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Panama Tourist Information
Find vacation rentals for surfers and accomodation in Panama in our listings. You will be able to contact rental and accomodation managers directly!
About
Regions
- Boquete Mountain Highlands (Borders Costa Rica)
- Bocas del Toro Atlantic Coast--Caribbean
- Chiriquí Highlands
- Cocle Pacific Coast
- Colón Atlantic Coast
- Darién Borders Columbia
Climate
is sure to be prepared for rain, especially during the Central American winter (May - December). An umbrella is a good thing to have, and can be bought cheaply in Panama.
Most sectors are quite hot, but some places, such as Boquete, Cerro Punta and El Valle can get cool at night. You certainly want a jacket of heavy rain-proof if you go above Baru because you will be over 3000m for while.
Cities
* Boquete
* Panama City - Capital (There are three regions of interest, the new city, the old city, and the colonial city)
* Colón
* David
* Gamboa
Other Destinations
* Bocas Del Toro, Isla Colon - an archipelago protected by coral reefs - restaurants and hotels are set up at sea-level, and its still considered a virgin destination
* Boquete - Valley of the Flowers and habitat of the Resplendent Quetzal (rare and endangered exotic bird)
* Cerro Punta
* Contadora
* El Valle
* Isla Grande
* Pearl Islands (Archipielago de las Perlas)
* Pedasi
* Portobelo
* San Blas Islands
* Taboga
Get in
Citizens of many countries, citizens of the United States included, can get into Panama without a visa, but they are required to purchase a tourist card upon arrival ($ 5 U.S., allows a stay of 30 days). The cost is $ 13 (U.S.) for a visa to enter in Bocas del Toro, on arrival by plane, from May 2008. Entry requirements are proof of
* A return ticket to Panama
* Possession of U.S. $ 500 in cash or travelers checks
* Vaccination for yellow fever - if only from countries where yellow fever occurs (including most Latin American countries, but not USA).
In practice, border officials May be lax on checking own cup travelers from the United States or other developed countries.
[edit] By plane
International flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is about 20 miles east of Panama City (all countries) or David Airport (Costa Rica). PTY Panama City's well connected with the Americas and a non-stop flights to nearly 20 countries in the region. Neighboring Colombia is particularly well served with daily flights to more than 7 cities, including Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena.
From Tocumen, you will have bus, taxi, or rent a car to get to the city. Airport taxis use set rates and can be shared - the transportation information booth in the lobby will help you make the necessary arrangements. There are two hotels near the airport where you can stay at relatively high prices (U.S. $ 60).
If you are short of cash, you can take a taxi to the city center, 25 balboa. Just walk towards the highway and cross the street to the bus shelter. Be sure to take the bus that says "Via España.
The country has more private airstrips per square mile than any other country in the world, and it is technically possible for the adventure of a private pilot to fly to one of them, directly or through breaks in Central America. Many remote areas of the country are accessible by private plane, although combinations of hiking and canoeing, you can get to most places, too. If you fly a private plane to Panama, it is important to check where you can pass through customs and immigration - are not equipped with landing strips are clear you.
By car
You can drive through Paso Canoas (Pacific side), but know that it is one of the most active (if not the busiest) and disorganized border crossings in Central America. It is very easy to accidentally drive across the border without realizing it. The various offices at the border are randomly scattered throughout the Bordertown, and you can do a little walk while striking because they do not look different from surrounding buildings in any way. It is a passage where it is certainly worth your money to hire a tramitator or assistant to help in the stations where you do not speak Spanish.
There are also crossings at Rio Sereno (Pacific side) and Sixaola / Guabito (Atlantic coast). The Rio Sereno crossing sees very little traffic, so make sure all your papers are in order, that the police can be very strict.
You will not be allowed to leave the country with your car (ie change your mind, abandon the car, the house and stealing), without a stamp in your passport showing that you paid taxes (import taxes) on your vehicle. Expect to be frequently interrupted by the police but do not worry, they are generally more curious to see a car from abroad interested in a bribe.
If you have car trouble in Panama, you will find vending services for the services of almost all major automobile manufacturers in the USA (All), Europe (almost all) and Japan (All). Most of them, as in the USA require appointments to maintain your car. Most service staff in all car dealers are manufacturer certify. If you need auto repair and do not want to go to a dealership to save money or you have a emerency repair, you can find a good independent mechanic services / shops in all major cities through research in the yellow pages (paginas amarillas), in addition to towing services. If you need parts for your vehicle, you can find many stores of auto parts for all major automotive manufacturers in the yellow pages (paginas amarillas) too. The use of "shade tree mechanics and parts junkyards are the same as in the United States, these options are to do it yourself type of people.
By bus
You can not cross from Panama to Colombia by bus - the Darien Gap begins at Yaviza, where the Interamericana runs out.
If you are coming from Costa Rica, however, things are a little easier. There are three entry points, the main one being Paso Canoas. Panaline and Ticabus, among others, you can get directly from San Jose, Costa Rica or to David, Panama City. The trip from San Jose is quite cheap, but takes about 18 hours. If you want to see things in between, you can also go by local buses, even if the trip lasts longer.
If you want to save time but not to pay U.S. $ 280 or for SJO-PTY ticket with TACA or COPA, you can consider taking the bus from San Jose to Changuinola and fly from there, the Panama City. The flight takes about one hour and costs $ 70 U.S. (June 2007). See the website for Aeroperlas.com flight schedules.
Keep in mind that Panamanian law requires you to have a return ticket to enter Panama. The border guard in May not to check, but you never know. A return flight from San Jose, Bogotá or Abu Dhabi will not work. The return ticket is originally from Panama. If you encounter this problem, you can always buy a return ticket on the bus. In general, if you're an angry day, May it not be a good day to cross borders. Some border officials in Central America seems to love being sticklers about their crazy rules, if they decide they do not like you.
By boat
Many cruise lines have the Panama Canal on their itineraries. You can make trips to Panama City or Colon City and take part in many packages. Recommendation is to take the railroad Panama Panama Canal to Colon or vice versa. This train goes back since 1855 and was the first Interoceanic train in America. It was recently redone and is beautiful basket.
It is possible to arrange for the passage of boats travel bananas from Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, but this passage is recommended only for true adventurers, that the boats are often structurally wrong, terribly overburdened, and are very likely to be smuggling drugs.
Small, private boats [3] also provide service between Panama and Colombia, the most common ports of call Portobelo on the Caribbean coast of Panama and Cartagena on Colombia. Rates can vary from U.S. $ 200-500 +, and the journey can take three to five days, depending on where a visit to the San Blas Islands is included (most captains will include a visit on request). The best way to find a boat is to ask around homes in Panama City popular with backpackers. Expect to wait several days to find a boat, if any. Note that these boats, especially when Panama-bound, may also often carry contraband.
The simplest and least expensive to reach by boat in Panama from Colombia is by ferry from Turbo Capurgana (COP $ 49,000, every day around 8 pm) and by small boats to Puerto Obaldia Capurgana ( COP $ 20,000). From there, the plane from Panama City (85 USD) or by boat and Carti Colon (San Blas Islands) (USD neg).
By Foot
It is possible to hike through the Darien Gap of Colombia, with the help of trained guides, but the road is generally considered one of the most dangerous in the world. A large percentage of attempts have ended with the trekkers dead as victims of Colombian guerrillas or the oppressive jungle, which is considered the densest and most difficult to breach in the world. Despite the bravado-filled tales of backpackers who will try to convince you that REAL Travelers are not afraid to cross the ditch, it is really very dangerous trip to Panama and the police are not interested in going to look for you if you are in difficulty.
The guide entitled "Getting to know Panama by Michele Labrut, gives the following advice for surviving in the Darien.
"Do not go naked in water, very undesirable protozoa may get you. Do not drink untreated water. Do not deviate from the group, you can easily lose your bearings and get lost. If that happens Stay where you are, do not panic. Shout or yell at regular intervals.
Get Around
* A return ticket to Panama
* The possession of U.S. $ 500 in cash or travelers checks
* Vaccination for Yellow Fever - if only from countries where yellow fever occurs (including most Latin American countries, but not USA).
In practice, border officials May be lax on checking own cup travelers from the United States or other developed countries.
International flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is about 20 miles east of Panama City (all countries) or David Airport (Costa Rica). PTY Panama City's well connected with the Americas and a non-stop flights to nearly 20 countries in the region. Neighboring Colombia is particularly well served with daily flights to more than 7 cities, including Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena.
Of Tocumen, you will have bus, taxi, or rent a car to get to the city. Airport taxis use set rates and can be shared - the transportation information booth in the lobby will help you make the necessary arrangements. There are two hotels near the airport where you can stay at relatively high prices (U.S. $ 60).
If you are short of cash, you can take a taxi to the city center, 25 balboa. Just walk towards the highway and cross the street to the bus shelter. Be sure to take the bus that says "Via España.
The country has more private airstrips per square mile than any other country in the world, and it is technically possible for the adventure of a private pilot to fly to one of them, directly or through breaks in Central America. Many remote areas of the country are accessible by private plane, although combinations of hiking and canoeing, you can get to most places, too. If you fly a private plane to Panama, it is important to check where you can pass through customs and immigration - are not equipped with landing strips are clear you.
By car
You can drive through Paso Canoas (Pacific side), but know that it is one of the most active (if not the busiest) and disorganized border crossings in Central America. It is very easy to accidentally drive across the border without realizing it. The various offices at the border are randomly scattered throughout the Bordertown, and you can do a little walk while striking because they do not look different from surrounding buildings in any way. It is a passage where it is certainly worth your money to hire a tramitator or assistant to help in the stations where you do not speak Spanish.
There are also crossings at Rio Sereno (Pacific side) and Sixaola / Guabito (Atlantic coast). The Rio Sereno crossing sees very little traffic, so make sure all your papers are in order, that the police can be very strict.
You will not be allowed to leave the country with your car (ie change your mind, abandon the car, the house and stealing), without a stamp in your passport showing that you paid taxes (import taxes) on your vehicle. Expect to be frequently interrupted by the police but do not worry, they are generally more curious to see a car from abroad interested in a bribe.
By taxi
There are two types of buses in Panama. Those you find on the road, and "city buses". Highway buses are constantly making journeys from terminals in Panama City to various destinations along the Pan American Highway, and administration. They are quite common, and the bus will pick you up or drop you off at any point along their route, and most of them are air conditioned. The approximately linear form of the country, it is ideal for a bus system, ideally in the fact that you do not really need to rent a car to travel in most areas. Take a taxi at the intersection of the Pan American highway that you want. You can get on a bus anywhere on the Pan-American Highway towards the city of Panama, but all travel from the city require a ticket. The Greater Montreal in the city is large and modern, and remind you of an American shopping mall or airport (it actually is a shopping mall, Albrook Mall, too).
If you want to take a taxi stand at the edge of the road, you hold your arm and make clear proposals pointing towards the ground. If you are in the bus and you want to get off, yell "parada! Or tell the driver in advance. You can move it fast enough. People are very useful on the buses of tourists, and offer for help in May
Highway buses are very cheap, count on a rate of approximately U.S. $ 1 per hour traveled, sometimes less. With one exception, the rates of the airport of Tocumen, including two buses and taxis charge through the roof for (Panamanian standards), simply because they can.
City buses are different. They are crowded, decorative painted school buses, often unairconditioned, with a flat rate of 25 cents to anywhere in the city of Panama. They can be fun, but who are known to be dangerous, both in the conduct and the probability of encountering criminals. It can be fun to take a couple of times, but once you have done, take a taxi, which will not be much more expensive anyway. They have a particular style apart from other Central American countries. They look as if a group of 60 hippies decided to go so far south that can not go to school, buses, and when they could go no further, they stopped and started a bus company. If you like the salsa music, you'll be happy as a clam on the bus. Most people are not.
What to eat
If you are tired of eating beans or gallo pinto in the rest of Central America, you might need to head for Panama. Given that Panama is a little more Caribbean influence than other Central American countries, you will see much more than beans Plaintain here.
Typical Panamanian cuisine is served in the cafeteria style of all food pre-cooked and prepared in trays behind a glass barrier. A plate type can vary from $ 1.25 to 5.00, depending on the restaurant, including your choice of meat: mondongo (beef intestines), fried or baked chicken, pork, beef, and sometimes the fried fish, rice, beans, salad: cabbage, carrot and mayonnaise, beet salad, green salad, potato salad or macaroni and patacones (fried green plantains). Panamanians also enjoy their "Chichas" (fruit, water and sugar), which is always a choice, from Tamarindo maracuya (passion), mango, papaya, jugo de cana (cane juice sugar) or water pipa (juice of young green coconut).
If you like your food Picante, Panama May not be the place for you. They certainly have several hot sauces, but most brands range from low to very low. Instead, the search for those who are home for the most part, just as hot sauce or Mexican Caribbean. You will really impress Panamanians when you fieriest thing without flinching.
As with other parts of Central America, the favorite seems to be the chicken, but it does not seem quite as ubiquitous as it is in Costa Rica.
The food of Bocas del Toro is even more than the rest of the Caribbean Panama. Many dishes contain coconut, unlike most Latin parts of Panama.
You can get excellent food very cheap if you look around. The equivalent of a 5 star meal with drinks can be U.S. $ 8.30 in some places.
What to drink
Carta Vieja is the main production rum. Seco, very raw white rum, is the national spirit. Seco con leche (milk) is a drink in the countryside.
Safety
Most of Panama is very safe. People in rural areas are generally very friendly and very helpful. If you want to visit Latin America, but the paranoia of security, Panama might be a good place to cut teeth.
However, as with most countries, there are some points that merit some caution. Most of the city of Colon is considered dangerous, and some neighborhoods of Panama City are a little sketchy, especially Chorrillo El, and El Curundú Marañón, poor and areas prone to crime. The old colonial quarter, Casco Viejo (also called San Felipe) has a persistent bad reputation among travelers and Panamanians, but is gentrifying rapidly. During the day, San Felipe is perfectly safe for foreigners. At night, the streets and squares, and the neighborhood bars and restaurants to the point, are also safe, but visitors should exercise caution as they move north along Avenida Central towards Chorillo.
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