PANAMA INFO

Panama (LOCATION MAP -its a power point slide show click once to see the other slide-),  often-called “Bridge of the Worlds, Heart of the Universe”. In fact Panama, ever since the beginning of Spanish colonization, has been a transit center for commerce. The Spanish used Panama for the gold transportation from the Inca mines in Peru and Ecuador across the Isthmus and onward to Spain. Today Panama continues to be the crossroad of the world with its canal (www.pancanal.com), the “Eighth Wonder of the World, transporting goods and passengers all over the world.  

Security: According to an article, published by  Newsweek, Panama was rated amongst the top countries, by the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency, for tourist safety. Panama has no army and uses the U.S. dollar as currency, therefore political stability and a peaceful place to relax and enjoy your vacations. More incidents of violent crime occur in cities like Rome, Paris or Washington D.C in 24 hours than they occur in the whole of Panama in an entire year!

Health/Water: No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting our country. Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink water straight from the tap.

Its practical aspect: in no other country could you be in the pacific and after an hour drive reach the Atlantic. Major attractions are at short distance from Panama city giving the opportunity to be based in the capital, enjoy daily tours and take advantage of it’s night  life…dancing away to the rhythm of salsa & merengue!!!!  

The diversification of Panama City: Its prime location with an excellent infrastructure, together with its world-class services, makes it the meeting and incentive capital of the Americas. Panama  binds three cities in one:  the modern with its tall skyline of modern office buildings and hotels  also known as the “Small Miami ”,  the old historic part known as the “Panama La Vieja” with its ruins and the “Casco Viejo”, the colonial side (Old City) build by the Spaniards in 1670. This combination gives the city a special and interesting atmosphere. 

Geographical position:   Geography gives Panama one of the world’s most amazing collections of flora and fauna. North and South American animals and vegetation come together in a clash of color and life: a bird watcher’s paradise, a fisherman’s dream  and a nature lovers delight .  It's an ecological paradise where over 25% of the total surface of the country is protected by 14 national parks that shelters and protects 900 species of birds and nearly 1,200 species of orchid.  Pipeline Road, the scene of a world record (350 bird species counted in one day) is scarcely a half an hour from Panama City. In Panama, you can get very close to the best of tropical nature without traveling long distances, giving up your creature comforts or putting yourself in any kind of danger. Panama is also privileged to be home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research, the world's primary tropical scientific investigation center, which for 80 years has been cataloging and monitoring this vast ecological heritage.

Fun: Few peoples can rival with the fun loving nature of Panamanians! Their love to party is reflected by the wide selection of  many top-drawer  restaurants, fast food outlets, nightclubs, discos and casinos...something for every taste and pocket. The “action” all takes place in three sectors: the modern district (Marbella-Bella Vista), Casco Viejo and the Amador Causeway. 

Shopping: Options range from local markets to multi million dollar super malls and luxury goods. Panama is a tax free heaven country with one of the world's largest banking centers with no less than 130 first rate international banks and is home to some of the top companies in the world ( Federal Express, DHL, Sears, Price Costo, Bell South…), retaining the Colon free Zone, the second largest free trade zone in the world after Hong Kong!

When to Visit: Panama largely  avoids the Pacific rim’s earthquakes and its “ring of fire,” and escapes the Caribbean’s devastating tropical storms and hurricanes.  Tourism in Panama is a year-around activity. The temperature never varies, 25°C to 30°C (77°F - 86°F) and the sun shines everyday, all year long. However, there are two "seasons" in Panama: the "dry season" from December through May  and the "green season" from June until November where you will get a few hours of tropical showers to freshen up the atmosphere…but most activities and tours can be planned around it.

Time Zone: Panama's time is the same as the United States Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5)

Language:  the native tong is Spanish although most Panamanians speak some English and many speak it fluently as Americans were present in the former Canal Zone for 100 years.

Religion: most Panamanians are Roman Catholic. However, due to the great diversity in the country, there are numerous churches, temples and synagogues all over the country. There is freedom of religion in Panama.

Electricity and telephone system: The current is 110V - 60HZ. Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent. We have a direct-dial system to locations inland and all over the world. Our country code is 507.

Pricing:  The tourism industry in Panama is just developing and therefore prices are reasonable. Panama is the "affordable exotic destination", meaning it offers exotic, unique and off-the-beaten-path kind of experiences with no tourist hordes and plenty of pristine nature.