Posts tagged Busses
5 Ways to Save Money Vacationing in Panama
Nov 2nd
Negotiation
The first thing that strikes a visitor to Panama is a taxi. They’re everywhere in Panama City and if you don’t watch out, you may get hit by one. Take caution when crossing streets where bozo cab drivers and reckless bus drivers always have the right of way. Keep in mind that because taxis don’t have meters in Panama, a ride, anywhere from two to thirty minutes should cost about $1-$2. Be sure to negotiate the fare with your driver beforehand so you’re not gypped at the end.
Restaurants
Panama City is a very cosmopolitan capital and the food/restaurant scene is ever-changing. Ever-evolving. While dining at several of the top, most expensive restaurants in the city can be a fun luxury, try to limit yourself. You’re on vacation and splurging is a must, also try to save money by asking locals where they like to eat. The street food and local establishments here are as authentic and cheap as they get. Grab yourself a roasted chicken or a watermelon water for less than a buck. Chances are, you’ll find your favorite dining experiences not from guidebooks or websites but from asking the people who know the country best. Its citizens.
Public Transportation
Renting a car for long journeys is the safe and comfortable option, but if funds are low, try using the country’s public transportation system. Busses leave from Albrook Terminal to almost every province and cost no more than a bottle of water. The taxi system too is extremely economical and relatively safe, so instead of hiring personal drivers or private transfers, give the busses and taxis a shot.
Hotels
Travel agents are making a comeback and in Panama there are a number of agencies who can find the best rates and availability without any extra fees. This will make the hassle, that is trying to get a room, vanish into thin air as you’re leaving the dirty work to the professionals. They can also book you in advance sometimes at a discounted rate. The last thing you want to do is show up in Panama City without a hotel room because you’ll probably get stuck with the “I’m a gringo and I am desperate for a room” rate which is usually through the roof.
The Unknown
Panama is an amazing country and you don’t can’t be holed up in an air-conditioned hotel suite to experience extraordinary tropical living. Check out areas in the Azuero Peninsula like Chitre, Pedasi, Tonosi, and Santiago where tours, food, and real estate is sometimes a quarter as expensive as the city. The people tend to be more friendly and the experiences seem to be more real. This takes some courage, but venturing into uncharted waters definitely paid off for some great people.
San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua a Charming Surfer and Fishing Village
Jan 27th
San Juan del Sur is a small fishing/surfer village in Nicaragua located in a beutiful beach inside an amazing cove that goes by the same name. The village overlooks the Pacific Ocean 60 km southwest of Granada and about 24 Km from Costa Rica’s northern frontier.
San Juan Del Sur is protected on 3 sides by majestic volcanic hills and on the one side by a pristine white sand beach. The weather is ideal almost all year long with a very short rainy season that occuras typically between December and March, but rarely lasts the entire season long.
This makes it an ideal location for snorkeling, diving, surfing and my favorite, deep sea fishing!
If you like to go for walks or mild hikes, I suggest you take a nice easy hike up the southern cliff att he southend of the beach, at the top you’ll find a lighthouse and the ruins of William Walkers fort. It’s an easy walk and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking!
San Juan del Sur is one of the most tourist oriented destinations in Nicaragua. The locals are very friendly and most speak a little english. The beachfront is set up a little like a boardwalk, with many reataurants and bars lining the beach, which makes for great barhopping at night.
Fishing boats fill the ocean inlet and there are even some commercial fishing boats and sailboats that are available to rent. Sometimes it’s fun just to go out and catch your dinner rather than merely buying fish and lobster from the incoming fishing boats! Some of the smaller reataurants will be more than happy to cook up your catch for you as well.
Overnight and weekly accommodations are plentiful and the village is an excellent vacation destination within easy driving distance to many Nicaragua attractions. Cabs are easy to find right downtown and the busses are very frequent and connect to most anywhere in Nicaragua.
Besides that, you’ll have the chance to see nature at its finest: dense forests, an abundance of sea life and (rare) birds. San Juan is also known for its turtle refuge sanctuary and this is the place to be during turtle season. Although, if you go to see the turtles, I highly recommend you go with someone who knows what they are doing.
San Juan’s principal resource is its perfect, protected harbor and its crescent beach, open to the setting sun and protected by El Indio (The Indian), who’s silhouetted face hides in the rocky cliffs on the north end of the bay.
Surf’s up, but so is foreign investment. Fortunately in San Juan del Sur, business and pleasure mix easily, usually over heaping plates of seafood, pasta, and fresh snapper. You’re sure to cross paths with the land sharks and the crazy band of checkbook-toting prospectors madly scouring the coastline for a piece of the pie.
Only in Granada is the interest greedier. Don’t let the frenzy sour your mood. The beach is clean and mellow and the evenings are rum soaked and full of stars.
Many people, especially younger tourists, love to spend time in this town just hanging out, relaxing, and enjoying the surf. For these types of activities, San Juan del Sur is a great place.
There are other more active things to do as well, five minutes from the city center you can find a canopy tour (Da Flying Frog). This is the longest canopy tour in Nicaragua and in addition to the adventure of gliding down the zip lines you can also enjoy some superb views of the bay of San Juan del Sur and the surrounding area.
Another good spot to take in a great view of the region can be found at the viewpoint. On a high cliff at the northern side of the bay there is a cross that marks this viewpoint. You can see it from the beach below and you can easily get there in car or by walking (5 minutes in car, 30 minutes walking). It is advisable to park the car just below the viewpoint, as the last part of the road is extremely steep and slippery, a 4×4 would do fine though.
Both to the north and to the south of the main cove in San Juan del Sur there are secluded beaches that are surrounded by tree-covered hills that give each beach a unique and private setting.
A great way to get a good idea of this magnificent coastline is by taking a sailboat ride along the coast. Not only can you see the beautiful hidden bays pass by along the ride, you can also see some magnificent animals in and around the water.
Birds like pelicans and frigates are plentiful, you’re likely to see sea turtles and be followed by dolphins and if you get really lucky you’ll spot one of the world’s largest mammals during the ride; Whales are regularly seen during the dry season, migrating along the coast!
All in all, San Juan Del Sur is a great vacation spot, highly recommended, affordable and memorable!
