Central america travel tip thread: Any suggestions for travel to panama?

[deejaydana]

I'm going to panama later this month (honeymooning actually!) and wanted to tap the tailgates' collective travel intelligence/experience to gain some insight before jumping on the plane. I've been to costa rica and guatemala in recent years past and had a great time so i'm expecting something similar on this trip. For those who've already been what would you say are "must do" and "must see" activities and places? I don't really want to do the typical tourist things as i've always enjoyed simply taking in the more local color scene. Where should i go and where should i avoid? Any and all advice and anecdotes are greatly appreciated. I was thinking taking in a local baseball game would be extremely cool and of course surfing and snorkeling. thanks for the feedback folks!

[sideshow24]

Buy a Panama hat before your trip, they are insanely expensive down there.

[deejaydana]

I'm hoping to bring back some cigars from down there as I've heard they're pretty fine quality (and scoring Cohiba's is very easy there).