Page 203 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

DaviD anD the Chiriquí LowLanDs Chiriquí and Veraguas 201
geTTing arOund 5
By taxi Taxis are plentiful and should not cost more than airport; a good local operator is Arrendadora Económica
$2–3 for a ride in town. (T229 5257).
By car Most of the major rental chains have offices at the
inFOrMaTiOn
Tourist information The tourist office (Mon–Fri airport (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; T775 3163).
8.30am–3.30pm; T775 2839), on C Central between avs 5 Immigration and consular services The Costa Rican
Este and 6 Este, is friendly and courteous but thin on consulate (Mon–Fri 9am–1pm; T774 1923) is in Torre del
information. Banco Universal, C “B” Norte and Av 1 Este; Panamanian
MIA office For the latest information on Chiriquí’s several immigration (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; T775 4515) is on C “C”
national parks, contact the MIA office, on the road to the Sur near Av Central.
aCCOMMOdaTiOn
A broad range of good-value accommodation exists in David, most of it near the city centre. Even so, it’s difficult to get a
room during the Feria Internacional de San José de David (see box, p.198) and the festival periods in Boquete (see box,
p.184). The places reviewed below all have hot water and a/c.
★ Bambú Hostel C Virgincita, San Mateo T730 2961, hammocks and a decent-sized swimming pool – though
Wbambuhostel.com. Further out than most places, the caged toucan might upset some visitors. French,
though within reach of amenities on C “F” Sur. Appealing English and Spanish spoken. Dorms $11, doubles $33
both to mellow-minded folk and party enthusiasts, this Hotel Gran Nacional C Central and Av 1 Este T775
place offers en-suite dorm bunks, and private rooms, both 2221. Before the arrival of the Hotel Ciudad de David, this
with excellent mattresses, as well as cheaper beds was the top hotel in town with marble lobby to match.
protected by mosquito nets in a wood-and-bamboo jungle Recently refurbished rooms are stately, furnished with
house. The standout feature is the lush tropical garden flatscreen cable TV and other mod cons. There’s also a bar,
containing a small pool with rancho bar and open kitchen; pool, 24hr casino, cinema and three restaurants.
plus there’s a table-tennis table out front. Dorms $11, Promotions offer huge discounts. Buffet breakfast included.
doubles $35 $193
Chambres en Ville Av 5 Este between C “A” Sur and C Hotel Toledo Av 1 Este, between C “D” Norte and C “E”
“B” Sur T775 7428, Wchambresenville.info. A good Norte T774 6732. Handy for the bus terminal, this clean,
choice for couples and mature travellers, with cosy, if dark comfortable hotel offers good value, with firm beds, cable
en-suite private rooms enlivened by colourful murals. The TV and friendly service. There’s an on-site bar-restaurant
large open-air kitchen leads to a fruit-filled garden, with (closed Sun). $35
eaTing
★ Entrepan C “D” Norte between Av Central and Av 1 There’s a friendly atmosphere, and it’s a real favourite with
Oeste T787 0560. Delicious fresh juices, gourmet salads, Davideños. You can choose from grilled meat, poultry and
wraps and deli-sandwiches, including mozzarella, smoked seafood mains (from $9) – try the pescado parmesano – or
ham or pulled pork. The almuerzo del día ($6.50) consists of a selection of burgers and sandwiches. The quality can
a flavoursome soup plus sandwich and drink. The quality suffer when it gets busy. Mon–Sat 11.30am–11pm, Sun
and professional service is no surprise given that a top chef 11.30am–9pm.
is at the helm. Mon–Sat 11am–9pm. ★ Restaurante Bocachica C “A” Sur between
Multi-Café No. 2 C “A” Norte between Av 2 Este and Av avenidas 4 and 5 Este T730 4057. Favoured by university
3 Este T774 5236. Modern self-service restaurant with students drawn by the cheap beer, the pleasant elevated
a/c and parking that attracts a busy weekend crowd. There’s patio here is a prime spot to tuck into tasty, good-value
a vast array of local and international staples on offer, each dishes, with seafood a speciality (mains $10–12). Daily
rarely more than $5, with omelettes for breakfast. 11.30am–10pm.
Mon–Sat 7am–8pm, Sun 7am–3pm. Restaurante La Típica Av 3 Este and C “F” Sur T777
Restaurante Bar El Fogón Av 2 Oeste, between C “C” 10780 Busy, no-nonsense Chinese-Panamanian cafetería
Norte and C “D” Norte T775 7091. Recently expanded, serving palatable food around the clock at reasonable
spacious and airy restaurant, painted in warm colours. prices. A reliable budget choice. Daily 24hr.

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