What's New in Panama
Though it's a relatively tiny country, Panama is changing fast, quickly emerging from under Costa Rica's shadow. Retirees, entrepreneurs, and those looking to escape cold winters in Europe and North America now call Panama home, adding even more diversity to an already culturally diverse country. Panama is coming into its own as a major ecotourism hotspot, as bird-watchers, fishermen, adventure sports fanatics, nature lovers and beach goers discover this once unknown gem of a country linking Central and South America. Its business-friendly policies mean Panamanians and foreigners alike are breaking ground on new hotels, condo developments, restaurants and travel agencies.
The Pacific Coast is seeing the most growth in terms of condo developments and retirement communities, but Boquete and Bocas are also growing quickly in response to a burgeoning international tourist market. Hotels around the country are updating and renovating their rooms to keep up with the demands of international travelers. Restaurants, especially those in Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas, are frequently updating and revitalizing their menus, so don't be surprised if some of the restaurants reviewed in the book have changed things up a bit.
Planning Your Trip to Panama
In addition to the changes listed below, travelers can expect that most hotels have increased their rates by about 10 percent since I was last there in April. Travel, tourism, and adventure agencies are also likely undergo a modest price hike. Though prices have gone up substantially in Panama in the last few years, it's still a bargain when compared to its better known neighbor to the north. Also, keep in mind that although ambitions are high, projects seem to take longer in Panama, and opening dates are (very) subject to change.
Panama City
In Panama City, the Museo Antropologico Reina Torres de Arauz, originally scheduled to reopen at its new location earlier this year, still has only one exhibition open to the public, and there doesn't seem to be a completion date in sight. The Bridge of Life Biodiversity Museum (www.biomuseopanama.org) is now not scheduled to open until late 2009, but I'd be surprised if this actually happens. Still, it's supposed to be the country's best museum when it does open its doors. As an interesting side note, the Canopy Tower (www.canopytower.com) in Gamboa was recently listed among the top 50 ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Adventure magazine.
The Western Highlands & the Gulf of Chiriqui
Boquete, home to one of Panama's largest ex-pat and retirement communities, is emerging as an eco and cultural hotspot in Panama. Due to heavy rain, the river overflowed and some hotels sustained damage and are temporarily closed. The Palo Alto Hotel is currently closed, but is expected to reopen in the near future. The recently opened Hotel Ladera sustained heavier damage and may not open at all this season; call ahead in case anything changes.
The Panamonte Inn & Spa (www.panamonte.com) in Boquete is undergoing a complete renovation, adding 8 additional luxury rooms. Four suites have been completely overhauled, and all work is expected to be complete by mid winter. The decor will reflect the Panamonte's long 95 year history, with a sharp retro look that will remind visitors of "Old Panama." Rancho de Caldera (www.ranchodecaldera.com), a new hotel, currently has a few rooms available to guests, but should be fully operational by next year. Rancho de Caldera was still under construction during my time in Panama, but the service and the on-site French chef are supposed to be excellent
The chef of the now closed Hibiscus Restaurant recently opened Ou Lala, located in Los Naranjos. Dishes are moderately priced and the dinner menu features fresh foods that change day to day. I didn't get a chance to visit Ou Lala during my time in Boquete, but the reviews are good. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays. Also worth trying, or so the locals say, is the brand new French-inspired bakery, La Boulangerie. There's no coffee, but the pastries are supposed to be delicious. The bakery is located next to Curvas Bonitas and Super Centro Lily. To check out what's new around town, take a look at www.boqueteguide.com.
Bocas Del Toro Archipelago
With a ballooning foreign population, Bocas is one of the fastest- changing areas in Panama. Restaurants are frequently opening and closing and there are currently five hotels under construction, so travelers looking for a more upscale lodging experience on Isla Colon may soon have several options in addition to the relatively new Playa Tortuga Resort (www.hotelplayatortuga.com).
Long time favorites Pecados Restaurant and Pargo Rojos Restaurants are closed. 9 Degrees Market and Restaurant, a gourmet fruit and meat market, has opened its doors for lunch and dinner. Hotel Bahia has been renamed Gran Hotel Bahia and offers a new restaurant and bar of the same name. Bocas Water Sports (www.bocaswatersports.com), recently under new management, has added expedition diving tours to Escudo de Veraguas during the months of September and October as well as glass-bottomed kayaks to their fleet of kayak rentals. Finally, resort Hacienda del Toro (www.haciendadeltoro.com) has added a new 20,000 gallon fresh water pool, as well as a brand new boat charter service.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers in our Panama Forum today.