Lonely Planet Panama (Paperback)

by Scott Doggett (Author) "Archaeological evidence shows that people have been living in Panama for at least 11,000 years, and that agriculture arose here as early as 1500 BC..." (more)
Key Phrases: tagua carvings, visitation fee, pin weekdays, Panama City, Panama Canal, Bocas del Toro (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 sites

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 2 edition (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1864503076
• ISBN-13: 978-1864503074
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #864,904 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for business travelers, January 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Panama (Paperback)

I usually travel with a Fodor's or Michelin guidebook, but as there was no Fodor's or Michelin available for Panama, I purchased the Lonely Planet book before a recent trip to Panama. It was the first time I used a Lonely Planet book, and I found it very helpful. I was in Panama City on business, and the book provided very useful advice on where I as a businessman should stay, and it recommended not just the most expensive restaurants in Panama City, but also the best restaurants; writers, I've noticed, sometimes mistake the most expensive for the best. Not this one. I suggested four places for business lunches/dinners while I was in Panama City, and in each instance my Panamanian associates were impressed that I "knew" smart restaurants for business meals. Although I'd told them that it was my first trip to Panama, which it was, they soon took to saying, "And you've never been to Panama before?" with a wink and a chuckle. They ascribed to me more knowledge of their country than I possessed. I like it when other people make me look good, and that's one of the things this guidebook did for me. Next time I travel I won't be in such a hurry to by a Fodor's or a Michelin guide.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Formulas Don't Always Work, April 6, 2001

By	F. Schaefer (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Lonely Planet Panama (Paperback)

LP Panama uses the same formula as the rest of the very successful and helpful Lonely Planet book series. BUT Panama is written by someone who toured all or most of the country in a powerful 4-wheel-drive vehicle with a powerful winch, going in a style most budget travelers can not afford, and going far enough out where most affluent traveler would not want nor dare to go. It seemed to be a trip where he went where he wanted. Coverage of some very good areas was sparse (Bocas del Toro for one). Half the book seemed be be geared toward descriptions of hotels and restaurants. Only expensive ("acceptable") hotels are mentioned. There is literally no information about lodging around bus stations. His lodging suggestions were generally not very good, i.e. Panama City and David.

The use of many description such as "a bowl of spaghetti in octopus sauce" to describe the roads around one town bothered me and infuriated some other travelers. He also mentions "a great deal" often. Most were rather pricey, great only if all your expenses are paid! He also missed some great areas in both the west and in the Darian area.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is the book, August 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Panama (Paperback)

This is the book that every traveller (except for a few who are always asking to borrow it) takes with them to Panama. It was very accurate and very helpful. The only problems we encountered were unlabelled streets (suggestion: try putting landmarks on maps where no street signs are posted) and the trip from David to Bocas del Toro (which was more of a happy surprise than a problem, as in reality it's cheaper and easier than in Lonely Planet).

Panama is an incredibly beautiful country that is not very dense with tourists. Panamanian spanish is also muy facil de comprender. I wholeheartedly suggest visiting the country and embracing the culture and people you meet (not literally).