I’ve gone down to the city a few times, as there’s nowhere up here to get fresh groceries (only a mini market that has packaged items/pantry staples.) I rented a car for a week at one point also so I could explore a few different areas. You can go from the northern beaches to the Gamboa rain forest to the city and back up into the mountains in one day! It’s been a cool place to explore nature.
I have found that if you contact an AirBNB owner, especially for a property that isn’t marked as “usually booked!” or whatever, they will reduce their rate quite a bit for a long-term stay.
I am currently in Panama staying in a cabin in a beautiful national park, up in the mountains, an hour from Panama City - for $650/month. Typically the place I’m staying rents for $80/night. The owner averaged his bookings during this time of year and offered me a great deal to stay here for two months.
Interesting! I have only really stayed in Panama and Costa Rica, and have had good luck in both countries. The Central American people I’ve stayed with are amazingly friendly and kind.