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Tom Dobson
Panama Travel
Panama Travel
While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal and the Panama hat, incredibly the best things it has to offer are largely unknown. This beautiful country has cool mountains, palm-fringed beaches, desert islands and modern cities and offers some of the finest birding, fishing, snorkeling and hiking in the Americas. It also has warm weather, great food, friendly people and cheap pina coladas!
Panama has astounding wildlife - boasting an incredible diversity of tropical birds (929 to be exact!) and unusual animals (sloths, anteaters, white-throated capuchins, mantled howlers, night monkeys and endangered species such as rufous-naped tamarins, and black-handed spider monkeys – as well as proud, vibrant, indigenous peoples, such as the Kuna, Embera and Wounan making up 5% of the population.
With its low cost of living and with so much to offer it is the place to travel to and discover this year! Once you have been to Panama you’ll probably never want to go back home! In how many countries in the world can you see the sun rise and set on the same beach or swim in two tropical oceans in one day, stay on your own private island or wake up to local coffee and songbirds on a highland plantation?
In Panama you can go white water rafting today and sea kayaking tomorrow, you can hike through the cloud forest with quetzals or witness a giant leatherback lay her eggs. You can SCUBA dive pirate ships and train wrecks and snorkel some of the oldest reefs in the Caribbean. Or try going fishing in Panama and catch world-record sized sailfish and tarpon or catch bass on a fly or go out on the town and experience some of hottest club acts in the Caribbean.
Panama is a place where you can own a corporation or buy island property and still have enough left for the best rum, cigars and brandy money can buy...
Airlines - International
There are many companies that fly to Panama. However if you want good deals from the US try Spirit Air from Fort Lauderdale. For those visiting west Panama ie. Bocas del Toro or Chiriqui province, you can fly to Costa Rica and then fly to David, Panama. Because of high volume, airfares are much cheaper to Costa Rica and with some research you can find flights to San Jose for as little as $200.00. From San Jose you can take bus (around $30) to David.
Try using Expedia.com or Vayama.com to find a cheap fare. And remember it will be cheaper if you fly Monday-Thursday.
Airlines Domestic
Panama has a number of airlines and they fly all over the place at reasonable prices. Airpanama and Aeroperlas are $185 to Bocas del Toro and round trip flights to the San Blas Islands for $97 for example.
Location: The airport lies 17 miles (27km) from Panama City. Time: GMT -5. Contacts: Tel: +507 238 2700. Transfer to the city: The only public transport into Panama City is provided by minivans dubbed 'Taxi de Turismo', which can be booked from the Information Booth in the arrivals hall. The fare is US$15, and transfer time is about half an hour. Regular taxis also operate day and night at fixed prices depending on the number of passengers, but are not metered. The taxi rank is outside the arrivals area. Car rental: Car hire companies represented in the arrivals hall are Alamo, Avis, Barriga, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Facilities: There is a bank and ATM on the departure level. A restaurant and coffee bar are situated on the mezzanine overlooking departures, and snack bars in arrivals. Last-minute gifts can be bought at several stores on the first and second floors, including duty free. Baggage storage is available, and information booths are located in arrivals. Parking: Open-air parking is available in front of the terminal. Departure Tax: US$20. Website: www.tocumenpanama.aero
Buses
Traveling by bus in Panama is efficient and affordable, with virtually every part of the country accessible. All buses in Panama City depart from the Albrook Bus Terminal, which is located just outside downtown city - a short 5 minute taxi ride. The standard taxi fare from Panama City to this airport is between $1.25 - $1.75, depending on where you depart from.
International Buses
Two bus companies offer international bus service between Panama and Costa Rica - Panaline and Tica Bus. The trip between Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica takes approx. 16 hours, with one-way tickets costing $25.00.
Buses to David & Colon from Panama City
Large, comfortable, air-conditioned buses service the cities of David and Colon. Buses to David depart 24 hrs/day. Daytime trips normally take approx. 6-7 hours, however, the express buses that depart during the evening hours can complete the trip in as little as 5 hours.
Express and local buses to Colon depart regularly everyday. Express buses depart Panama every 30 minutes between 4:40 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and cost $2.50 each way - the trip takes approximately 1.5 hours. Local buses depart between the hours of 3:50 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. and cost $1.80 one way - the trip takes about 2 - 2.5 hours.
Buses to the Interior
The medium sized, mini-buses that service the country’s interior, i.e. Santiago, Chitré, Las Tablas, etc., are comfortable, normally air conditioned, and depart regularly throughout the day at set times.
Overnight bus service from Panama City to Bocas del Toro is also available. Buses depart Panama at 8:00 p.m., arriving Almirante at 6:00 a.m. (adults $23.00 one-way) and Changuinola at 7:00 a.m. (adults $24.00 one-way).
Local Buses in Panama City
In and around Panama City most of the buses is service are the old, school bus style that lack air conditioning, however, some of the more heavily traveled routes do use more comfortable, air conditioned buses. Public buses, including those that go to Tocumen International Airport, cost $0.25 - the air conditioned express buses to the airport cost $0.75.
Railway
The Panama Canal Railway, a 47.6-mile transcontinental railroad operating parallel to the Panama Canal, offers passenger service between Panama City and Colon Monday - Friday. The train departs Panama City from Corozal at 7:15 a.m. and returns from Colon at 5:15 p.m., with the trip lasting approximately one hour. Tickets cost $22.00 one-way and $38.00 round-trip. You can’t reserve seats in the tourist car, which has a glass ceiling, however, if you arrive early you should be able to obtain tickets without too much difficulty - so arrive early. The standard taxi fare from Panama City to Corozal is approx. $5.00 one way.
While in Panama City ride the historic Panama Canal Railway, the original and world's first trans-continental railway. Inaugurated in 1855, it was built for the California 49ers for their quest for fortune during the Gold Rush. The trip takes you in special luxury observation cars across the scenic Isthmus from Panama City on the Pacific, to Colon on the Atlantic Ocean in about 90 minutes. Along the way, enjoy views of the Panama Canal and lush rainforest surroundings. (Tel: +507-317-6070)
Taxis in Panama
Taxi’s throughout Panama are plentiful, and can be easily recognized by their numbered markings, however, they come in all size, shapes and colors. All fares are based on zones or areas, and not determined by meters - cab drivers are required to carry a copy of the zone chart with them at all times. Most fares within the metropolitan area average between B/.1.00-B/.1.50, and for each addition person there is a B/.0.25 surcharge. Trips from Panama City to Tocumen International Airport cost approx. B/.15.00 per person, with each additional person paying B/.5.00. The standard hourly rate for taxi rental is B/.8.00, however, that can vary depending on the type of service you are requesting, so establish a price before departing.
Visas etc.
Entry requirements for US nationals : U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Panama must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Sea travelers must have a valid U.S. Panamanian law requires that travelers must either purchase a tourist card from the airline serving Panama or obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama. Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel. (202) 483-1407
Entry requirements for UK nationals : United Kingdom nationals do not require a visa or tourist card for stays of up to 90 days. Passports endorsed British National Overseas require a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians : Canadians require a tourist card, which may be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians : Australians require a tourist card, which may be obtained on arrival.
Entry requirements for South Africans : South African citizens require a visa and authorisation from immigration authorities to enter Panama.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders : New Zealand nationals can obtain a tourist card on arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals : Citizens of the Irish Republic do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note: All travelers to Panama require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and sufficient funds in a freely convertible currency. Tourist Cards can be purchased on arrival for a fee of US$5, they are valid for 30 days but extensions are possible. Be aware that it can take as long as 30 days to obtain a visa, if it is required. Those with a visa have to obtain an exit permit (form available from the Treasury Ministry) if they have been in the country more than 30 days. Panamanian entry requirements change constantly so it is wise to check with your nearest embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama.
U.S. citizens transiting the Panama Canal as passengers do not need to obtain visas, report to customs, or pay any fees. U.S. citizens piloting private craft through the canal should contact the Panama Canal Authority at 011-507-272-1111 or consult the canal’s web page at http://www.pancanal.com.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Panamanian law requires all persons to carry official identification documents at all times. This law applies to both Panamanian citizens and visitors to the country. Due to an increase in illegal aliens in Panama, the police have been checking documents more frequently, resulting in the detention of people not carrying identification. For this reason, everyone is encouraged to carry their passports or other official identification at all times.
Staying Safe
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The US government warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Darien Province. Embassy personnel are only allowed to travel to Darien Province on official business with prior approval of the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer. This restricted area encompasses the Darien National Park as well as privately owned nature reserves and tourist resorts. While no incidents have occurred at these resorts, U.S. citizens, other foreign nationals and Panamanian citizens have been the victims of violent crime, kidnapping and murder in this general area. Reliable communications and medical infrastructure are not readily available in the region, which makes travel therein potentially hazardous. Moreover, all around the Panama-Colombia border area the presence of Colombian terrorist groups, drug traffickers and other criminals is common, increasing the danger to travelers. Note: The Secretary of State has designated the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Visitors should be cautious when swimming or wading at the beach. Some beaches, especially those on the Pacific Ocean, have dangerous currents that cause drowning deaths every year. These beaches are seldom posted with warning signs.
On the Pacific coast, boaters should be wary of vessels that may be transporting narcotics northward from Colombia. Special permission is needed from the Ministry of Government and Justice and the National Environment Authority to visit the National Park on Coiba Island. At this time, the island, a former penal colony, has fewer than 20 prisoners. Boaters should avoid the southeastern coast of Kuna Yala Comarca (San Blas Islands), south of Punta Carreto, on the Atlantic Coast.
