Hello folks, new member.

[Lou]

I am flying in to PTY on the 30th, picking up a rental car and driving to Boquete Just plan on checking the place out and touring the countryside for a week as a possible resting spot for a year or so. So far my plan includes an airline ticket, a rental car and a country. Beyond that, I figure I’ll work it out when I get there.

Can anyone recommend a hostel that I could call home for a few days? I am a pretty low maintenance guy that can't live without WiFi. Also, I am bringing a GSM enabled phone and would like to pick up a sim card at the airport. Looking for full voice and data.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Bjorn Sefeldt]

http://http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298424-d1379465-Rev...

I have stayed at Hostal Boquete  River inn on 3 different trips...its inexpensive , very central and of course everybody has different ideas on what they like...next time back I will probably stay there again....its by the bridge , behind Romeros grocery and the park/square

 

also, I have always driven to El Valle (El Valle de Anton) on ea drive to 'overnight', its about 2 hrs from Tocumen airport....then leisurly get up next day visit around El Valle , then drive to David/Boquete....I have also driven down to one or two beaches along the way , like Santa Clara beach , its only a few km from the main road...get lunch...and I also have stopped in in Nata about 1/2 way? from El Valle to Santiago and looked at the church...a few blocks from the main road...its from 1522 ,the oldest chuech standing in the Americas...

[Lou]

I read your review, thanks!

[Bjorn Sefeldt]

also Nata church , if interested

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat%C3%A1,_Cocl%C3%A9

[Lou]

That sounds like a good plan. How long is the drive from the airport? I get in around 9 at night and was just going to get the car and find a local hotel then head out in the morning.

Rental car for 60 bucks a week, really?

[Bjorn Sefeldt]

from airport to El Valle about 1.5 -2 hrs dep on traffic...but once you are off the PanAmerican HWY , the curvy road to El Valle can be tricky at night...be careful (that goes for anywhere in Panama after dark if you dont know the roads)..the drive from Tocumen (PTY) to Boquete is about 6 hrs if you go direct...

my retals have been about $550-800 for my stays....7 to 10 days...the insurance is usually what gets you...

[Lou]

What am I missing here? 38 dollars for the week? That's with a national chain.

 

Pick-Up Date/Time: Tuesday, October 30, 5:00 PM
Drop-Off Date/Time: Wednesday, November 7, 6:00 AM

Vehicle Type: Economy

Features: Manual, Air Conditioning, Unlimited Mileage


1 Week @ 38.00/week
1 Day @ 8.00/day = $46.00
Estimated Taxes and Fees: $9.13
TOTAL ESTIMATED CHARGES: $55.13 (USD)
 

[Bjorn Sefeldt]

there are usually lots of extra charges...insurance etc. I rented from Alamo...all 3 times.

 

email them and ask for "all charges"...and insurances etc....if not you `ll be very surprised I think.

[Darlene Lindholm]

Bjorn's right.  We were certain we had all bases covered and even DID ask the rental company before arriving, and paid for everything in advance.  Still, the office in David insisted we get insurance through them and it was an additional $18.50 per day.  After over an hour trying to square this away, we ended up getting a taxi and went to Boquete in the dark and pooring rain.  Had quite a fight on our hands to get a refund once we returned to the US one month later.

[Lou]

Same thing has happened to me all around the States so why would I expect anything different?

 Thanks for the heads up. This way I won't feel nearly as abused when they start hosing me:)

[Leslie Barranger]

The rental car  company will charge PLENTYfor being"over mileage".  Unfortunately, you will be over mileage just from driving from PC to Boquete.

You get in at 9 pm, you can easily get to Albook mall to catch the midnight bus.  That will put you in Boquete about 6 am or so.  Take another small bus to Boquete...or a taxi will cost you about $25.  Have breakfast at Sugar n Spice, then go next door or contact Value Motors in Boquete for a rental car.  Have no idea bout his prices.

There are PLENTY of Hostels in town.  Once you get in Boquete, just about anybody you talk to will have a recommendation for a hostel. 

[John Clement]

If you take the bus be sure and bring a sweater. The a/c on the night buses are turned down low. 

[Mike]

I have rented with Value Motors, and they are quite reasonable - $250/week all inclusive. It will cost a bit more for a larger size car or one with 4WD.  Figure on starting at $40/day for a shorter rental period, also all inclusive - unlimited mileage, insurance, taxes.