In honor of this week’s World’s Grand Reopening Sale, we asked readers and staff to share their upcoming travel plans. We wanted to know which destinations were at the top of their travel bucket lists as COVID-19 restrictions loosen.
Our Office Manager, Iranovy Grenald, told us about her recent trip to Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, where she rode the 30-meter-high aerial tram. I interviewed her to get the inside scoop on her experience and what to expect from a trip to Panama’s first and only aerial tram…
Gabrielle:
Hi, Iranovy. Thanks for being here today and sharing your experiences with our In Focus: Panama readers. I’d like to start off by asking you this: What has travel looked like for you so far in 2021?
Iranovy:
It’s my pleasure to share my experiences with our In Focus: Panama readers.
After a year of not being able to travel, I really just wanted to feel the excitement of getting on a plane again, so I went to Chicago in early May because it was still a hassle to travel in other countries besides the States.
My flight to the States was a bit stressful because I realized I would be in a crowd. The fact that I had to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and departure was an extra expense, and I was nervous that it could be positive and that I would have to quarantine for 14 days.
I imagined security protocol at the airport and on the flight differently… not everyone was wearing a face shield and I was surrounded by other people on the flight.
Besides that, I enjoyed my mini-vacation in the States, and everything went well. But after that first travel experience out of my country after COVID-19, for now I prefer to just travel within Panama, maybe until next year. It’s less stressful and you save money by not having to do the tests.
Gabrielle:
You mentioned that you’ve been traveling within Panama since May. When we asked our staff and readers about their pending travel plans, you shared that you had recently visited the Gamboa Aerial Tram. Could you please talk about your experience riding the tram? What were the highlights of the trip for you?
Iranovy:
It’s an activity that has been pending for a while in my bucket list, so I took advantage of a promotion and went there on a Sunday. The Gamboa facilities are all about nature, trees, wildlife, and you really feel connected to it. It’s a nice experience because you can relax while admiring the view and breathing fresh air. You’re surrounded by tall trees, and you can see and hear animals, too.
Gabrielle:
Did you see any wildlife or plant life that caught your attention? In your response you mentioned that the tramway is nearly 30 meters above ground. What’s the view like from up there?
Iranovy:
You can see birds flying around; I saw a Toucan at the top of the tower. I also heard howler monkeys, and from far away I saw a sloth at the top of a tree. While you are going up, you will see trees, plants, flowers… there were some red ones that caught my attention… they were a very beautiful color. When the ride ends, you can go up to the top of the tower for an amazing view. I could see the Chagres River and ships on their way to the Panama Canal. You can also see Soberanía National Park.
Gabrielle:
What other activities are there to do in Gamboa Rainforest Reserve besides the tram?
Iranovy:
They have different activities: a sloth sanctuary, butterfly farm, orchids, and a frog exhibition. There are a lot of walking trails, too, a night safari tour, bird watching, and expeditions at Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.
Gabrielle:
Is it an ideal attraction for families and people of all ages?
Iranovy:
Yes, the aerial tram is an activity for all ages… I think they have a minimum age for kids, but it’s an experience that doesn’t require much effort.
Gabrielle:
How should visitors prepare for the trip? What should they bring with them?
Iranovy:
You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring insect repellent, water, a camera, and a rain coat or umbrella. If you have rain boots, it might be a good idea to bring them depending on the weather.
Gabrielle:
How much does it cost to ride the tram?
Iranovy:
The regular cost is US$35, but they sometimes have promotions for 50% off. I’m not sure if there’s a separate price for foreigners.
Gabrielle:
How far is Gamboa from Panama City? What’s the best way to get there?
Iranovy:
Depending on which part of the city you’re in, it could take you 45 minutes to an hour to get to Gamboa. I usually use the route going toward Rod Carew National Stadium/Vía Centenario and then follow the road as if I’m going to Summit Municipal Park.
Gabrielle:
Are there any other places in Panama you’re planning to visit this year?
Iranovy:
Well, after my flight to Chicago, I went to Bocas del Toro in July for my birthday. In August I did sky diving in Chame and went to Bayano Caves. I started September by going to Boquete, Chiriquí, and this past weekend I visited Nueva Gorgona Beach. In the upcoming months I’d like to visit San Blas, the beaches of Colón, and the Pearl Islands.
Gabrielle Wells
Panama Insider
