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Beyond the spotlight cast on Panama's famous canal awaits a sophisticated capital, lush rainforests and pristine beaches. This in-depth guide shows you where to go salsa dancing all night, glimpse resplendent quetzals or relax at a secluded mountain retreat.
accommodations for any size wallet, from rustic bohios to elegant resorts thorough coverage of places to eat, including capsule reviews of Panama City's cosmopolitan restaurants the rundown on local festivals – Carnaval, anyone? 42 detailed maps of cities, parks, beaches and surf sites384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Lonely Planet
4,074 books961 followersOUR STORY
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.
A beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies and Lonely Planet was born. One hundred million guidebooks later, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher with content to almost every destination on the planet.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 6, 2017
No, I have not really finished the book - but used it quite extensively.
For my US friends - or others that live close by, I can really recommend a trip to Panama.
Don´t just go to Panama City or Bocas, go inland to the rainforests and enjoy the wildlife!
Our itinerary was Panama City-Malena-Palmilla-Boquete-Bocas in two weeks, and we could easily have spent 2 weeks more.
We did get what we came for though. Night patrolling the southern beach setting 69 baby turtles off to the sea. meeting a few sloths and armadillos, howler monkeys and capuchins + thousands of hummingbirds and butterflies.
For my US friends - or others that live close by, I can really recommend a trip to Panama.
Don´t just go to Panama City or Bocas, go inland to the rainforests and enjoy the wildlife!
Our itinerary was Panama City-Malena-Palmilla-Boquete-Bocas in two weeks, and we could easily have spent 2 weeks more.
We did get what we came for though. Night patrolling the southern beach setting 69 baby turtles off to the sea. meeting a few sloths and armadillos, howler monkeys and capuchins + thousands of hummingbirds and butterflies.
March 30, 2008
OK, I don't usually use lonely planet guides...a sure way to go where many have gone before...but for a recent trip was given this one. Actually found it useful and am now a convert to travel guides (but not lonely planet guides!)...BUT and this is IMPORTANT - this book contained inaccurate information! The author even reviewed and RECOMMENDED hostels that were not open at the time of writing - and were still under construction when i visited panama! Also book seems to recommend mostly hostels owned/run by americans or other foreigners & (i think) a focus on supporting locally owned businesses would be better. This, combined with the inaccuracy, makes me wonder where the author's "first hand information" actually comes from...anonymous tips (from hostel owners?)? in any case, a better choice for panama is the Moon Handbook...somewhat negative/sarcastic about places I actually enjoyed but at least accurate.
June 25, 2011
I've used Lonely Planet for several trips through Central and South America and usually they are outstanding. This was not the case with the Panama guide. The author seems to have spent more time drinking and hanging out with American hostel owners than actually researching the country. I buy Lonely Planet for their hostel and cheap eating suggestions, not the best places to go meet sunburned, fat, drunk, Americans which I see plenty of in the States. Don't waste your money on this book! In fact, don't waste your money on Panama! The majority of the country is just sad and reminds me of Ohio! The only place worth visiting is Santa Fe and a little hostel there called La Qhia (which, incidentally, isn't even in the guide). And if you still feel the need to travel to this country that favors strip malls over forest, do not go around Christmas time, unless you enjoy fireworks going off literally every night, ALL night!
June 13, 2011
Just finished this in preparation for my trip and already lamenting that my trip is not longer! Haven't even been there yet!! It all sounds amazing and I'm glad I'm going. From the looks of it, it sounds like now is the time as the rain forests world-wide continue to inch their way backward.
What i like about this guide is the history, culture, and lengthy descriptions. It's light on pictures, though and is not the absolute best when it comes to maps.
What i like about this guide is the history, culture, and lengthy descriptions. It's light on pictures, though and is not the absolute best when it comes to maps.
June 25, 2011
This was the worst Lonely Planet guide I have ever used. DO NOT BUY IT. We spent almost 2 weeks traveling from one end of Panama to the other and rarely was the information accurate. The book (not to mention our trip) was a huge waste of money. I recommend Lonely Planet guides for most other countries, but if you are going to Panama, buy a different publication.
October 7, 2020
This version was not updated much since the previous one, as far as I could see. I found many of the tips to be outdated or just plain wrong. I've purchased many a Lonely Planet and was very disappointed to find that this version just didn't live up to what I found in the Colombia guide as well as several Asia and Europe guides. You can do better, LP! Save your money and use the internet, Whats App, and Instagram to find your way in Panama.
August 18, 2017
Just okay. I found that the maps were inaccurate and format made it really hard to use when you were actually there. We were a month in Panama and although I used it I more often than not just gave up.
June 14, 2018
It was perfect for our trip. When we took the suggestions given in the book, they were always correct!
December 28, 2019
Picked fantastic hotel & restaurants in Casco Viejo based on their recommendations. Found perfect stop in Farallon by their recommendation, as well. Wish there was more for Santa Catalina & Coiba.
February 11, 2020
Blijft de beste in zijn soort. Veel informatie, correct en recent. Ik mis alleen hier en daar een foto.
February 14, 2026
Muy ayudando por mi tiempo de Panamá. Mucho gusto
August 4, 2016
I read through this book before our mission trip to Panama. I did not expect it to be terribly helpful, but I actually found that much of the history and tips included were useful. We visited the Ngabe people in Boca del Toro, so it was helpful to learn about their history and native religion.
March 24, 2009
Lonely Planet does SUCH a good job! So, I'm not into paying for 5 stars, and I really don't like the touristy places. I'm so glad these guys exist to counteract books like Frommer's.
April 14, 2009
This is one of two must have guides when visiting Panama. Bound to make your experience more enjoyable and affordable.
December 26, 2011
Still I miss pictures and comprehensive maps.
July 12, 2012
Out of date. But panama is clearly awesome so a decent starting point to get a sense of where to spend your time
December 30, 2012
Basic tour guide. If you have never been to panama, this one is pretty good.
January 2, 2013
Unfortunately totally out of date. Missing maps. Could be more honest.
January 29, 2015
I love the Lonely Planet guidebooks - my favorite source to use for travel!
September 13, 2015
Well written and up to date. Good restaurant selection!!
Cultural side of Panamá City quite weak...
Cultural side of Panamá City quite weak...
January 1, 2022
great tips, beautiful photos, well laid out
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews