Long rated one of the best hostels in Panama, Hostel Mamallena should be your choice for a hostel in Panama City. One of the only hostels in Panama City in a large colonial style house, this is where you will get to experience the real Panama. Perejil(Close to La Exposicion in the Lonely Planet) was once one of the most upmarket areas of Panama City, now it's a middle class area with tree lined streets and a peaceful atmosphere.
It's managed to avoid the Americanisation of El Cangrejo and the poverty and subsequent gentrification of Casco Viejo, but still be within easy walking distance of the best that Panama City has to offer. Close by is one of Panama City's main streets with transport options to everywhere you want to go. A minutes walk will get you to some great budget eating options, a few more minutes and you'll be in the best shopping area of Panama City.
Walk out of the hostel and 50 metres away is Via Espania, the main street of Panama City. Walk along here for 10 minutes and you´ll hit Panama City´s principle budget shopping area, Avenida Central. It´s full of bargains and full of life, walk 15 minute along here and you´ll find Panama City´s only pedestrian shopping street. It´s packed with food stalls, budget shopping and lots of people enjoying the sun.
Not much further away you'll find all the best tourist attractions in Panama City and the best nightlife in Panama City. Jump on a bus and in a few minutes you´ll be in Casco Viejo, take a different bus and you´ll be at the main bus station and the Albrook mall(the girls will love this place!). A 5 minute walk to the water and you´ll be at the Cinta Costera, Panama City´s newest attraction. This is a park right on the main waterfront that has really changed Panama City. It´s great for an early evening walk to really experience the city. Panama City isn´t that big, everything you´ll want to see is either a short walk, a short bus ride or a short taxi ride away. And it´s all cheap!
Here at the hostel you'll also get all the information you need about going to homestays and sailing in the San Blas. Thats one of the most popular destinations in Panama and you really need to check it out. Imagine white sand beaches and palm trees. If you´re wanting the adventure of sailing to Cartagena then we have the most comprehensive list of captains and departures of any hostel in Panama.
Panama is a great, and safe country to travel in, it's also pretty cheap. But you'll probably want more information about where to go and what to do. Here's some sites that will help you figure out what there is in Panama and where there are other hostels. I'm sure you can find enough places to spend at least 2 months traveling in Panama.
Compared to Costa Rica and the rest of Central America, Panama is a very safe country. The odds of getting robbed are much less than Costa Rica. This could have something to do with the fact that the police are tough and don't look like boyscouts!!! But that doesn't mean that nothing will happen, you're traveling and it's an exciting business. You should have travel insurance shouldn't you? We're recommending World Nomads. They are some of the cheapest around, they cover nearly everything and the insurance period can be extended even while you're traveling. It's not that expensive and it could cost you more not to have it.
Heading north? Looking for a great adventure? Want to learn to sail? The tall ship ALLIANCE will be sailing from Panama to Isla Providencia in Colombia and then on to Belize. They have 6 places available for those who have the 15 days to spend leaning to sail. This is a great opportunity and it doesn´t come along often. This is the first time I´ve heard of a trip like this. The best is the price, $600 for the trip of a lifetime! You´ll be expected to work though, so don´t think it´s a pleasure cruise. You can´t be scared of hard work and hopefully you don´t get seasick! Contact us for more information.
Mamallena Opens in Boquete, and heres the first of our special offers.
We`re just announcing our first two special offers in Boquete. Habla Ya has long been one of the best language schools in Panama. We`re proud to announce that we`ve partnered with them and can offer all Mamallena clients a special 5% discount on all of their courses. They range from a couple of days to a few weeks. Check out their website then get in contact with us so we can make the arrangements.
Next we`re offering a special price on our dorm beds for anyone that volunteers at Boquete`s Paradise Gardens animal rescue centre. They`re a great facility and do great work. This is a chance to get cloise to some beautiful rescued monkeys, parrots and other local animals. Their website is www.paradisegardenspanama.com Volunteer there for a week or more and you can stay in a dorm for just $9 a night.
Mamallena Boquete
After weeks of extremely hard labour by the Mamallena crew, Hostel Mamallena, Boquete has now opened. OK, maybe it wasn`t SUCH hard labour but it kinda felt like it! Work will be an ongoing process but most of it is done. We`re located right on the main square of Boquete, just a few metres from the bus stop. You can`t get a better location. The building is great, it was built over 60 years ago and is nearly entirely built of wood. This has led to the odd few problems but that just adds to the character. Theres a total of 9 private rooms with private bathrooms and 2 without. Most rooms also have the capacity to sleep 3 or 4 people. Theres also 23 dorm beds spread over 5 rooms. Theres an upstairs balcony at the back looking out over the garden. Downstairs is the outside patio and garden, also the full kitchen, dining room and TV room. The front foyer is set out like a bar with seats around the counter which makes it great for socialising. We also have a full tour service and can book trips such as coffee tours, horseriding, motor scooter rentals and give advice on free hiking.
Prices are $27.50 for 2 people in a private room with bathroom, $37 for 3 and $44 for 4 people. Dorms are $11. This includes breakfast(the same all day pancake breakfast), free tea and coffee, WiFi internet and a TV room with Cable TV. Soon we`ll also be able to offer discounts at lots of local bars and restaurants. Service levels will be to the same standard as people have come to expect from Mamallena in Panama City.
Without a doubt this will be the best hostel in Boquete, both in terms of atmosphere and facilities. If you`re interested in a booking then contact us at mamallenaboquete@yahoo.com Just remember that the high season in Boquete is coming and reservations may be needed.
