit to the Nispera Zoo
Visit to the handicrafts market
Visit to the “El Chorro” waterfall and hiking trails
Visit to the natural springs
Visit to the El Valle museum
Don’t miss out on your chance to discover San Blas paradise in
Panama, at an unbeatable price! Only $180 p/p
Our package includes:
Land transportation to and from San Blas
Boat transportation to the island
2 nights accomodation in cabins
Tours
3 meals a day
Don’t miss out on the exclusive offer from Giggi Travel
Discover the beauty of the Dutch Read more
Tips for Getting the Right Taxi Price in Panama!
If you have spent any time in Panama City then you are aware of a phenomenon I like to call “Getting Gringoed.” This term refers to situations when because of your physical appearance or inability to speak Spanish you are automatically charged a higher price for the good or service you intend to purchase. Being a Blond Haired, Blue Eyed, Poor Spanish Speaking “Super-Gringo” the phenomenon of “Getting Gringoed” happens to me on a daily basis.
In Panama City this phenomenon is not limited to certain places or things, but it seems that it’s fair game to charge extra to Gringos for virtually everything, whether you are in an established bar or a street market. One place you are guaranteed Read more
There’s a New Panamanian Gringo Author in Town!
The names Al Explorer and I Like Going Places. I recently up and quit my job, left my entire life in the United States behind and moved to Panama. Despite my lack of Spanish I managed to land a job as an English Teacher and now I live in El Cangrejo one of the best neighborhoods of Panama City. I’m an avid adventurer who’s had the opportunity to set foot in 41 different countries thus far, but the more I travel the more itchy my feet become for more! A hybrid of English and American descent, I was born in London, but raised in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain’s in the great Boulder, Colorado of the USA. My shiny Read more
The Best Hostel in David City, Panama
Backpacking Central America? Make sure you put Bambu Hostel on your list of places to stop. It’s a backpackers resort with a deluxe in-ground pool and Mayan-Style rancho bar and landscaped garden. The perfect kind of place to relax for cheap after trudging through the country. Plus, it is perfectly safe, located in a middle class neighborhood in the San Mateo District of David-City, Panama.
Over the course of the year Bambu sees all kinds of backpackers and international travelers from all corners of the world. Gregg Lapkin and Mike Esterson, seasoned travelers and hostel owners like to meet everyone passing through the hostel, and make you feel right at home.
Don’t believe everything you read in the Read more
Sabor de India: An Ethnic Treat in Panama City
I love food. In general Panama has a decent food scene with moderate selection and a variety of restaurant atmospheres. But Panama can be expensive if you eat in many restaurants a lot. I prefer to dine out and make a sport of eating well on a budget. One can only eat so many deep fried empanadas, cheeseburgers and to go cups/bags of fruit and ceviche before they crave a little more variety. In Panama street food and cheap eats are abundant; but after a short while it all begins to taste the same. The upside to most diners and vendors in Panama is that you can still eat lunch for under $5. In some Panamanian restaurants $5 is Read more
Panama City Retail: A Mall for Every Shopper
Panama City is, in my opinion, a shopper’s paradise. There are four main malls in Panama City and each seems to draw tourists and locals inside and out of the heat by the hundreds. While I recommend shopping on the streets such as on Via Espana in El Congrejo the malls are a great way to spend the afternoon in air conditioning, grab a bite to eat and get some retail therapy.
The busiest mall in Panama is probably Albrook Mall near the Albrook air force base. The mall also houses the Albrook bus terminal likely helping keep it jam packed. Albrook offers some of the best prices in several discount stores such as Conway, Titan and El Costo Read more
La Jarana: Affordable Peruvian Cuisine in Panama
If you’re searching for a lot of quality Peruvian food for not a lot of money in Panama head straight to La Jarana in San Francisco. If you love fresh seafood, ceviche, piles of fried rice dishes, grilled meats, and Peruvian beer for under $10 a plate then this is your place. The atmosphere of the place is warm, slightly small and very festive. The tables and walls are painted vividly and artwork spans the dining area. The smell however, surpassed the scenery. I couldn’t wait to order and see what all the fuss was about.
Our first course came in the form of arroz con pollo or rice with chicken. The portion was enough to feed 3 or Read more
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