Panama Vacation

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding travel to Panama and Panama Luxury Vacations.

How’s the weather?
Panama has a humid, tropical climate. Temperatures are around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 25-30 degrees Celsius). Nights are always cooler. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm along the pacific coast and 2,500 mm on the Caribbean side. The highlands enjoy spring-like climate with cool nights. See more about Panama Weather.

What time is it there?
Panama is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) except during daylight savings months, then we are on hour behind EST.

When are high and low season?
Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low season are. While every hotel defines this slightly differently, it usually corresponds with the dry / green season months. The dry season usually begins in late November and continues through mid-April. The rains here begin in May and grow heavy in August, September and October.

While the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet (though some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end of the green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months to travel to Panama. Prices are down, the foliage is green and there are fewer tourists.

Most hotels will have price breaks in May, June, July, August, September and October. During these months you can count on rain in the evenings with occasional mid-day cloud bursts, though it is usually still beautiful from 7am to 2pm. Green season mornings are breathtaking.

What is the local language?
Spanish is the official language of Panama. Some indigenous tribes still speak their own language but most speak some Spanish. Most hotel workers, tour guides and even some taxi drivers will speak English. As tourism grows in Panama so does the percentage of Panamanians who speak English. Knowledge of Spanish is not essential for travel in Panama, but can help quite a bit if you are doing a trip on your own. In every case possible we attempt to match our clients with guides and drivers that speak their language. In some of the more remote parts of the country, this is still difficult.

What is the geography of Panama?
Panama is the southernmost of the Central American countries bordered on the west by Costa Rica, on the east by Colombia, on the north by the Caribbean coastline and on the south by the Pacific coastline. The total land area is 78,046 sq km. The Panama Canal, which is about 80km long, divides the country into eastern and western regions. There are about 480 rivers in Panama that drain into the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea, and 1518 islands off the coasts. The two main island groups, both in the Caribbean, are the San Blas and Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake is home to a world renowned rain forest research station operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Gatun is a large man-made lake in the middle of the Panama Canal. See more in our maps of Panama.

What is the population and ethnic makeup?
The population of the country is 3.2 million people of diverse origins: Spanish descendants, blacks, Indians, immigrants from North America, Europe, Asia, East India and other countries. Panama is truly a melting pot of races. Nearly 49% of the population lives in urban areas. Panama City has an estimated population of 825,300. Density of 30.8 persons per square kilometer. There are 5 indigenous groups in Panama: Kunas in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean; Chocoe (divided linguistically into 2 groups-Embera & Wounaan) in the province of Darien; Guaymies (Ngobe Bugle) in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas (Buglere) in Bocas del Toro province.

What type of wildlife can I see in Panama?
With its huge expanses of tropical rainforest, the Isthmus of Panama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Its unique ecology stems in part from its connection to two continents. Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity and Panama takes the grand prize of 936 species of birds, more than the United States and Canada combined. Until 1996 Panama held the Audubon Society’s world record for identifying the most species of birds in a single day - 357 species were counted in one 24-hour period. There are 125 animal species found only in Panama, and many kinds of animals can be seen including: tapirs, caiman, monkeys, sloths, jungle cats, deer, bats, possums, etc. Panama is also privileged to be home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the world’s primary tropical scientific investigation center, which has been cataloging and monitoring this vast ecological heritage for nearly a century.

Where are the best areas for spotting wildlife?
Barro Colorado Island, Monkey Island, Pipeline Road, Plantation Road, Soberania National Park, Friendship Park in Chiriqui (on the border with Costa Rica), Pearl Islands, Coiba National Park and Island and elsewhere.

How is the local economy?
Panama has developed over the last 20 years into a service-oriented economy, with most of its GNP growth in banking, re-export through the Colon Free Zone and legal services. A good portion of the country’s wealth is in agriculture, with crops like bananas, shrimp/seafood and coffee on the export list. Recent regional economic trends have affected Panama’s economy, stunting growth and employment.

Is the government stable?
Panama is a democratic and independent republic presided over by a President.  July 3rd 2009 will mark the changing of the guard with new President Ricardo Martinelli taking office from former President Martin Torrijos. The U.S. presence in Panama has been strong throughout its history. After the completion of the canal, the U.S. stationed troops in the country to protect the waterway and has frequently intervened to control political events in Panama, like the 1989 invasion that dislodged General Manuel Noriega, who had appointed himself head of the country and was believed to be involved in drug smuggling. (Noriega is now serving a 40-year prison sentence in Florida for money laundering.) On the last day of 1999, the U.S. relinquished control of the canal to Panama, an agreement reached in 1978. Today, Panama’s government is a shining example of democracy and one of the most stable in Latin America.

Is Panama safe for tourists?
Panama is one of the safest tourist destinations in the region. Taxi robbery is unheard of and purse snatching rare. However, with the downturn of the economy in recent years, crime has increased (particularly in the poor areas of town) so caution is recommended whenever on the street or in crowded public spaces or bars. Always avoid carrying your travel documents or large amounts of money in your purse or wallet.

What type of food can I expect when dining out?
Panama City has every kind of cuisine, from Chinese and Thai to Mexican and nouvelle gourmet. Elsewhere food is of good quality, but more variety is more limited. Panamanians eat a staple diet of rice, beans and meat with a variety of local vegetables and fruits such as yucca, squash, papaya, banana and watermelon.

Are there modern medical facilities?
Panama has excellent and reasonably-priced health care. At Paitilla Hospital in Panama City most doctors speak English (and were trained in the US) and medical services are of high quality. The Hospital San Fernando is also very good, as is the Hospital Nacional. In other cities, hospitals may not have the latest equipment, but doctors will be well trained and professional (and probably speak English).

Is the sun really intense in Panama?
The equatorial sun is intense and all travelers should use sunscreen of 30 or above during their stay in Panama. However, the forest canopy will take the edge off the sun and, during the low season, clouds will give you some protection.

What do I do in case of emergencies?
Contact your tour operator or the hotel manager or call our emergency cell phone number. For medical emergencies in Panama City, contact Paitilla Hospital, where English is spoken and there is excellent medical service. Emergency information will be available in your Panama vacations welcome kit. The Police emergency # is 103 from any standard phone.

Are there many mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes may be bothersome at dusk if you are traveling outside the city, so definitely plan on bringing bug repellent. Repellent can be purchased throughout the country in case you forget yours. Besides the evening hours, mosquitoes are not a problem.

Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Only in the event that you will be traveling in remote, jungle areas such as the Darien (border with Colombia). Elsewhere, including Panama City, El Valle, Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui, no medication or vaccinations are necessary. For anyone with health risks, hepatitis A & B vaccinations are recommended along with any other shots your doctor advises. Please consult your physician as well as the CDC’s website for the latest updates when planning your trip to Panama:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm

Can I drink the water?
The water quality in Panama City is excellent and can be consumed from the tap. Outside the city, water quality is generally very good, however, travelers should drink bottled water to avoid any possible illness.

Identification / Entry Requirements:
Passport and tourist card, which can be purchased for $5.00 at your departure gate, are necessary for entrance to Panama. Some countries outside the U.S., Canada and Europe may require a tourist visa, so please check with your local Panamanian consulate.

What should I pack in my suitcase?
Panama is in general a casual city, with formal attire being used on special occasions. The highland areas can be cold, and a sweater is recommended. For the lowland areas light, loose-fitting shirts and pants are essential. If you plan to hike in the national parks bring boots and a hat or cap. Sunscreen, binoculars, repellent, sunglasses, etc. recommended.

How are the roads?
Panama’s infrastructure is excellent. In fact, many of the country’s principal highways were built by the U.S. during their 100-year stay in the country. Many small airports were also built by the U.S. Outside the highway system road quality varies, but is generally very good except in the most remote areas.

Is the electricity standard North American (110) voltage?
Yes.

What are the transfer times between destinations?
Panama City - Costa Blanca: 1 ½ hours in bus.
Panama City - Contadora Island: 15 mins. by plane.
Panama City - San Blas Islands: 30 mins. by plane.
Panama City - Isla Grande: 2 hours in car or bus.
Panama City - Bocas del Toro: 1 hour by plane.
Panama City - Boquete: 1 hour flight to David, then 1 ½ hour drive.
Panama City - Anton Valley (El Valle): 2 hours in bus or car.

Where can I take domestic flights?
Contadora Island (Pearl Islands), Bocas del Toro, Changuinola, David, Colon, La Palma/Sambu/El Real/Yaviza/Jaque (Darien), Chitre, Santiago, Pinas Bay, Isla San Jose, Achutupu/Aligandi/Povenir/Playon Chico/Ustupu (San Blas Islands).

Where can I exchange money?
Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. To exchange currency, go to a bank or the money change office at the airport.

How much money should I bring?
Travel in Panama is not expensive and most restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards. We suggest bringing a combination of cash, credit and debit cards. If you are tempted to bring a lot of cash, bring traveler’s checks instead. Depending on where you are staying, you should calculate your meals per day, possible transport or taxis, tips and exit tax ($20) into possible needs for cash allowance.

Where and when is the best fishing in Panama?
The best fishing is at Pinas Bay and the Pearl Islands (Pacific Coast).

Where is the best golfing in Panama?
Summit Golf Course (near Gamboa Resort), Coronado Resort, Horoko (Panama City).

Where is the best snorkeling and scuba?
The San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast offer great coral reefs and visibility. Pacific spots like the Pearl Islands also offer some snorkeling but less reef and normally lower visibility. Although difficult to access, the island of Coiba in the Pacific offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country.

Where are the nicest beaches?
On the Pacific: Pearl Islands, Playa Blanca, Santa Clara and Las Lajas. On the Caribbean: Isla Grande, San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro.

What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find?
Indigenous made bracelets, tapestries, Panama hats, baskets and pre-colombian jewelry.

How much do I tip?
Some tips are included in the bill, but standard is around 10% of the total.

What are your normal business hours?
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Panama Time. Panama is on EST (New York City) except during Daylight Savings, then we’re one hour back. We keep our cell phone on until 8AM to 8PM for emergencies.

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Filed under: Information, Travel on May 14th, 2009