Some travelers recommended a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions for families visiting Panama. The suggested itinerary includes starting with a few days in Panama City to explore the Panama Canal and nearby natural parks like Soberania NP. Following the city experience, families can head to El Valle for activities such as hot springs, zoos, and short jungle hikes that are enjoyable for children.

According to forum posts, it’s advisable to rent a car when leaving Panama City to explore the interiors like El Valle and Portobelo, which offer family-friendly accommodations such as boutique hotels right on the water. In Panama City, using taxis or Uber is recommended due to heavy traffic and navigation difficulties.

Travelers have highlighted places like Bocas del Toro for beaches and snorkeling, which are suitable for kids. Additionally, destinations such as Gamboa Rainforest offer educational and interactive experiences with wildlife, which can be fascinating for both kids and adults.

According to forum posts, the Panama Canal is a must-see, with the Miraflores Locks being a particularly popular spot. Casco Viejo, the historic district, offers a rich cultural experience with its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Travelers have highlighted the Metropolitan Natural Park as a great place for a hike within the city limits, offering a chance to see local wildlife. For those interested in history, Panama Viejo, the ruins of the old city destroyed by pirates, is highly recommended.

Some users suggested exploring more modern parts of the city such as the Cinta Costera for scenic views of the bay and skyline. The area around the Intercontinental Miramar and JW Marriott also offers great views and luxury accommodations.

For a cultural experience, some travelers said visiting the local markets and trying traditional Panamanian cuisine at places like El Trapiche would provide an authentic taste of the city.

According to forum posts, recommended car rental companies in Panama City include Thrifty, particularly its location on Via España, and Dollar. Thrifty is praised for its fair pricing and good customer service, while Dollar is noted for its straightforwardness regarding costs.

Some travelers have discussed the mandatory insurance costs in Panama, noting that liability insurance is compulsory and varies in price depending on the rental agency, with daily rates around $25 or more. Collision damage waiver (CDW) is optional, and although credit card insurance for collision/damage is accepted, a deposit is still required.

Forum users suggest picking up rental cars from locations like Albrook or Tocumen Airport. Albrook is convenient for accessing the city outskirts, while Tocumen is suitable for those arriving by air. Driving in Panama City is generally advised against due to traffic and navigation difficulties, with many recommending using the car primarily for trips outside the city.

Travelers have called out that while larger vehicles like 4x4s are available for rent, it’s important to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before accepting it, ensuring that details like tire quality are adequate for local driving conditions.

According to forum posts, SIM cards are readily available in Panama with major providers like Tigo, Claro, Digicel, and Más Móvil offering similar coverage and prices. Travelers can purchase SIM cards at airports or in the city, though prices are significantly cheaper in the city. Passport registration for purchasing a SIM card is not generally required in Panama.

Some travelers noted that at the airport, a SIM card with a 7-day plan costs around $30, whereas in the city, the same plan can be purchased for as little as $7.50. Options for longer durations, such as a 14-day plan, are also available for around $10. Unlimited data plans for periods like 2 weeks are common and affordable.

For mobile coverage, travelers have suggested that all major carriers provide satisfactory service in Panama City and other large towns, though connectivity might be less reliable in more remote areas. Users have also recommended using apps like WhatsApp for communication, as it is widely used in Panama.

Some travelers suggested visiting Casco Viejo and the Panama Canal during their layovers in Panama. Casco Viejo offers historical sites and local food options, while the Miraflores Visitors Center at the Panama Canal provides exhibits and the opportunity to watch ships navigating the locks.

According to forum posts, the proximity of these attractions to the airport makes them feasible for shorter layovers. Travelers mentioned using taxis and Uber for transportation, noting that these services are convenient for reaching destinations like Casco Viejo and the Miraflores Visitors Center from the airport.

For longer layovers, some users recommended staying overnight in a local hotel to explore more extensively. Travelers have called out specific areas such as the fish market in Casco Viejo for lunch and highlighted the availability of local hotels with pools for relaxation.

According to forum posts, travelers can access the San Blas Islands from Panama City by various means, including a boat service recommended for those who travel by boat. Another user inquired about renting a 4x4 vehicle to reach Carti, where boats to the islands are available.

Some travelers have discussed accommodations and have sought advice on places with at least shared bathrooms. One website, sanblasfrontera.com, was mentioned as a potential resource, though no direct experiences were shared.

Travelers should be aware that the San Blas Islands are part of the Guna Yala Comarca, an autonomous region. During certain periods, access to the area, including beaches, has been restricted. As of a recent post, all beaches were closed with no set reopening date.

For independent travelers looking to explore, some users inquired about island hopping and seeking reliable information on how to navigate between islands. Specific guidelines or restrictions on activities like random camping or driving independently to the port for boat access are not detailed, suggesting variability in experiences or regulations.

According to forum posts, travelers can reach Bocas del Toro from Boquete using a shuttle service like Hello Travel Panama which charges $30 per person. Alternatively, one can fly from Panama City to Bocas del Toro using Air Panama, which operates out of Albrook Airport.

Some travelers mentioned the option of hiring private shuttles for group transport, which could be beneficial for those traveling from places like David to Bocas del Toro. Within the archipelago, water taxis are commonly used for movement between islands.

Travelers have reported that during strikes, local bus travel can be significantly disrupted, leading to long waits. In such instances, private shuttles may offer a more reliable alternative, even requiring passengers to walk through strikes to reach another bus waiting on the other side.

For those driving to Bocas del Toro, safe parking lots are available in Almirante where travelers board water taxis to Bocas Town.

According to forum posts, taxis are readily available in Boquete and are relatively inexpensive. Travelers have called out that taxis can be used to reach hiking trails and other local destinations, and arrangements can be made for them to return at a specific time.

Some travelers mentioned renting motorcycles as another way to navigate around Boquete. This option offers more flexibility and independence for visiting various sites. Moreover, local guides and tours often include transportation, which could be a convenient option for those planning multiple activities.

Forum participants noted that buses are available for travel between Boquete and nearby towns like David. However, the frequency and reliability of these services were not detailed in the posts.