Our trip was amazing from start to finish.
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

Jeanette
Jeanette T.
Arlington, VA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Our trip was amazing from start to finish. Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro. Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative. He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must). Carlos, our tour guide in El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative. I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of natural landmarks over time, and the preservation ideas being considered for the future. We saw monkeys and sloths in the trees, and lots of beautiful birds. The Golden Frog Inn was my favorite of our accommodations. I tried ceviche for the first time, and I liked it. I tried an electric bike for the first time and after the first mile I wanted to buy one for myself. Whether we were hiking in a forest, on a boat ride, swimming in the blue waters, or walking around town, everything was enjoyable. The catamaran cruise to end the week was perfect - great music, great food, beautiful views, friendly people, and time at the beach. Thank you to KimKim Travel and your partner in Panama, Gapa Travel, for all of your efforts.

Hotel Reviews
Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
Panama City

This hotel was very nice. The decor beautifully reflected the name. It was pretty in all of the common areas, and had all the amenities you would need. The room was spacious and clean. The rooftop bar was convenient for evening cocktails. The rooftop infinity pool was nice, and inviting. The breakfast buffet was plentiful with a lot of variety. We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful decor that reflected the "Zen" theme perfectly.
Location
We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.
Staff
The staff were helpful with answering our questions about the location of restaurants, stores, the Metro, etc.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Every was clean, and the atmosphere was comfortable.
The Golden Frog Inn
El Valle de Antón

The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views from our room, and from the dining area, were like looking at a small piece of paradise. Very green, lush, and plentiful with flowers and birds. The staff was accommodating and nice. The food was delicious, and the drinks were refreshing. We liked the swimming pool, and we also enjoyed walking around the grounds to look at the many flower varieties. There was a craft brewery within walking distance, which was an added perk.

Authenticity & Character
Delicious food and drinks. Nice swimming pool. Golden Frog theme is cute.
Location
The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views were like looking at a small piece of paradise
Staff
Staff were attentive and friendly. They called cabs for us when we need them, since we didn't speak Spanish.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was comfortable and clean, with a beautiful view.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama

The Westin was a nice hotel. We stayed on the 16th floor with an Ocean View. The room was clean and spacious. There were lots of restaurants to choose from and several swimming pools.

Authenticity & Character
The common area was open and nicely decorated.
Location
The hotel was right on the beach.
Staff
There were communication difficulties occasionally because we don't speak Spanish, but the staff seemed nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel seemed nice, but there was a lot of debris in the swimming pool, and an elevator that was broken.
Activity Reviews
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
Panama City

We enjoyed seeing the city and visiting the Panama Canal. The viewing platform allowed you to see the ships and the locks. The iMax video was informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Valle de Antón

The waterfall was very pretty. A nice place to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Experience Dinner
Cultural Experience Dinner
Panama City

The ceviche was delicious, as was the dinner food. A very enjoyable experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Panama City

The boat tour was very nice. We saw a variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama City

Very enjoyable experience. Took lots of photos and watched a lot of ships.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided E-Bike Tour in  El Valle de Antón
Guided E-Bike Tour in El Valle de Antón
Valle de Antón

Had a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute. My first time on an electric bike. We walked through a little jungle, saw animals and birds in the trees. Visited the town, the market, and a waterfall. Had lunch. The staff at the bike shop were nice. The experience was very enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos, our guide, was great. I enjoyed his dialogue immensely.
Transport
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Taboga Island

Great fun! Perfect way to end the week. The catamaran crew were all very nice and attentive that everyone have a good time. The music was lively and fun. The drinks were delicious. The food was plentiful and very tasty. While I didn't go swimming off the boat, the others with me did and they had a wonderful time in the water. I went swimming at the beach on Taboga Island. A totally enjoyable experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Panama

I enjoyed walking around the ruins, learning about some of the history, and playing in the crystal clear water at the beach. Had lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and the food was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discovering Panama City: Free Day
Discovering Panama City: Free Day
Panama City

We enjoyed exploring the city, and did some shopping.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Magalie Damour