Located in Central America, Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. The country has a rich history with a variety of historic sights, diverse wildlife and many many rums for you to delight.
Why Visit Panama
HISTORIC SIGHTS
Panama was discovered in 1501 by Rodrigo de Bastidas. However, many indigenous tribes inhabit the territory beforehand. The country became the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial days. There are still remains of its colonial era, and many architectural sites for you to visit and discover its history, like the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo and its vibrant capital, Panama City, one of the most cosmopolitan urban centers in Central America.
WILDLIFE
Panama offers a wide array of animals thanks to its biodiverse national parks. The country is filled with more than 10,000 types of plants and hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
WEATHER
Panama has a tropical weather, with only two seasons: dry and rainy, making it a year round destination. It is also outside of the Atlantic hurricane belt, so there is very little risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN
Although many countries in Central America are located between the two, It is relatively easy to get from one side of the country to the other in one day, meaning you can enjoy the sunset in the Caribbean side (with crystalline waters) and watch the sun set in the Pacific.
RUM
Panama is abundant in sugarcane, offering many brands making high quality rum. Ron Abuelo is one of Panama’s oldest and most popular rums.
Located in Central America, Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. The country has a rich history with a variety of historic sights, diverse wildlife and many many rums for you to delight.
Why Visit Panama
HISTORIC SIGHTS
Panama was discovered in 1501 by Rodrigo de Bastidas. However, many indigenous tribes inhabit the territory beforehand. The country became the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial days. There are still remains of its colonial era, and many architectural sites for you to visit and discover its history, like the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo and its vibrant capital, Panama City, one of the most cosmopolitan urban centers in Central America.
WILDLIFE
Panama offers a wide array of animals thanks to its biodiverse national parks. The country is filled with more than 10,000 types of plants and hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
WEATHER
Panama has a tropical weather, with only two seasons: dry and rainy, making it a year round destination. It is also outside of the Atlantic hurricane belt, so there is very little risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN
Although many countries in Central America are located between the two, It is relatively easy to get from one side of the country to the other in one day, meaning you can enjoy the sunset in the Caribbean side (with crystalline waters) and watch the sun set in the Pacific.
RUM
Panama is abundant in sugarcane, offering many brands making high quality rum. Ron Abuelo is one of Panama’s oldest and most popular rums.
- Name: Republic of Panama
- Capital: Panama City
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: Balboa and United States dollar
- Time Zone: UTC−5
- Name: Republic of Panama
- Capital: Panama City
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: Balboa and United States dollar
- Time Zone: UTC−5
Bucket List
Check the Panama Canal
Explore the Colonial Old Town of Casco Viejo
Hit the sun in the San Blas islands
Try some panama Rum
Watch the skyline of Panama City
Go hiking in Boquete
Go on a day trip to Parque Nacional Coiba
Swim in the River at Los Cangilones
What to expect
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language in Panama. However, the country also recognized other 14 languages, including those spoken by the indigenous groups. About 14% of the population will speak English fluently. Learning some basic words in Spanish will be helpful when visiting.
ELECTRICITY
In Panama the standard voltage is 110 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the american continent; If you are traveling from the EU you will need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
Panama’s official currency is the balboa, however, they use the same bills as the american dollar. People use the terms dollar and balboa interchangeably. Other currencies are not accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is preferred in rural areas. It is encouraged to exchange it in a bank or withdraw it directly from the ATM. 1 USD equals 25 lempiras.
CLIMATE
Panama has a tropical climate, typically hot and humid all year round, slightly cooler in mountain areas. The country has two seasons: wet or “winter” season and the dry “summer” season.
SAFETY
Panama is generally safe, one of the safest countries in Central America. However, pick-pocketing and mugging is common in Panama City, exercising caution is encouraged, especially in crowded areas as train and bus stations and/in public transport.
How to get around
By plane
Panama offers a decent number of domestic flights. The country is small and all the flights are short, with the longest lasting 1 hr.
By Car
Renting a car is a great way of getting around, however, it might not be necessary as Panama has an extensive and reliable network of Public Transportation. Almost all the major cities carry international car agencies like Hertz, Thrifty, Alamo, Budget, and National.
By Bus
Buses are the primary way of transportation in Panama, and the most used by locals. They are cheap and fast, and can get you to wherever you wanna go in the country.
By Taxis
Taxis are very common in Panama, even in small towns. They don’t have meters, but local laws have already set the prices. You might have to negotiate depending on the driver. Most taxis within the city would cost $3.
By Ferry
Ferries are very common to move between the islands of the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro and San Blas Islands. They also run between Panama City and Isla Taboga and Isla Contadora, and between Isla Colón and the mainland in Bocas del Toro. As the archipelago is a popular destination, boat service is constant in reliable. However, in the rest of the country, you might have to contact a private boat. There are many local companies offering tours.
Visa Policy
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Panama for a period of 90 days or less: US, European Union, Angola, Antigua y Barbuda, Argentina, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Macedonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad y Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City and Vietnam.
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