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The Question
Public Question Asked by NileGuide about Panama
what do you do if you have a group of teens a nd a 12 hour layover at tocumen airport
Answers (8)
The Best Answer
Answered by Anne Gordon de Barrigon , Panama City, Panama
Panama has so many things to see and do and that can be done in one day. One of the most unique options is an Emberá village tour, where you spend the day in the jungle visiting the Emberá Indians in their authentic villages. Where your teens can meet teens who live without the modern technology of the outside world and are very happy and at peace. It is like stepping into a National Geographic magazine. It is truly an eye opening experience that is an invaluable lesson for kids in the modern world. check out our tours www.EmberaVillagetours.com
Or another option is whale watching tours, Panama is the only place in the world where humpback whales come from both the Northern & Southern hemispheres to breed and give birth. Peak whale season is July-October. We can easily do a day tour from Panama city. www.WhaleWatchingPanama.com
Or as others have suggested a visit to the Miraflores locks on the Panama canal which has a nice museum and is good for all ages as well as a viewing area to watch the ships pass through. Very interesting. You can easily see and do the canal in 2 hours, then you could go out to the Amador causeway, a nice area that parallels the Pacific entrance to the canal and rent bicycles there. There are many nice restaurants and great views of the city and the ships from there.
Or you could take a hike in the jungle to possibly see monkeys, sloths, toucans and other wildlife.
How about a canopy zipline tour, that can be combined with a nearby Emberá Indian village tour. Culture and adventure for the teens.
These are a few fun suggestions for you. Not sure why others are suggesting the Metro Mall, I am not a mall person, but really it is just like any mall anywhere else in the world. I highly recommend something that is uniquely Panama.
Good luck and have a great trip.
Answered by Jason Biffis , Panama City, Panama
Teens? Go to Metromall. They aren't going to care about Casco Viejo, the Locks on the Canal, or fancy food. Take them to the mall, and let them shop. There are 140 stores in Metromall, and there is a free shuttle from the airport.
And what is this 12 hour layover? Never seen that between flights before.
Answered by a Localyte , Juan Diaz, Panama
You have to safe options. Take taxis or pre arrange a mini van to take you to the Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal) if not, then just go to Metro Mall it is really close to the airport and you can do rle nice shopping there,..../They have a free service from the airport to Metro Mall you can ask once you arrive.
Answered by JORGE ENRIQUE QUINTERO MENA , Panama, Panama
WE CAN ARRANGE A TOUR ALL OVER PANAMA CITY , CANAL, CASCO ANTIGUO, SHOPPING, DINNER PANAMA FOOD, AND MUCH MORE
Answered by kevin obrien , Panama City, Panama
Our city our is ranked as one of the best. Check us out, barefootpanama
We could even combine part city/part jungle of you want to get into the jungle to see some wildlife and/or visit an indian village.
I run trips for school groups all the time..
Answered by Ken Chen , San Francisco de Caleta, Panama
Pre-arrange with some local tour operator to give you a tour of the city. Panama city is not that big and the principal places worth seeing at the city are quite close. for up to 4 persons a normal taxi (not tourist taxi) would charge about 12 an hour, you'll need three hours at least to visit: The Panama Canal Museum at the Miraflores Locks, the museum, just in front of one of the canal locks would allow you to see how the whole process of transfering a ship from one side to the other on one lock looks like. It's really worth. Afterwards you can go to the Causeway, a road built by the americans that joins three islands at the entrance of the Canal, it's as close as to be to a beach and the city skyline is worth for pictures. After you can choose between going to El Casco Viejo, the historical quarter of the city for a walk and some handmade icecream or going to a shopping mall, Albrook has the most variety of brands and really good prices. Good luck!
Answered by Arturo Wong , Panama City, Panama
Depending on the arrival time, absolutely Metromall would be the best option to spend some time.
Answered by Federic , Panama City, Panama
Pre-arrange or made de arragement by youself. But you need a transportation and someone that know the city. Panama city is not that big everything is relatively close. The Panama Canal Museum, Summit Gardens, Miraflores Locks, shoping mall. You can get a lunch or dineer in Mostaza Restaurant in the Casco Antiguo, there you can made a reservation for the group, or just eat in any american franchise in Panama.
Comment by Carlos R Hernandez from Bella Vista, Panama
in 12 hours there is time to do a combination of trips: A visit of Panama City in order to know the most important areas of the city and have one good idea of Panama and pay a visit to the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks and see how the big ship pass from one lock to another level wihile they cross the canal, and from there make an organize trip by land and motor boat canoe to one of the Embera Indigenous group.There is a serious tour operator that I recomend to organize that because their expereince dealing with young students, their site is www.DestinoNatureza.com or contact then at director@destinonatureza.com
Jun 02, 2011