Panama Cruise: Which Ports Offer Things To Do Near the Port

[ajtraveler66]

We are looking at a Panama Canal cruise for late January/early February.  That said, it's always good to know which ports have great things to do relatively near the port (without the need to look for an excursion outside of the port area).  Things we'll be looking for:  beaches, casual restaurants.  We aren't into shopping.  And architectural treasures are only a possible option.   Here are the ports:  Cartagena, Colombia; Panama City (Pacific Cruise Terminal); Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Mazatlan, Mexico.

 

Please feel free to offer any thoughts on what you think are 'must do's'.  

 

Thanks.

[CruiserBruce]

32 minutes ago, ajtraveler66 said:

We are looking at a Panama Canal cruise for late January/early February.  That said, it's always good to know which ports have great things to do relatively near the port (without the need to look for an excursion outside of the port area).  Things we'll be looking for:  beaches, casual restaurants.  We aren't into shopping.  And architectural treasures are only a possible option.   Here are the ports:  Cartagena, Colombia; Panama City (Pacific Cruise Terminal); Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Mazatlan, Mexico.

 

Please feel free to offer any thoughts on what you think are 'must do's'.  

 

Thanks.

There are ports boards for all the Mexican ports (Mexican Rivera board) with all sorts of info on what to do in each port. There is a Colombia board and a Guatemala board.

[Essiesmom]

My favorite port is Puerto Quetzal, but it’s a long bus ride to Antigua.  But so worth it if you are into history, ruins, culture.  The Mayan people reminded me of the hill tribes of Thailand.  EM

[BillB48]

Cartagena- The only thing real near the port is the little shops and a decent collection of birds.  The area around the port while it doesn't look too bad... you never know.  Architecturally speaking your best bet would be the walled city.  Too far to conveniently walk.

 

Ft. Amador for Panama City- Maybe they will have things sorted out by then and there are some eating spots on Perico Island where the cruise terminal is located.  Might be a walk as the last time I was there the eateries were on the opposite side of the island from the terminal.  Casco Antiguo, Panama City's old walled section is also a cab ride.

 

Puerto Quetzal- See Essiesmom's comment.

 

Puerto Vallarta- Some things available in the port area, probably a better selection if you go down to the Malecon.  It is real easy to get your Wal Mart fix if you feel culturally deprived.

 

Cabo- Lots of places to grab a bite in the port area and I am sure you can get to the beach without jumping through hoops.

[Ashland]

The port at Cartagena has one of the best bird/animal exhibits we've seen. We enjoyed spending time there and then took a taxi to the walled city. This is so easy to do on your own.

Then when you're ready to return to the port take a taxi back.

 

Cabo, PV and Mazatlan so easy to also do on your own. 

Be careful in Acapulco though.