One week to spend...

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hunderdahl
hunderdahl

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Central America in March and are thinking seriously about both Panama and Nicaragua. I have some questions for people who have been to Panama, specifically. On a side note, we like to travel cheaply, be surrounded by the local culture, stay in hostels, eat local food, lay on the beach, SCUBA, hike, explore and have adventures. We are very active. Sooo..

  1. Which Coast is better? West or East?
  2. Where are the cheapest areas to stay/travel in?
  3. If you had one week in Panamaa, less than $1100 to spend (including airfare), no fear, the same interests as those mentioned above, spoke Spanish, wanted to get tan, wanted to meet people from all over the world (except other American's preferably), and be entertained/challenged the WHOLE time... where would you go???
  4. What was the best guide YOU used on YOUR frist trip to Panama?
  5. And finally, given my above mentioned interests, budget and goals... is Panama the best place to go for my one week off?

All and any suggestions are welcome!

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solohobo
solohobo

You would be best served to go to Panama for on the Caribe and south areas if Scuba is your goal.

$1100 airfare? from where? for Two people? Average is $450 PP on sale from the states, but March is peak month to hit the south, so airfares are jacked up!

The tourist, like yourselves, are mostly Gringos in Panama, or rather North Americans, in March.

Two tank dives, per day would be at least $45 PP

Nicaragua has great areas in Corn islands, but its expensive or a pain to get to time wise.

Moon Panama is a good book. as is the CR and Nicaragua Moon.

Check out the PADI website for dive operations in Panama.

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hunderdahl
hunderdahl

thanks! the $1100 is ALL expenses! air, food, lodging, diving, etc.im beginning to realize that the corn islands, while amazing, are a little inconvenient for a one week trip. i appreciate your help! thanks again!

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stuart333
stuart333

Flights are actually really cheap from the States at the moment. We're getting a lot of people just flying down for quick vacations as yourselves. Obviously do a search online or ask some travel agents, but I know people getting flights from $200 return from LA. You'll just have to keep looking for a good deal!!!! But I hope your $1100 is per person, it would be cutting it VERY fine if it's for two..........

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