Q. How do I get to the hostel?
See this page on our website.

Q. What are your rates?
Most private rooms have private bathrooms and will be reasonably priced at $27.50 for 2 people, a number of room can sleep up to 4 people in 2 double beds or one double and 2 singles. 3 people in one room costs $37 and 4 people costs $44.  Dorms will mostly have 4 people and will cost $11 each.  Remember that you get breakfast, tea and coffee and free WiFi internet and public access computers.  Theres no other hostel in town that offers this level of service, that makes our prices great value. 

Q. How do I know if you have rooms available?
To reserve a room or a bed in a dorm fill the reservation form.

 

Q. How many private rooms/beds do you have?
We have 23 dorm beds and 11 double rooms.

Q. Do you charge per person for private rooms?
Our private rooms are $27.50 for 2 people only, for 3 it´s $37 and for 4 it´s $44.  For 4 people in a private it´s the same price as dorm beds.

Q. Is there a curfew or lockout?
NEVER, no stupid rules here!

Q. Do you provide bedsheets?
Of course we do!  That would be silly!  Towels are provided in the private rooms but for people in the dorms we rent them for $2 for your whole stay. 

Q. Is there an age limit?
Old and young,we accept you all! But if you are not honest... find another hostel.

 

Q. Do you serve breakfast?
We dont serve breakfast but our pancake mix is available to you, once per day, free 24/7.

Q. What time can I move into my room?
Arrive when you like and leave when you like, thats our basic policy.  Our checkout time for the rooms is around 11am, but we´re flexible.  You can check into your room as soon as it´s ready.  If you arrive at 6am and it´s available, then go for it!!!

Q. Is there a guest kitchen at Mamallena?
Yes, our kitchen is fully stocked (in fact amazingly stocked) and open 24/7, obviously though if you are using it late then a little respect for quiet time is in order.

Q. Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
Citizens of most countries including the USA and Western Europe do not need a visa. Tourists from the USA, Canada, Australia, NZ and some countries in the EU need only purchase a $5 tourist card on arrival in Panama. A tourist card gives you between a 30 and 90 day stay in Panama.

Q. Can I drink the water? Are there any health concerns?
Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink the tap water. The "Montezumas Revenge" that is so common in the rest of Latin America is almost unheard of in Panama. Sanitary conditions are excellent. There are no other health concerns and no shots or special pills are necessary unless you are going to hike in the Darien jungles or other remote areas.

Q. Why choose Panama over other Latin American and Caribbean destinations?
Panama has...

• The most accessible exotic nature in the world - the "hyper-diverse".
• Beautiful beaches along 1000 miles on coast on both oceans and on fifteen hundred islands with hardly a soul in sight.
• Seven living native cultures with their own unique legends and traditions.
• Forty-eight fascinating historical monuments.
• 954 bird species in vast National Parks.
• A fun, sophisticated and safe capital city.
• An exciting night life with casinos, discotheques, superb restaurants.

Q. Is Panama a typical Latin American country? What’s the Ethnic makeup?
Panama is not typical at all. Don’t expect to see mainly the typical mestizo (descendants of a combination of Spanish and Indian) population like in the rest of Latin America. There is a saying that Panama was "born globalized." The population of 2.8 million people has diverse origins: Spanish descendants, blacks (brought in from the Caribbean to build the Canal), indigenous cultures, important immigrant populations from North America, Europe, China, India and the Middle East.

There are seven living native cultures each with their own language: Kunas in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean, Embera and Wounaanin the province of Darien, Ngobe Bugle in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas in Bocas del Toro province.

Q. What is the currency?
The US dollar is the currency. Yes - that’s right-no currency exchange hassles! Indeed, the US dollar is one of Panama’s great tourist conveniences. This is one country where you don't have to be a mathematical genius to figure out what that meal just cost.