Panama Travel Tips & Advice

Panama It has been famed for it spectacular achievement in connecting the world’s largest oceans. But, there is so much more to see and experience in panama then just the canal. This country’s curvy narrow landmass serves as a cultural and physical land bridge between north and South America. Panama is largely overlooked by most globe trotters and they are missing out on a small but spectacular country.

Panama in general is a little bit more expensive then other Central American countries. But, it is worth the extra few dollars to experience a culture rich in historical traditional and the unsurpassed beauty of its lands. Imagine hundreds of idyllic, deserted islands scattered through the engrossing seas around panama. The densely wooded forest and wilderness full of extreme and exotic creatures of all shapes and sizes. Some of these creatures make Dr. Seuss even cry when he sees them. This country with the skinny isthmus land mass holds it all.

Panama where should I go?

The first place that you should entertain going to in panama is the central city of Panama City. It is one of culturally distinct and enjoyable capitols in Central America. It has a wide blend of modern building built in with the cobbled streets and Spanish colonial architecture of years gone by. West of the capitol of Panama City, the Panama Canal can be seen, one of the wonders of the world by connecting two of its largest oceans.

Another must see place in Panama is the popular Archipelago are on the islands of Bocas Del Toro and the San Blas just off the coast in the Caribbean.  Also off the pacific coast there is a wonderful natural island called pearl islands that is a must see if you have extra time. The pearl islands were originally seen on a popular T.V show in the U.S called survivor. The Other islands are important because they hold a part of panama’s original inhabitants called the Kuna Indians which have become renowned for their artistic talent. You can take a ship out on either coast and explore the hundreds of ecological and biodiversity these islands and inlets provide.

Other ecological and biodiversity explorations can be accomplished in Boguete in the Chiriqui Province. Each has lush and wonderful forest for any ecotourism dream to be fulfilled. Boguete features volcanoes, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and a quaint little town that inhabits the volcano and is known as the world’s largest on any volcano.

Panama traveling what will you see?

You will see a diverse and wonderful country made up of Volcanoes, oceans and forest. Along with them you will also see and experience some of the most original animal species available. In fact Panama has the most unique animal species in the world. 1000 different types of birds alone.. along with jags, pumas, a variety of other animals and of course mosquitoes. So don’t forget to bring some extra OFF :). The best places to start would be in the national parks of panama. There are two major parks the Soberania national park just north of Panama City as well as The Bastimentos Marine National Park Both will Offer guest and visitors a wonderful experience in looking into the countries natural habitat.

There is one location in panama that I must warn you about and travel there is at your own risk. But, if you must go please bring an experienced guide with you that knows enough of the area to not get you lost. This is Darien it is one of the most dangerous areas in panama, but also the most fascinating. The pan American highway, which stretches through this are all the way from Alaska to Argentina, is broken only in one spot and this is it. It is called the Darien Gap. The rain forest in this part is completely impenetrable.

Panama Travel: How Do I Get There and Around?

Just like in every other Central American country the main form of transportation to and from the city is usually a bus. You can’t miss them being painted and garnished in multiple arrays of colors and confusion, plus they look like old American school buses. Major cities are more often than not also serviced by larger more comfortable buses then others. As well as taxies and of course the infamous chicken bus if you get really rural. But, if you are the real adventure and want to get to know the real panama then cross country would be the way to go. But there are not many paved roads or roads at all outside the city so plan on hiking.

Panama Travel: How Much Will I Pay?

Panama is a little more expensive then most central American countries but still far cheaper then the US. Mainly in part because the currency heavily used there is the American green back.  Rooms  at most moderate hotels or motels will run about 12-15 USD a person, but travelers can reduce or almost eliminate cost by taking advantage of local cafes, markets, and the occasional chicken bus. But for those that like to be pampered and have more money they also do have more affluent resorts and locations to attend.

Panama Travel: When Should I Go?

There are good times to go and bad times to go to panama the bad time to go are during panama’s rainy season. It usually kicks in about June and ends around November. Same as hurricane season hear in the southern US go figure. But, the majority of their rain fall is on the pacific side of the country during this season. But there is a good side to going during this time and it has to with the great deals you will find since most travelers stay away it’s a good time for the budget concise.

Also a good time to go to see some of the more traditional things people do in panama would be during Holy Week (Easter). With its wonderful colors and religious processions and festivals there is always something to see and experience during this time. In February and in later end of March panama also celebrates Carnaval . Basically it’s just a really big party imagine mardigras, only ten times larger than at its peak WOW! Also you can visit Kuna Yala in February to see the grand Independence Day celebration. But have to book early around these occasions for any hope of a room.

Panama Travel: How Safe Will I Be?

In the larger cities of Panama, such as Panama City and colon, you should take precautions at night time where a copy of your passport at all time s not the original. Keep valuables and large amounts of cash in the safe in your hotel room. There are also helpful tourist police with white arm bands you can talk to if you are lost.

Of course while traveling you always want to make sure you are up to date on all your shots including typhoid, help A and B and yellow fever. Also you resist your mosquito friends while roaming the lush jungles. Then of course there is always your friendly complain and mate when traveling. You all know what I’m talking about. Traveler’s diarrhea you can though reduce the risk by keeping hydrated and drinking bottled water as well as peeling your fruits.