Gamboa Rainforest Resort

This place is about 15yrs past when renovations should have been done. The furniture in our room was clearly from the 80's and has not worn well at all. The grounds are well kept, and the staff is very friendly. The common areas were hot and humid all the time. The location is remote and you are limited to what's available at the resort for food and entertainment. After several meals, we determined that the highest ratings begin would be about a 2.5 out of 5 stars. Most of the food served tasted as if it was old and reheated. The drinks were weak. The remote location had us feeling trapped, as the nearest restaurant was atleast 20mins away. Although this is labeled as a wildlife reserve, we saw very little wildlife. Having been to other reserves in nearby Costa Rica and Colombia I was soon wondering why I was there. In the evenings, there was absolutely nothing to do. No entertainment provided, television in Spanish, and nowhere to go. I strongly do not recommend staying here. I cut my stay short and left a day early.

Although we didn’t stay at the hotel, we stopped by for lunch and to experience the famous tram tour. The hotel itself is beautiful, full of history, and enjoys a spectacular location with breathtaking views. Lunch was good without being exceptional, but the real highlight was the rainforest tram experience. The ride is both exciting and incredibly peaceful as the tram glides quietly through the forest, stopping every now and then to give everyone time to appreciate the surroundings and learn more about the rainforest. After the tram ride, there is a walk up to the observation platform. There are no stairs, but it is still a bit of a climb. The effort is well worth it, as you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the rainforest canopy. From the viewpoint, you can watch ships passing through the Panama Canal and see the river that supplies water to the canal. One suggestion for improvement would be to make this final climb more accessible for older visitors and those with limited mobility. Providing wheelchairs or a shuttle service for this section would allow many more people to enjoy the spectacular viewpoint. At present, some older guests may simply be unable to make the climb. If you happen to spot some wildlife, the experience becomes even more memorable. We were delighted to see a toucan, and it was absolutely magnificent—a highlight of our visit. We received a discounted price of $30 per person, which we felt was good value. However, at the regular admission price, we would probably consider it a bit expensive. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. If you appreciate nature, beautiful scenery, and a touch of adventure, the tram ride is definitely worth considering.

An excellent plan to enjoy as a couple.