We took a morning tour of the urban park within Panama City on Wednesday March 11 with our guide Carlos U. Acosta. The tour was great, very enjoyable and informative. The tour guide was wonderful. We learned a lot about the park, the environment, the history of Panama. Thank you!
Best, Patrick McGilligan & Tina Daniell from Milwaukee, Wisconsin U.S.A. (March 2020)
Thank you so much for all your hard work and efforts with our group 2020. Everything went perfect. Your choices of restaurants, hotels, and tours were just what we needed. Both guides were truly professionals, and treated everyone with dignity. I speak for everyone when I say it was a good value, a pro operation and a great time for all. Muchas gracias!
Rob & Donna (February 2020)
Buenos Dias, Hernan. Thanks for the great guiding. We re-watched last night the Bourdain episode that featured you and your red bandana. My brother, Charles Duhigg, and his wife, Liz Alter and their two kids, Oliver and Harry, really appreciated the tour. The cafeteria we had lunch at was a highlight since it was a true Panamanian experience. Ciao.
David Duhigg and Toni Martorelli (April 12, 2019)
All of our Ancon transports were ready and waiting, very nice men...We all loved the Canal Tour. Kenny was the most wonderful tour guide, we got along great and learned a lot about everything and everywhere that we went. We loved the entire day and lunch was delicious. The canal should not be missed, everyone that we met that went to the canal on the Pacific side said how crowded it was, our day was just perfect. The train might be nice but truly we loved the van and private tour....San Blas was Michael's favorite day of all. George and I enjoyed it, Patrick not at all. I am glad we went even though it is a very long day. Geroge's favorite part was the Guna village tour, it is fascinating. I bought a lot of bracelets, much cheaper on the islands than anywhere else.
Comerford Family (January 2019)
We are happy back at home and I will thank you very much for your professional service, guiding and nice atmosphere during our staying in Panama - the best guide Richard send him our best regards:)) We are going to advice your agency as the best in Panama. Thank You!!!!
Gosia Koczot (Nov 2018)
“Panama was truly wonderful. Rich Cahill with Ancon Expeditions was excellent - as were their transportation people - Rene and Nicolas! Thank you for all of your help with the trip. The tours were all wonderful!”
Donna Roberts (Nov 2016)
"I can't even begin to thank you for your help with planning this trip to Panama. David and I had an amazing memory. We LOVED Las Clementinas . The hotel staff was personable, location was awesome and Casco Viejo was so much fun to explore. Even the hotel restaurant was top notch. The head chef from Spain had won Michelin awards and the food showed. Breakfast was down the street at this awesome artsy restaurant. Loved visiting the Biodiversity Museum, Panama History Museum, causeway, French Embassy, the ruins, downtown with all the sky scrapers to mention a few. Biodiversity Museum was a must do for us. We LOVED it and learned a lot.
Ancon Expedition drivers were professional, knowledgeable and personable. They arrived early and we enjoyed speaking with them. What a great company! They made the trip run like clock work.
The Gamboa Resort was also awesome. We did the night safari tour, the arial tram, butterfly and orchid tours. I only wish we had one more day there because I wish we could have fit in the Embera Indigenous Village. We could see them from the 90 foot tower we climbed in the rainforest. That tour looked awesome. We needed to schedule that a day ahead.
The Panama Canal partial transport, the Miraflores Lockes Museum was definitely a highlight, So fascinating to be on a boat in the canal and then to see it operationally from the museum was unforgettable. What an amazing engineering accomplishment.
Lastly our stay at Playa Bonita. The Westin hotel pools we definitely took advantage of. It was great watching the many pelicans diving into the water fishing for food. As for the beach it wasn't super but it was a great way to end the trip. We also signed up for the all inclusive for meals that one day which my son totally enjoyed the endless trips to the buffet and all meals and drinks were included. They also did a beautiful decorated brownie surprise in our room for David on his birthday. We had our celebratory margaritas there to toast our birthdays and an amazing memorable trip.
So glad that Jan told me about you. You were so helpful in planning this trip and we did a lot in just 7 days. I hope to call on you again and will definitely recommend you to friends.
Thank you so much for helping me make a memory with my son. We honored our big birthdays and I got to experience Mothers Day in Panama. I can't wait to plan another trip. Time to get busy on my bucket list too."
Maria Chanin (December 2015)
“We had a FABULOUS trip last week - Each day tour was great and our guides were exceptional … It was such a great trip, we want to come back but would not want to do it alone!!!! Ancon should be a necessary travel partner for anyone coming to Panama. Ancon staff made our trip just PERFECT!!! Everyone we dealt with really made us feel special”
Janet Robb
Little Rock, Arkansas
March 17, 2015
"Estimada Michelle,
Aprovechamos esta ocasión para agradecerle a Usted como representante de ANCON por una temporada extraordinaria en su hermoso país. Los detalles del viaje fueron perfectamente organizados, y todas las excursiones inolvidables. Gracias a nuestros guías expertos tuvimos la experiencia de ver el águila harpía, el quetzal, y muchos lugares famosos de Panamá, sin necesidad de preocuparnos con transporte, etc. Queremos reconocer que conocimos a muchos panameños amables y muchos sitios diversos durante nuestra estancia. Muchísimas gracias por su atención."
Andrea & Chet Dunbar
“We are home from a most enjoyable trip. Thanks so much for putting it together. We were particularly fortunate to have Hernan Arauz as our guide. Not only did we get a wonderful insight into nature, but also learned much history, geography, and culture. We learned a lot about Panama’s early history, but only passing references to its more recent relations with other countries, including the USA. Very well done.
Thanks again to you for your work and to Hernan for his great leadership on our trip and for his imagination, such as coming up with the Lebanese dinner – another highlight. Good work!”
Ned Lampkin (USA)
"We transited the Panama Canal, we saw some Quetzals inBoquete, we experienced a laid back seaside town at Bocas - it was a great and memorable week! Thanks also, for your assistance. You were always very prompt to respond to all my requests and inquiries as we were setting up the trip. I was impressed by how responsive you were."
Jim Morgan (USA)
"I finally got a chance to write you this e-mail regarding our experience in Panama. Both my husband John and I had a wonderful time with all the activities that you put together for us. The guides were well informed about your country, and the places we visited. Their hospitality was very caring, and they paid attention to details. Please expend our deepest thanks to all of them from Hernan to Ivan- our last guide. We fell in love with Boquete and plan to visit there soon. [...] Roland was truly wonderful taking us through the mangroves, snorkeling, and we did Kayak to the beach. Our last two days at the Causeway was amazing. We got to bike, take long walks by the waterways. We arrived on the 31th to a very cold weather pattern and wished that we could turn around and fly back to Panama. If your company needs references, please do not hesitate to use us. We will be very happy to respond to them.
Once again, Thank you and may 2014 bring all of you a very happy and healthy year. John and I are getting very excited about the twins boys arrival. We will now have four grandkids!
Take Care
Esther Chardavoyne (USA)
"Jim MorWe had a wonderful experience; fantastic food, exceptional guides, beautiful country."
Mike Webber & Maureen Laverty, USA
"Bocas Inn from Ancon Expeditions of Panama is a great hotel. Jose and Livingston were great great guides and all vehicles and transfers and drivers were good. We hope to be able to go back and go to the Darien next time. I have already recommended Ancon Expeditions of Panama to others – great time – thank you."
Lori and Bob, (USA)
"We are having the most wonderful time in Panama! I can't thank you enough for everything you have done to give us a beautiful experience here. Hernan is a fantastic guide -- so knowledgeable about everything -- natural science, history, culture, etc. Dorothy was so happy to learn from him about the various plants and birds at the Summit Botanical Garden -- and the Panama Canal, of course, is a thrilling experience -- wonderful visitor center at Miraflores Locks! The lunch at Casco Viejo was absolutely delicious, and he gave us a chance to purchase a few molas and basket items at the open market there. The old city ruins were interesting too, though by that time Joseph and Dorothy were getting tired and ready to head home to our hotel overlooking the canal. We love watching the boats of all sizes coming and going from our balcony -- this hotel is a good quiet and peaceful location for us, with a full breakfast, A/C and free wifi too. Also, Andy is a great driver and very nice -- we were glad he was driving us."
Libby Bottero (USA)
"Hello Melanie, just writing back to let you know that we had a wondeful vacation. Both my wife and I loved the country, the people and the careful trip organization. Panama felt safe, clean and welcoming. We loved the country! We only hope that the incredible growth and construction going on is done in a sustainable fashon to complement and not spoil the great resources the country has to offer. The people were wonderful. We loved all of our guides and hosts, from the day tour guides in Panama City to Ersilia and Livingston in Bocas. They were all friendly, knowledgeable and respecting of the environment. While we did leave tips as per recommendations, we never felt pressed to do so. The trip was perfectly organized. Everything worked as clockwork, we were timely greeted in all transitions. We loved the places we visited and the packed plan allowed us to make the most of our only 4 days in the country. We felt we have seen a lot, while at the time still having some down time to relax. The mostly private trips allowed us to move at our pace and leisure. We loved the experience and we would definitely recommend Ancon Expeditions to our friends. As a matter of fact, there are a few friends that are considering coming to Panama and we may refer to you in the next year or so. Thanks! Manlio"
Manlio Vecchiet, USA/Italy
"We were very impressed with the efficiency of your company. Guides arrived on time, as planned, and all were most helpful, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile to give us what we wanted.All accommodations were great. I enjoyed the food at the local cafes. Never have I been to such a clean and safe country south of the border. Never did I feel uncomfortable when we were out by ourselves. We met friendly helpful people everywhere we went - from the waiter in Panama City who told me what the Spanish menu meant in English to the airlines check-in clerk.Thanks for a great once in a lifetime journey"
Paul & Donna Hayes, USA
"A very enjoyable experience in a hidden gem of a country made the better by the quality of Ancon's service."
Philip Haines, Great Britain
"I was very impressed with the professionalism of all the folks we interacted with, be it the tour guides, drivers, or agents in the office. Everything went very smoothly and without any problems whatsoever."
Ricardo Gelman, USA
"Hi Katiana, I am emailing to thank you so much for all the wonderful organisation you have done for us for the hotel booking, the canal trip and the San Blas Island tour. Everything has gone very smoothly including the transfers. We appreciate all the work you have done and please pass on our thanks and congratulations to Ancon Expeditions personell for the professional way our tours and accommodation have been handled. Thanks for keeping in touch with me by email and letting us know the time changes when we got to the hotel for pick up. We have enjoyed our stay in Panama and you are a wonderful ambassador for your country. With muchas gracias."
Angie McErlean, Australia
"The tours were what we had hope for, all staff from sales personal, tour guides and drivers were very kind and courteous and would without hesitation use Ancon Expeditions for any future trips to Panama."
Arthur & Margaret Huffman, Canada
“I greatly appreciated my stay in Panama and the tour with Ancon Expeditions of Panama. The program was nicely organized, with very friendly and efficient drivers and guides. Be all of them thanked for their services. Very professional guides providing valuable information on the natural environment, flora and wild life. Nice time.”
Pascal Mimero, France
“Ancon Expeditions of Panama did an outstanding job of creating a tour just for the four of us that allowed us to see the best of Panama in a short time. You guys did a great job of customizing a package for us at a reasonable price, and the quality of the guides and drivers was outstanding. Everything was so professional and well done, we will recommend Ancon Expeditions of Panama to our friends. Great job, especially Melanie.”
Jerry Ribnick, USA
“Wonderful service; everything worked like clockwork. Everyone was very friendly.”
Hanna Bloomfield, USA
“Ancon Expeditions have helped me as a photographer to see and photograph birds, animals, landscapes, and other wildlife in urban, and remote and wild areas of Panama. Their logistics are excellent. Ancon Expeditions have excellent naturalist guides with broad knowledge beyond only the nature of Panama; in addition they have very high level of ethics.”
Øyvind Martinsen, Norway
“Happy New Year to our friends at Ancon Expeditions. Hello Marco, this is just a quick note to say thank-you for the wonderful experience our family had on our trip to Panama. The quality and kindness of your staff went beyond our wildest expectations and we are so happy we chose your company. Please pass on an especially big thank-you to Al, who went above and beyond on all levels to make our trip such a success. The trip to Panama was everything we had hoped for and more, there was so much to see and do, we were never bored and we only toured a small portion of the country. Above all, it will be the little extras that made the trip so memorable; Al and Tony taking us shopping at a local store when the airline forgot our luggage, the wonderful quality of the lunches, the up close view of the Gatun lock, the chocolates that Al brought for the boys during our drives, the boat ride on the lake with the picnic lunch, the crossing of the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge and the grocery shopping trip on the way to Gamboa. If we were to do the trip over again, the only thing I would change is to add another day to tour more of Panama City. Since nothing says thank-you like a goofy picture I am attaching "Dread Pirate Kevin and his trusty sidekick Al the Guide attack the fort at Portabello". Hopefully the picture will bring a smile to the office. Again, thank-you so much and have a Happy New Year.”
The Qualter family: Adam, Jennifer, Kevin and Jonathan, Canada
“Hi Katiana, I hope you are well. My friend, Molly and I just returned to California after 10 wonderful days in Panama. We LOVED it. I just want to send you and your company an email to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Bocas Inn last week. Hercilia was fabulous and made our stay very memorable. She took very good care of us! We originally scheduled two nights at Bocas Inn 6/1 - 6/3, but we stayed until 6/5. Hercilia, Orlando, and everyone else that works at Bocas Inn are the best and we were sad to say good-bye to all of them on Friday. We look forward to returning to your Inn very soon and we have already told friends how much we loved Bocas Inn. We will write a recommendation Trip Advisor as well, but I wanted to send you a personal email as well.
Many thanks and have a good day!”
Jennifer Crist, USA
"We had inquired about similar tours with other tour companies and we're so happy our friends recommended you to us!"
Nilda Chong, USA
“A quick note to Ancon Expeditions of Panama thanking you for a great tour. Ivan -- on behalf of Julie, Ryan, Georgia, Kristie and Darcy we want to say thank you to you and Ulrich. We had a great time. Panama is amazing. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Let me know if you are ever in Oregon (Portland) - Washington (Leavonworth) - give us a ring. I can be your tour guide around Portland and Ryan and Julie are fun and would definitely enjoy seeing you should you ever make it to Leavonworth. Take care and thanks again!”
Darcy, USA
“Hassle free and very interesting and fun. Organized. No glitches, helpful guides. The place in Bocas Del Toro was only fair, the Gamboa Rainforest was fabulous and Panama City was nice.”r
Robert Karasov, USA
