Lam Tours Panama — Local services in Coclé

My family, comprising of my wife, our 5-year-old son, and myself, recently chartered a catamaran for a three-night sojourn in the breathtaking San Blas Archipelago. Although the minimum booking was for three nights, I now wish we had extended our stay.

The logistical aspects were handled impeccably by Lam Tours, who facilitated our transfer from Panama City. One has to traverse mountainous and jungle terrain to reach San Blas, necessitating the use of a 4x4 SUV or truck. Lam Tours' fleet is well-equipped, and their drivers are seasoned navigators of these challenging routes.

Initially, I found the per-person cost to be on the higher side, but the round trip from Panama City to San Blas and back offered insight into the harsh toll the journey exacts on the vehicles. Moreover, the jungle road is presently under renovation and is not expected to be fully functional until late 2024 at the earliest.

I also want to commend Lam Tours for their efficient communication channels. They were highly responsive through WhatsApp and email, ensuring that all our queries and concerns were promptly addressed. The team, spearheaded by Judy and Michael, provided an unparalleled service, making them the best choice for journeys to San Blas.

However, I would advise travelers to brace for the long hours spent on the road to and from San Blas. The journey might be arduous, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a paradise untouched by the pressures of modern life. Patience, in this case, certainly delivers a...

On July 10, 2025, six of were driven from Panama City to the San Blas port for a catamaran trip. The trip to the San Blas was a joy...Francisco (aka Bombastic) was timely, drove safely, personable, and an engaging driver for the 3 hour trip. The vehicle was clean, well maintained and comfortable. 5 stars on that part of the trip. On July 14, we were driven back with another vehicle and driver. The return trip was no fun at all....the 2 positives were the guy picked us up more or less on time and got us back to PC without getting us killed. The vehicle itself was run down, all three rear most air conditioning outlets were broken and could not be adjusted. By the time we got to Panama City, our friends in the back had frostbite. The vehicle smelled like really cheap cologne which was literally nauseating. Now the biggie...if our driver ever introduced himself, I missed it so I can't list his name. The 45 minute ride through the Guna Yala comarca is a very twisty, winding road that is constantly up and down hills and sharp turns, often with no shoulders or guardrails. Our guy spent that entire time staring at his cell phone and glancing up at the road now and then. He spent as much time in the opposite lane as he did in our proper lane. If our ride there had been even remotely like this guy drove, we would have found another way back to PC. It was uncomfortable...

You need travel organized? Judy is the person you seek. My wife and I recently spent four nights sailing in the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. Getting there without Lam Tours Panama would have been a nightmare, but with Judy putting it all together the coming and going from Panama City to the remote coastal area went smoothly. I used to organize mission trips with teenagers to Mexico and Jamaica and I know a bit about a lot of moving parts. Judy made this logistical chaos look easy as she arranged early morning hotel pickups that went off precisely on time and then connected drivers to native Panamanian fast-boat transport to get us to a particular sailboat anchored off a remote island. Wow. Well done and thank you.

On a more personal note, my wife had an allergic reaction while we were out on the water that required medical treatment. Judy was the go to person for our boat captain in his decision on which way to sail for help. Again, she was spot on. A visit to the recommended clinic put my spouse on her way to recovery and put us back on vacation. Terrific organizing. Excellent counsel when needed. Can't thank...