I'm planning on spending 2 months in Panama next summer, (mid-july thru mid-september), and was wondering, from anyone who has spent some time in Panama, if my projected budget is realistic.
Basically, I am budgeting 50 bucks a day, for everywhere in Panama. I have budgeted 20 bucks a day before for SE Asia, and I definitely don't want to do that again, because I want to be able to do fun stuff. I want this to include dorms/singles, local food, most transportation, and cheaper activities. By cheaper activities, I have activities costing 10-20 bucks in mind. For things like snorkeling, rafting, hiking, etc., I am going to make a separate budget.
I definitely want to go day hiking, rafting (at least once), a ton of snorkeling, birdwatching, and surf lessons. Does anyone have any rule of thumb costs for these activities? I am traveling by myself, but I plan on meeting people to do some of these things with.
Oh come on, 12 views and zero replies!?!?!? I thought this goddamned forum was supposed to be helpful.
I have travelled quite a lot in Central and South America. Panama is not a very cheap country but you can easy get a long with 50 dollars a day especially if you sleep in dorms/budget rooms. Transport is not that expensive and distances are not very big and I suppose you gonna spend longer time in some places so not travelling every day.
Activities can be quite expensive (sometimes about 50 USD or even more) but you have a separate budget for that and you can also add a part of your daily budget to this (as you will not need 50 dollars travelling cheap, cheap accomodation, no hard partying etc.)
"and you can also add a part of your daily budget to this"
Okay, that's what I was thinking, it's good to confirm it though, thanks. That's the level of comfort I am going for, where I usually have excess for activities, even if it doesn't cover the whole activity. I want my budget to be relatively roomy.
Anyways, thanks for the input.
Your budget should work out for Panama. You'll still need to be frugal and use public buses instead of the local airlines to travel around Panama. For ocean sports google Bocas del Toro. The town has many hostels - check out Casa Verde it's located ocean side in Bocas. A safe hostel run by a gringo owner - self serve area, cheap food, small bar with live entertainment.
Water quality in Bocas has been an issue ... and in most small towns outside of David and PTY- So careful where you eat! Your pharmacy expenses could exceed your buget with a cheap roadside meal. In general - a good area if you want surf or snorkel.
Panama City is alive day and night. The city is rich in history and culture. You may want to rent just a room in the city. Check the local Craigslist posts for shared condo/apt units for short term rental. Check posts from seniors that swap a room in a high rise luxury condo for errands to the market, shopping or general house keeping. Most of the new condos have a pool and social area to relax.
In general you can eat out cheaper and better in PTY than on the coastal resort areas. The are several large grocery stores with great take out deli counters. Also the area around U of P aslo has good lunch places geared to the university crowd.
Happy trails...
Hi,
I've searched for daytrips (tours) in Panama but I only find tours around 100$ per person!!?
Does anyone know were we can book tours around the 30 - 50$ pp?
In regions Bocas Del Toro, Boquete (to go to the Baru Vulcano) and Panama City.
Thanks a lot!!
trusted partner
