How to Get the Cheapest Fare

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Traveling can get expensive but there are ways to help keep your travel costs down and make sure you get the cheapest fares available. Whether you are flying by boat, plane, train, or bus you should be able to cut way down on your travel expenses by taking some quick advice on getting the cheapest fares around.

One of the ways you can reduce your fares is by booking your trip in advance. Many companies will offer discounts to travelers that book their tickets 30 days or more in advance. This is especially true with airlines, and if you can book your trip even further in advance then you will find that your fares could be even lower.

If you are flying then you may want to consider flying on stand by. Many airlines offer discounts, or other forms of compensation such as free ticket vouchers for future flights, to passengers that agree to fly stand by. It can be difficult to schedule a trip around flying stand by, but the savings would make it worth the hassle.

There are two seasons in Panama (and especially Boquete). The “green” season is September through December, with the heaviest rains in October. Often mornings are clear with rain coming in the late afternoon. The “dry” season begins in January, making the best months to visit from January through August. Don’t forget that even in the green season daily temperatures are in a very comfortable range, from the high 60’s to high 70’s. No heater, no air conditioner, no hurricanes...no problem!

You will find two airports (one international, one regional) that serve Panama City. The international airport is called Tocumen (code PTY) and is located about 20 miles outside of the city. You will most likely enter the country here. The smaller, regional airport is located just outside of Panama City (near the canal zone). It is named Albrook and the airport code of PAC. This is where most flights depart and return from the David/Boquete area.

There is another way to get to David/Boquete. Some major airlines (American) service San Juan, Costa Rica (code SJO). and you can catch Air Panama from there to David. This is not always a great option unless you schedules mix nicely as there are limited flights with Air Panama.

The trip from Tocumen airport to Panama City costs about $25 via taxi or shuttle. You can also rent a car (the major players are available in the terminal, including Dollar and Thrifty), but beware of the wild traffic of that is everywhere in the city. We recommend EasyTravelPanama to pick you up, show you around, and get you to your hotel. From there taxis are just a few dollars to anywhere in the city - be sure to confirm the price first. Visit BoqueteLots.com for a great Spanish guide that will help your conversation.

Places to see in Panama City include the city center (great restaurants, casinos, shopping, etc), the Amador Causeway (walking, biking, canal-ship views, restuarants), Casco Viejo (the old town), the Panama Canal and it's fine museum. Panama has a low crime rate, but check with your hotel before heading out on your own, especially at night. Avoid the area around Chinatown (between downtown and Casco Viejo).

There are two airports that serve the Panama City area. The international airport (Tocumen - airport code PTY) is located about 20 miles outside of the city center. This is probably where you will enter the country. The smaller, regional airport located just outside of downtown (Albrook - airport code PAC) is where you will connect to flights to David. Departure times are somewhat limited out of Albrook, which is another good reason to spend a night, or two, in Panama City.


Note: There is another airfare alternative that skips Panama City. You can fly first into San Jose, Costa Rica (airport code SJO) then take Air Panama from there to David. This is not recommended unless your schedule from home fits nicely with the limited connecting flights on Air Panama.

Many travellers rent a car in Panama City (or at the airport) and drive to Boquete. Once you leave the traffic of the city the drive is actually quite nice. The Pan American Highway is in pretty good shape, with four lanes much of the way. That being said, daylight driving is recommended. Travel time is about six to seven hours.

The most common way to get to Boquete is to take the flight from Albrook in Panama City to David, then rent a car to drive up the mountain. The flight is only about an hour and connections vary. Be aware that luggage weights are strictly controlled on both Aeroperlas and Air Panama (about 30 pounds), so some people leave their "fancier" clothes at their hotel in Panama City and pick them up on the way home.

About David, Panama - Boquete's Industrial Center

The industrial center of David is where most of your major purchases will be made while living in Boquete. You will find grocery stores, restaurants and banks in Boquete, but will probably go to David for government offices, lawyers, Price Club (Costco), hardware, auto dealerships, building supplies and, yes, the Golden Arches. Spend an hour or two in David if your time allows and see what services are available.

On the Way to ... David and Boquete, Panama

At this point in your travels you will certainly be ready for the quiet and beauty that is Boquete, Panama. The sign for theturnoff in David from the Pan-American Highway is easy to see, but anyone can point you the way. It takes about 45 minutes to climb to 3000' where the city sits at the foot of the famous Volcan (volcano) Baru. If you get stuck behind a truck or bus, just mellow out and enjoy the view. The road is scheduled to be widened to four lanes soon.

As you head up the highway from David the majestic Volcn Baru will become visible. This is the highest point anywhere in Panama. You will never forget the view as your drop from the canyon rim into the little village of Boquete. However, here's a little reality check before you go into town... If you have been reading all the prose and poetry about Boquete in the press you may be expecting something like Napa or Sonoma in California's wine county. Boquete is a charming, yet funky, town typical of Latin America. Fear not! Have a look around, take a breath, and slow down. The friendly people will charm you immediately.


Most travelers prefer the scenic one-hour flight from Albrook Airport to David. Your two choices are Air Panama or Aeroperlas. You can then rent a car at the David airport from companies like Dollar, National, etc. Here’s a tip: Luggage weights are strictly controlled (about 30 pounds per person) on the regional airlines, and you may be charged for overweight bags. Consider leaving some items in a spare suitcase at your hotel in Panama City and pick them up on your return trip.

Now you may want to take a driving tour of the area. There are three main routes to explore, all of which eventually bring you back into town. The first (Volcancito) begins at the large visitor center (at the top of the hill before heading into the valley), goes around the base of the Volcan Baru, and brings you back into town via El Salto Road. For the second loop, bear right at the fork at the “top” of town, pass the Panamonte Inn (if the bridge has been repaired after the flood), drive up to the Palo Alto coffee-growing area, and then back into central Boquete. Don’t miss the Mi Jardin gardens just before you re-enter town. The third loop takes you across the bridge at the fairgrounds (near the central park again), up into the Jaramillo area, then back into civilization (passing the Los Establos Inn toward the end of the journey).

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