PANAMA

Panama is a country in Central America with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, with Colombia (and South America) to the southeast and Costa Rica (and North America) to the northwest. It’s strategically located on the isthmus that forms the land bridge connecting North and South America. It controls the Panama Canal that links the North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean, one of the most important shipping routes in the world.

The ease of travel and wide array of experiences make Panama one of the most attractive emerging tourism destinations in the world. In just one week, visitors can enjoy two different oceans, experience the mountains and rainforest, learn about native cultures and take advantage of vibrant urban life. The capital, Panama City, is a modern, sophisticated metropolis that resembles Miami and has established commerce, arts, fashion and dining. Fodors, Frommers and National Geographic have all recently begun publishing guides for Panama, only the second country in Central America, behind Costa Rica, to have such extensive travel coverage.

Panama is known as the “Crossroads of the Americas” due to its privileged position between North and South America. The indigenous meaning of the country’s name, “abundance of fish”, reflects Panama’s reputation as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike. As the isthmus connecting two massive continents, Panama’s flora and fauna is incredibly diverse. For example, Panama boasts over 900 different bird species. Panama’s many indigenous tribes are still thriving, living in the same ancient manner as their ancestors, making its cultural fabric exceptionally rich.

Capital: Panama City

Best time to visit:

1. Panama’s high tourist season corresponds with its Pacific-side dry season, from mid-December to mid-April. During these months, there is relatively little rain inPanama Cityand elsewhere south of the Continental Divide. North of the mountains, on the Caribbean side of Panama, it rains all year round. However, it tends to rain less in February, March, September and October than it does the rest of the year.
2. The best time to visit Panama really depends on what you plan to do. If you intend to spend most of your time on the Pacific side, you might want to visit in December or January, when there’s generally little rain and the weather is pleasant. Bear in mind, however, that hotel prices and airfares are generally higher from mid-December to mid-April.
3. If you’ll be doing any serious hiking, the dry season is the most comfortable time to do it.
4. If you’ll be spending most of your holiday surfing, bear in mind that swells are fairly constant in the Pacific year-round, though offshore winds from December to mid-April can add a few meters to curl.
5. Other outdoor pursuits are also weather dependent. Rafting is at its best isChiriquí Provincefrom May to December when the rivers are running high, while diving is best from December to mid-April when the dry season lends better visibility.
6. Some of Panama’s colorful festivals draw enormous crowds, and are well worth attending if you’re in the area. The Península de Azuero is very popular for its Carnaval (Mardi Gras) – the celebrations are held on the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday.
7. Panama City’s Carnival is also popular (and one of the world’s largest).

Minimum days required: 5 days

Places of Interest:

1. Panama Canal
2. Panama Viejo
3. Portobelo
4. Bridges of the Americas
5. Casco Viejo
6. Ancon Hill
7. Miraflores
8. Metropolitan Natural Park

Climate:

1. Less than 9 degrees north of the equator, most of Panama enjoys temperatures that are fairly consistent year round, with daytime temperatures in the 90s (30 – 33 °C) and nighttime around 70 (21 – 23 °C)
2. Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season, called winter or invierno (May to November); short dry season, called summer or verano (December to April). The most popular time to travel to Panama is December through March, when lack of humidity and nearly zero percent chance of rain make it ideal for travelers.
3. During most of the rainy season, mornings and early afternoons are usually sunny while late afternoons and evenings have intermittent rainfall.
4. Most areas are quite warm, but a few places, such as Boquete, Cerro Punta and El Valle can get a little chilly at night. You definitely want a heavy rain-proof jacket if you’re going to the top of Barú since you will be above 3000m for a little while.

Currency: Panamanian Balboa

Things to carry:

1. Panama’s daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s F year round. Therefore, if you are traveling to Panama during the peak tourist season (from December to April), shorts or lightweight pants, light shirts and sandals or light shoes are appropriate. However, if you are visiting any other time during the year, the region can experience moderate to even heavy rains at times, so it would be smart to pack a rain jacket or other waterproof apparel in preparation for the possibility of wet weather.
2. Despite the heat, you will find that most people wear for light pants or jeans during the day and dress up a bit at night for dining out.  In the lowland areas, light, loose-fitting shirts and shorts, capris or skirts are essential but, if you plan on hiking or camping while you are in Panama, you should bring warmer clothing, such as sweaters and windproof jackets. Though temperatures are generally warm at sea level, Panama’s mountain ranges can get cold after the sunset.  In fact, popular hiking peaks like Boquete and Cerro Punta can sometimes reach the low 30s or 40s F at night. Also, be sure to take into consideration any activities that might require specific attire like jeans for horseback riding, a long sleeve windbreaker for fishing or boat trips and of course a bathing suit for any water activities.
3. In general, regardless of where you are visiting in Panama and what activities you plan to do, there are certain things that are very important to pack.  First are lots of sun block as well as good sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun.  Also, good walking shoes that are well broken in are always important as you don’t want to have your trip spoiled by uncomfortable shoes.

How to get there:

Air

1. International flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which lies about 20 miles east of Panama City (from all countries) or David Airport (from Costa Rica in AirPanama . Panama City’s PTY is well connected with the Americas and has non-stop flights to almost 20 countries in the region. Neighbor Colombia is specially well served with daily flights to more than 7 cities, including Bogota, Medellín, Cali and [Cartagena]. Local travelers and tourists can also fly in and out of Bocas del Toro via Costa Rica.
2. From Tocumen, you will have to taxi, bus, 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 arrangements. There are a couple of hotels near the airport where you can spend the night at relatively high prices (US$60).
3. If you are short on cash you can catch a bus to the downtown of the city for .25 balboa. Just walk towards the highway and cross the street towards the bus shelter. Make sure you get the bus that says “Via España”.
4. The country has more private airstrips per square mile than any other country in the world, and it is technically feasible for the adventurous private pilot to fly to one of them, either directly or through country hopping through Central America. Many of the remote interior regions of the country are best accessed by private plane, although a combination of hiking and canoeing can get you to most places, too. If you are flying a private aircraft into Panama, it is important to verify where you can clear customs and immigration–not all airstrips are equipped to clear you.
5. Business jet FBO services are available in Panama City (Albrook and Tocumen), David (by appointment), Howard, and Bocas del Toro.