Gamboa Rainforest Resort

We were very excited about our stay here. At first everything was great, but we soon discovered rusty sinks, no light covers, & cracked paint in our bathroom.( I took pictures). I could have lived with this. But from the start of our stay we were treated like third class guests. We had lunch in one of their restaurants. We were told it would cost $ * for two buffets. It came out to $*. We left, and a couple of hours later a man was hunting us down demanding we pay the full balance right there. I was horrified. I told him I would go to my room and give him cash. When I called the front desk to reconfirm the amount, the desk attendant hung up on me! While this resort has beautiful grounds, and a world class location, I would never recommend it. You should also know that most of the eco exibits cost extra money to see, so be prepared.

We were in Panama City for the first leg of the trip. If you don't speak spanish... don't go... The Gamboa Resort was quite beautiful and all the staff spoke enough english fo us to get by. They had lots of activiites and GREAT sangria. Compared to the rest of Panama the meals were pretty pricey. All in all it was a decent deal and a good time.

Beautiful setting along a river abutting the Panama Canal. Many activities available both day and night to help explore the rainforest and learn about the Canal and the sorrounding National park. Monkeys and Sloths can be discovered with little effort around the grounds and along the river or with a quick visit to the pipeline road area. The Charges river and sorrounding forests boast many species of colorful and song producing birds.Turtles, lizards and the world's largest rodent are all there for your pleasure. A comfortable breeze always seemed to accompany the warm days and nights. The stars were vivid due to the lack of light pollution. A joy to just sit back and take in. Less then a hour from Panama City. Restaurant fair and staff friendly. Speaking some Spanish is helpful. Enjoyed the pool but it closed at sundown. Our room with twin bed loft fit our family perfect. If you want a river jungle experience, just minutes from the Panama canal this is the place.

The Resort and grounds are amazing! We went in September during the rainy season, so the hotel was nearly empty, but all restaurants and activities were still in service. It did rain a few times, but only for an hour or so, not all day. Maybe we were lucky. The service was very quick and efficient, but not overly friendly with the exception of the tour guides. The tour guides were extremely friendly and very knowledgeable about their county, animals, and fauna. Upgrade your room to the deluxe river view, it's worth it. Try to get above the 3rd floor. We saw toucans and parakeets from the VERY large balcony. Bring binoculars even if your not a bird watcher. If you go on the Monkey Island Tour - Save a few banana's from breakfast and bring them with you. The guides do not supply bananas. The aerial tram is a little pricey at $50 per person, but worth it.

My wife and I took our 1 year old for a relaxing vacation, she enjoyed the spa and I went fishing in the Panama Canal. Plenty of animals on sight at the resort along with several restaurants (try the pizza for 2). The staff was very friendly and the on-site activities were great, both ones for free and pay. We literally caught a 5 gallon bucket of fish! Sloth, monkeys, coiti, manatee and more can be seen on this adventure get away. And if you just want to relax, enjoy the pool with a Coco Gamboa (a coconut fresh from one of the resort trees filled with a great drink). We will go back again and are planning to have the entire extended family go!