Hi Everyone,

I am considering going to Ecuador in December and the flight from Chicago to Quito includes a six hour stop in Panama, would this be enough time to peek outside the airport and see some of the country? If so what might you suggest?

I am an American passport holder so I assume that all I would have to do is get the tourist card from customs at the airport, please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you,

Samantha

Hi Samantha,

I'm guessing since you will be flying from the U.S. you will be arriving in Tocumen airport in Panama City. As a Panama lover, I would love to tell you that you have enough time to poke around Panama City a bit, but I just don't think it's the case. Unfortunately, Tocumen airport is not located particularly close to the city, which would make leaving the airport going into the city and then getting back to the airport a pretty time consuming event. Also, since you will be coming in from the U.S. you will have to consider an ample amount of time to go through customs and get your tourist card.

Unfortunately the math just doesn't add up for 6 hours. 1.5 hours to de-plane, claim baggage, go through customs + 40 mins to get into the city + 40 mins to get back to the airport + arrive at airport @ least 1.5-2 hours early for next flight and go back through customs = about 4.5 hours (meaning you would have about an hour to an hour and a half in Panama City. I just don't think it's worth the effort. There's my two cents.

Julie

Yeah, six hours is the twilight zone of layovers. Not really long enough to make it into town, too long to comfortably spend in the airport. I suggest visiting the local flora and fauna at the airport bar.

Yep. Buy a good book at the airport magazine store and relax in the Airport bar or cafe.

I once spent 6 lovely hours in Dubai for the same reason. So, one can say I WAS in Dubai!!

Hurrah!