What's Special About Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
In the middle of a rainforest at the Panama Canal, staying at Gamboa Resort is a great way to get close to nature. Don't miss the historic library, up the stairs in the lobby atrium, with books on Panama Canal history and the surrounding wildlife.
Guest Rooms at Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
150 guest rooms, suites and villas. I recommend the deluxe rooms overlooking the Chagres River. Large rooms with high ceilings, private balcony, hammock, large desk and TV armoire. The rooms are comfortable but lack a few creature comforts: a robe, in-room Internet, and conditioner (my hair scoffed at conditioning shampoo, especially in the humidity). The room could have used a refresh - I saw rust and mildew in the shower. Charming carvings of rainforest animals adorned exterior doors.
- Nightly rates from $135 for a one-bedroom Historic Villa; $195 for a River View room; suites from $400
- Compare rates on Kayak
Dining at Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
Corotu Restaurant had a breakfast buffet every morning with fresh fruit, American and Continental breakfasts, and pastries. Casual lunch and dinner is also served here. In nice weather, enjoy the outdoor seating overlooking the Chagres River and the rainforest beyond. Next door and with a matching view is the Chagres Riverview Restaurant, which offers fine dining, seafood and steaks. A shuttle ride away, Los Lagartos serves lunch a la carte or from the buffet in an open-air setting right on the river.
Kid-Friendly Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
It's the setting and the activities both at the resort and in the rainforest that make this a memorable destination for families with older children. Families can opt for a Junior Suite, which has a living area and king bed below, and a loft-style second floor with two twin beds and an extra bathroom.
Activities at Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
Activities are extra but worth it. The Aerial Tram Tour travels a mile through the rainforest canopy, ending at an observation tower overlooking the Panama Canal. The resort's ecological exhibits include a butterfly and reptile house and an orchid garden. The Monkey Island Tour explores Gatun Lake, ending at an island inhabited by a family of Capuchin monkeys. Known among birdwatchers, Gamboa has over 300 species of birds spotted by guests. Fishing, hiking and boating tours are available. My favorite was a hike and canoe ride to the Embera Indian tribe, where we had lunch and danced with the tribe.
Meetings at Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
Gamboa is a unique destination for smaller-scale meetings, with nearly 15,000 square feet of meeting space including a ballroom and outdoor event space. The resort can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
Location of Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
At the Chagres River and the Panana Canal, 17 miles from Panama City and the Pacific Ocean, 35 miles from Tocumen International Airport. Compare Flights
Contact Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
Gamboa Rainforest Resort at the Panama Canal, Parque Nacional Soberania, Cristobal, Provincia de Colon, Panama.
Phone: 011-507-314-9000, toll-free from U.S. (877) 800-1690
Web site: Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Facilities at Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
Business center, spa, fitness center, two tennis courts, marina, small video arcade, swimming pool, swim-up bar.
Guest Reviews of Gamboa Rainforest Resort:
Like many of you, I'm pretty familiar with what the rainforest is like. I've seen rainforest exhibits at the zoo, watched specials on TV, and contributed to organizations that work to save the rainforest. But staying in the middle of a rainforest? That was something I had to try...read moreHave you stayed in Gamboa Rainforest Resort? What did you think? Add your comments here.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
