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| Panama Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cielito Sur B&B Inn Cielito Sur B&B Inn Panama is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Latin America. Although nearby Costa Rica still takes most of the Central American incoming travelers, Panama is gaining the lime light as a premier destination for eco tourism, retirement and and for its cosmopolitan lifestyle. The greatest asset of Panama is its diversity of activities, which make it absolutely worth a visit. Panama city, the capital, is lively, modern, cosmopolitan, and fast moving. Hip and smart bars and restaurantes, great shopping, beautiful Casco Viejo, Old Panama ruins, the Panama Canal, and the metropolitan park all make Panama city a destination unlike any other in Central America. The San Blas Islands are hard to get to, but offer a unique insight into the Kuna Native american life. The Darien gap in the south is the most exciting bit of the Panamerican. There is a road all the way from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but here it just stops. Thick jungle that can be crossed on foot or in little canoes is what you'll find, as well as very friendly locals and a once in a lifetime experience. If you want to go snorkeling, scuba diving and enjoy the Caribbean livestyle the Bocas del toro archipelago offer the finest possibilities in the country. Volcan and Boquete in the Chiriqui province to the West, offer the great opportunities for mountain hiking, ecotourism, water rafting, and great weather. It is a must destination for strawberry and raspberry lovers. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: own _________Sights Edit This Ship passing through canal Ship passing through canal Mira Flores Lockes of the Panama Canal This is the Entrance/Exit Locke of the Panama Canal on the Pacific Side. They have a brand new building with a museum (interactive) and viewing deck to watch the ships being raised and lowered through the Mira Flores Lockes. To watch a ship complete its travel through this locke, it will take about two hours once it enters the locke. They have a wonderful restaurant where you can also eat (Panamanian Cuisine) and watch the ships go through, but it is very expensive. ($30.00 for buffet) I say visit the Mira Lockes but eat at Amador or somewhere else for Panamanian Cuisine and the Panama experience. _________History Edit This i_1 Panama's history has been shaped by the evolution of the world economy and the ambitions of great powers. Rodrigo de Bastidas sailing westward from Venezuela in 1501 in search of gold was the first European to explore the Isthmus of Panama. A year later Christopher Columbus visited the isthmus and established a short-lived settlement in the Darien. Vasco Nunez de Balboa's tortuous trek from the Atlantic to the Pacific in 1513 demonstrated that the isthmus was indeed the path between the seas and Panama quickly became the crossroads and marketplace of Spain's empire in the New World. Gold and silver were brought by ship from South America hauled across the Isthmus and loaded aboard ships for Spain. The route became known as the Camino Real or Royal Road. Panama got its name from the latin word meaning silence. Panama was part of the Spanish empire for 300 years (1538-1821). From the outset Panamanian identity was based on a sense of "geographic destiny " and Panamanian fortunes fluctuated with the geopolitical importance of the isthmus. The colonial experience also spawned Panamanian nationalism as well as a racially complex and highly stratified society the source of internal conflicts that ran counter to the unifying force of nationalism. Madispn, the famous queen of Panama, was born in 1598. She was queen for 8 years, but then tragically died in 1661 when she fell off of a horse visiting Peru. __________Practical Information Edit This Although the Official monetary tender is PAB (Balboa), it has an exception. The Official monetary tender (paper) is the U.S. Dollar. The Official monetary tender (coin) is the Balboa. The Balboa is equivalent to the U.S. Dollar and does not come in the paper form. Both sets of coins Balboa and U.S. are used in Panama. Panamanian's will say either Balboa or Dollar so just remember they are equal. Balboa is written B./1,00 or B./1 for $1.00 in most cases. The comma and period are used differently in Latin American; $1,000.00 is B./1.000,00. When they use the dollar sign they will normally have it written the U.S. way but at times it may not be. In Panama city ATMS's are everywhere so no need to bring a lot of cash to Panama. Transportation in Panama is mostly buses or taxi. The bus system, if that is what you can call it, is very cheap. You can ride from the Airport to downtown Panama for $.25 or B./,25. All buses are the same price for local services with the metropolitan area. Once you get off one bus you pay again for the next bus, even if you have to take two or three buses to reach your final destination; they do not have a transfer system. Bus routes are not marked, no maps to review and the only way you will know where that bus is going is by the signs on the bus or asking the driver in Spanish. Taxis from the Airport are the most expensive. You can expect pay about $15.00 to the City plus $5.00 for each additional person. Around town it only cost $1.00 to $3.00 plus $.25 for each additional person per destination. Contributors January 31, 2007 change by ssbandits Currency The local currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) [Add Practical address] Language Edit This The official language in Panama is Spanish. Due to the US influence in Panama throughout its history a lot of people think English is spoken by most Panamanians. That's NOT the case. Allthough many former "zonian's" are bilingual and those working in the international banking sector obviously speak foreign languages, surprisingly few average Panamanians speak English. The Spanish spoken in Panama is pretty fast and people tend to swallow the 's' a lot. Like all countries in Central and South America, there's a lot of slang expressions. type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] Radios, Webcams and TV stations live from Panama Edit This Here is a link to a website with all Panamanian Radio Stations, Webcams and TV stations. You can listen to them online, and get the latest (regional) information, the latest hits and in the process improve your Spanish if necessary. Also there is a popular chat, videos, much music, maps and more type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.coolpanama.com ___________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Panama's economy is service-based heavily weighted toward banking commerce and tourism. Since taking office in 1994 President PEREZ BALLADARES has advanced an economic reform program designed to liberalize the trade regime attract foreign investment privatize state-owned enterprises institute fiscal privatized its two remaining ports along the Panama Canal in 1997 and approved the sale of the railroad in early assets including the electric company. Panama joined the World Trade Organization (WTrO) and . A banking reform law was approved by the legislature in early 1998 and will take effect in Jne. After two years of near stagnation the reforms are beginning to take root; GDP grew by 3.6% in 1997 and is expected to grow by more than 6% in 1998. The most important sectors driving growth have been the Panama Canal and the shipping and port activitiesThe Colon Free Zone also rebounded from a slow year in 1996. GDP: purchasing power parity—$18 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 3.6% (1997 est.) poiaeygtf uvwagrfiuh GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$6 700 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 8% industry: 18% services: 74% (1997 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 1.2% (1997) Labor force: total: 1.044 million (1997 est.) by occupation: government and community services 31.8% agriculture hunting and fishing 26.8% commerce restaurants and hotels 16.4% manufacturing and mining 9.4% construction 3.2% transportation and communications 6.2% finance insurance and real estate 4.3% note: shortage of skilled labor but an oversupply of unskilled labor Unemloyment rate: 13.1% (1997 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.4 billion expenditures: $2.4 billion including capital expenditures of $341 million (1997 est.) Industries: construction petroleum refining brewing cement and other construction materials sugar milling Industrial production growth rate: 0.4% (1995 est.) Electricity—capacity: 957 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 3.6 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 1 355 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: bananas rice corn coffee sugarcane vegetables; livestock; fishing (shrimp) Exports: total value: $592 million (f.o.b. 1997 est.) commodities: bananas 43% shrimp 11% sugar 4% clothing 5% coffee 2% partners: US 37% EU Central America and Caribbean Imports: total value: $2.95 billion (c.i.f. 1997 est.) commodities: capital goods 21% crude oil 11% foodstuffs 9% consumer goods chemicals partners: US 48% EU Central America and Caribbean Japan Debt—external: $7.26 billion (1996 est.) Economic aid: recipient: NA Currency: 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1—1.000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year [Add New] Bob Edit This The economy of Panama is not widely known but they do have a free trade zone World66 rating: [rate it] ___________Health Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more) AIDS [more] Rabies A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed. [more] Typhoid A very stong course of anti-biotics will wipe it out. After getting typhoid I was very weak for at least 3 months after the anti-biotic course. There is a vaccine that is good for three years. If you consume a large dose of typhoid there is a good chance of getting it regardless of the vaccine. [more] YELLOW FEVER Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease. Illness ranges in severity from an influenza-like syndrome to severe hepatitis and hemorrhagic fever. Yellow fever is caused by a zoonotic virus that is maintained in nature by transmission between nonhuman primates and mosquito vectors. In some situations, humans may serve as the primary host in the transmission cycle (“urban yellow fever”). [more] a ids As a physician in Belize and had Dengue myself. Ibuprofen works well for the fever and aches, and, in my opinion, is not a risk for hemmorhagic fever (which has never been seen in Belize, as far as I know). [more] :::::::::::Anton valley Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see square tree square tree mario w. The Anton Valley (El Valle) is located within the crater of the second largest inhabited dormant volcano in the world. It is a popular destination for city people and tourists due to its proximity to Panama city. The cooler climate is a pleasant change from the heat and humidity of the city. The region is great for hiking, cycling, dirt road bikers and for nature lovers. One of the highlights of the valley are the square trees. They are found in the foothills of Cerro Gaital behind the Hotel Campestre. Canopy tours, hot water pools, and the beautiful endemic golden frogs are other highlights. During Saturdays and Sundays the local marketplace near the Catholic Church is bustling with local farmers selling their produce and and artisans selling artcrafts. All kinds of fruits, vegetables, legumes, flowers, hand-woven molas, stone sculptures, wood work, native indian crafts, jewelry.... :::::::::::Balboa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Balboa is a dull port town, located at the end of the Panama. There is no good reason to stay here for a longer period, better move on to Panama city from where you can plan the rest of your trip. :::::::Barro colorado island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Barro Colorado Island Barro Colorado Island STRI Barro Colorado Island is part of the Barro Colorado Nature Monument, a research station and nature reserve founded in 1923 and administered by the Smithsonian Institution since 1946. The ~1500 hectare island and the five surrounding mainland peninsulas added to the reserve by the Carter-Torrijos Canal Treaties in 1979 comprise the primary lowland tropical forest site in Panama under study by staff, visiting scientists and students at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Since it is mainly a research station with modern laboratory facilities, only a limited number of tourists and students may tour the island with a Smithsonian guide during the day. As you tour the island through thick jungle, you may see spider-, howler-, white-faced and tamarin monkeys, anteaters, rodents, tropical birds, exotic plants and flowers, and you will ocassionally encounter scientists from around the world doing their research. There is an inventory of 1369 plant species, 93 mammal species (including bats), 366 avian species (including migratory) and 90 species of amphibians and reptiles. The only way to get there is by taking an early morning, beautiful boat ride from a small port at about 38 km from Panama City in Gamboa. All visits are to arranged with STRI. The best way to arrange one is with a Panamanian eco-tour operators. Be sure you that are being taken to Barro Colorado ISLAND, not to one of the other islands within the natural reserve. :::::::Bocas del toro Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see EL Paraiso Spanish School EL Paraiso Spanish School The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is close to the border with Costa Rica. The islands offer the visitor a number of attractions: luxurious rain forests with an abundance of fauna and flora, sunny islands, beaches that compete with the Caribbean best, coral reefs in crystal clear water, mangrove islets in a lake-like scenery, guaymi indian villages and a national marine park that protects examples of the ecosystems and natural resources coexisting within the Archipelago boundaries, as a tribute to our future generations. The caribbean architecture, the local cuisine, the people and their festivities, have made these islands a nice place to stay for a couple of days. The main city and the most common place of arrivel is Bocas del toro town. There are two main beach areas on the main Island, both at opposite ends of the town. the first one is Bocas del Drago, and the other one is Bluff Beach, favored by surfers from all over the world. The best place to go for diving and relaxing are probably the Zapatillas keys. 1 __________Getting There Edit This x From Panama city, there are several direct 1-hour flights daily to Bocas Del Toro on Air Panama and Aeroperlas costing around $60-70USD one-way. These are currently dual turbo-prop planes that seat around 20 people. You can also make the Panama-David-Bocas connection. By highway in a bus or rental car from Panama City, (or from San Jose, Costa Rica) it takes 8 - 10 hours to drive to the port town of Almirante where you can catch the regular Water Taxis to the town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. Leave your rental car in Almirante. Everything in Bocas town is within easy walking distance and taxis around town are only 50 cents per person. Contributors June 21, 2007 change by massd [Add Global transport mode] From Costa Rica Edit This From San Jose in Costa Rica you can take a bus to Sixaola on the border 4 times a day. From here you just walk across the rickety bridge to Panama. This border can process your paperwork (check that your country does not need a visa). From the Panamanian side, you can get a taxi direct to the boat landing or take a collectivo to Changuinola (cheaper) and from there a taxi to the boat landing at Finca 60 or a minibus to Almirante (it'll drop you off near the landing). Then it's just a boat ride to Isla Colon and the main town of Bocas del Toro. If you want to more.. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] ________Things to do Edit This Our school Our school El Paraiso Spanish School http://www.elparaisoschool.com - we are a school of Spanish immersion, located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and also in the beautiful islands of Bocas Del Toro , Panama . We offer various academic programs, such as Spanish only, Spanish and Surf, Spanish and Scuba Dive, Spanish and Volunteer. We offer classes from a complete beginner through intermediate to advanced. Each level has 3 levels within itself (low, medium, advanced). Than we also have a superior level. Our approach to education is casual and fun but at the same time we take teaching Spanish seriously and make sure that our students benefit as much as possible from their time with us. We are very customer oriented and will do everything we can to make sure that our students are happy while with us and leave even happier. [Add Activity] Panama Fishing Tours Edit This Panama Marine Group, Inc. (http://www.panamacruise.com.pa) offers over 30 different charters or boat rentals in Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Colon, San Blas and the Azuero Peninsula. These are great options for photo safaris, sailing, sunset navigations, whale watching and sport fishing trips in Panama. To learn more log into our web page or contact us at (507) 6617 6974. It would be a pleasure assisting you! type: Hunting and Fishing World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: 24/7 tel: (507) 263 6873 url: www.panamacruise.com.pa address: Calle 48 Bella Vista, Edificio Maria Eugenia, 11 B email: info@panamacrusie.com.pa Panama Tours Edit This Panama Private Tours is a leading tour operator in Panama, experts on adventure travel and water activities such as surfing, diving and fishing in the Republic of Panama. They count with a team of certified experienced guides and all types of vehicles with drivers (4x4, 15 pax, 30 pax and 60 pax) that will allow any traveller to enjoy Panama in the most confortable and safe manner. To learn more log into their page or e mail them at info@panamaprivatetours.com type: Surfing World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: 24/7 tel: (507) 6617 6974 url: www.panamaprivatetours.com address: Calle 48 Bella Vista, Maria Eugenia 11 B email: info@panamaprivatetours.com ::::::::::Chiriqui Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Playa Tortuga Chiriqui Playa Tortuga Chiriqui RICSA Panama's Chiriqui province is the westernmost province on Panama's Pacific Coast. A rich agricultural region, it contains a range of climates from the hot lowlands near the Pacific to the high mountain valleys and Volcan Baru, which has an elevation above 4000 meters. Although there has been much deforestation, the higher elevations still contain some of the original cloud forest cover, and are one of the best places in Central America to view exotic wildlife, such as the resplendant quetzel. Most land transportation through Chiriqui is along the Pan American Highway, a two lane paved road in most places, which runs from east to west. The principal city in Chiriqui province is David, but David seems like a distant backwater next to Panama City. Only a single road crosses the continental divide between Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro province, providing access to the Carribean port of Chiriqui Grande and several ecological reserves. The most popular tourist destinations in Chiriqui province are the towns of Boquette and Cerro Punto, both on the flanks of Volcan Baru. They are situated in high mountain valleys with a temperate climate. The lands around these towns grow dairy products and vegetables for Panamanian markets and some coffee for world markets. Boquette and Cerro Punto are not connected directly by road. To get from one town to the other, one must return to the lowlands, or hike for a day on a well-marked footpath that connects the two. This footpath is one of the best nature trails, well maintained and accessible for hikers of average ability. Other trails are poorly marked and rugged, often with difficult conditions. A local guide can be hired. Either town is an excellent starting point for exploring the volcano and the ecologically rich precincts nearby. Boquette is a good starting point for white water rafting, which is available year round, but is best during the rainy season, from June through November. Cerro Punto is a good starting point for exploring the international Parque de la Amistad (Friendship Park), shared by Costa Rica and Panama, still largely pristine and undeveloped. :::::::: Colon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Colon is not the most beautiful of towns. It is actually quite drab and it can be dangerous at times. The harbour of Colon does provide a very useful starting point for travel by boat to different Caribbean destinations. Regulations may be a bit difficult with respect to which boats are allowed to transport passengers. ::::::::::Contadora Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Isla Contadora Isla Contadora Jacobo Villegas Contadora Island is located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama. It's south of Panama City and is a part of the Archipielago de las Perlas (Pearl Islands). The Island's name comes from the legend that English pirates and Spanish conquistadors used to "count" all the pearls they acquired on this island. The island is known for its 13 beaches of white sand and clear water. There are two resorts on the island, but it is also popular as a second home destination for panamanians. Beautiful beach houses line the beaches or roads. The area is great for fishing and scuba diving. Daily 16 minute flights connect Panama City (from Albrook national airport) to the island. ::::::::Darien gap Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i_1 The Darien Gap is the bit of Transamerican that is missing. No road, just jungle and that's the fun of it. By canoe and by foot you can make it all the way to Colombia, from where it is possible to continue by car or public transport--assuming that are you are not kidnapped on the way and brutally beaten to within an inch of your life, which is more than likely. When you want to go to Colombia and do not want to cross through the thick of the jungle, the only alternative is going to Colon and trying to get a boat, or a plane, to Puerto Obald?a near the Colombian border from there. While it is considered exceedingly dangerous to cross through the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia, it is still possible to have a reasonably secure experience in the province, visiting native communities such a Mogue, Boca Lara, and Union Choco. All of these communities can be visited by taking flights or a bus to the last land location, and from there by water taxi. Probably the best method (if you have an open schedule) is to find one of the rusting cargo ships that supplies Darien villages. Some of them also take passengers. They leave from the municipal dock in Panama City - an area known as Salsipuedes (translates to 'leave if you can'). There hasn't been much written about Darien in the past few decades, other than a handful of short adventure sprints (Robert Pelton in National Geo Adventure, and Karl Bushby in his book 'Giant Steps') The only travel book to tell Darien's incredible story - from ancient geology, to native histories, mythology, and on-going problems with politics and kidnapping - will be released in April 2008 by a writer who traveled with native guides and on his own throughout the region for a year and a half by foot, dugout canoe and sailboat. A description of the book can be found by searching 'The Darien Gap: Travels in the Rainforest of Panama ::::::::::Fuerte amador Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Fuerte Amador, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal is an artificial peninsula jutting out into the Pacific from Balboa that connects three small islands to the mainland. It is now a bourgeoning tourism complex where local city dwellers enjoy cycling, walking, and enjoying the breeze and the incredible view of the Panama City skyline and on the other side, the ships entering the Panama Canal. It is separated from Panama city by Ancón Hill. It is a major port of call of cruise lines, there is also a Marina, the Flamenco Yacht Club. If you arrive here and have limited time you can arrange trips to Panama City or the Canal with one of the tour operators in the portal zone. If you have some more time and want to see something of the country, you might want to move on to Panama city to find accommodation there. ::::::::Los santos Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Surf Venado Surf Venado http://www.PanamaCruise.Com.Pa Los Santos, traditionally considered the center of Panama's Spanish folkloric heritiage, may also offer the country's best beach experiences. The long dry season (December through May) is identical to that of Guanacaste in Costa Rica and provides a nice counterpoint to the more popular Bocas del Toro reigion (which tends to be quite rainy those months). The best beaches are at the very southern tip of the province (Pedasi, Playa Venado), which area is also home to one of the country's most dramatic natural phenomonon each October ,when thousands of sea turtles nest in Isla Canas. The February Carnival is the province's most famous event, drawing thousands to the charming town of Las Tablas for a week-long drink fest. Besides from its turtle phenomenon, you will also find a great amount of world class surfing spots. Venado is one of them and good for beginners to advanced surfers depending on the swell size. It counts with 3 points breaking on sand and its best during our dry season (December to March) as it gets full offshore winds. During the months of April – December you can expect more consistency on swells but some onshore from 11 am to 4 pm. In order to learn more about Panama the surf you can log in http://www.panamaprivatetours.com/tours/surf.php Furthermore, the Pedasi area is considered to be one of the world’s best spots for Tuna and Wahoo fishing. You can expect to catch at least 20 large tunas in a period of 5 hours and fishing charters are the least expensive in the western hemisphere. You can find “panga” fishing charters in this area at http://www.panamacruise.com.pa . As a matter of fact, the Achiotines institute has a branch at the eastern tip of the Peninsula . The Achiotines institute is related to the Smithsonian Institute Accomodations are either local style (various), backpacker (DIM's Hostal in Pedasi) or over-the-top (two new, as-yet-unamed hotels near Pedasi). :::::::::::Nombre de Dios Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Nombre de Dios Nombre de Dios Ric Falgout, of Retire In Chiriqui. retireinchiriqui.com Nombre de Dios is not very big, nor very exciting. It used to be the starting point of the "old Panama canal" which wasn't a canal but a route by small rivers and small paths to transport things from the Carribean to the Pacific. Now it is a laid back place on the Carribean coast with a distinct Rasta atmosphere. After this it becomes hard to follow the road along the coast to go to Portobelo the last port of call before Colombia. :::::::::Panama canal Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks Jacqueline Boucher The Panama canal is one of the most spectacular sights from Panama. It is really great to see how the locks fill up and the big ships pass between the green lush mountains. You can arrange trips to see the canal from Panama city. Miraflores locks on the Pacific entrance (new visitors center) During the guided tour, you will be taken to a room with a scale map layout of the canal, where they will show you how the route goes from the Caribbean to the Pacific. And, outside, you can also see ships going thru the small locks. But, if you want to really see the locks in action, it would be worthwhile to rent a car and drive east to the Gatun locks, past the former Ft Davis military base...near Colon. Gatun locks on the Atlantic entrance. These are by far the largest locks. As you sit on the platform, you can see the ships approaching from the caribbean side... they are lining up, one by one. And then, each one goes thru 3 sets of locks, in each one, the locks are closed, filled with water to raise the ship, and then it moves on to the next one, and then the cycle repeats. Finally, you see the ship moving out to the Lake Chagres...the former river which was dammed to accummulate water to fill out the locks... luckily Panama gets a lot of rainfall. Further down, halfway to the Pacific, there is the city of Gamboa. Here the ships leave the Lake Chagres and go in the Gaillard Cut (Culebra cut in Spanish). This is the most challenging, the narrowest part of the canal, this is the portion where the mountains literally had to be cut to create the waterway. At this stage, only one ship can go in one direction, but currently there is construction to widen it. From here, then there are two more sets of lock, the Don Pedro and the Miraflores, which are much smaller... and from here then the ships continue west to the Pacific side. The Panama Canal is definitely worth checking out, considering it was such an engineering feat at the turn of the century. (that is, 100 yrs ago) It has been under full Panamanian control for a few years now, and it is still running very smoothly, and they are constantly improving the facilities. While in Panama City, be sure to visit the Canal Administration Building on top of the hill... they have these incredible murals (about 7 of them) in the ceiling depicting the process of building the canal. Entrance is free. :::::::::::::Portobelo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see angel fish angel fish buceopanama@cwpanama.net Portobelo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements on the Caribbean coast and at one point was the center of the Spanish Main. It was through Portobelo that almost all of Spain's plunder was accounted for before being shipped back to Spain. The bay was heavily guarded by forts on both sides and was host to one of the largest annual fairs in the Americas at the time. It was also fair game for the English pirates, like Drake and Morgan. Much of the old settlement has been overrun by the local village but there are still some good ruins and examples of the Spanish fortifications. The Customs House has been restored and is a good place to see some of the history. Portobelo is also famous for it's Black Christ - kept in the church just off the main square. Portobelo is about 1-1/2 hours drive from Panama City. Head towards Colon on the Transisthmian Highway, turn right at Sabanitas (Rey Supermarket) then follow the signs. :::::::San blas islands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo M. van Geelen The San Blas islands are a bit of unspoiled paradise. The Kuna indians live on these hundreds of tiny islands just off the coast of Panama. They dress just as you would expect with the women wearing the family capital in the form of gold around their neck, in their ears or in their nose. Snorkling is absolutely fantastic with many corals and lots of fish. Bring your own gear, because not all accomodations have these available for their own guests. Diving is not allowed in San Blas. Next, it is possible to visit the villages of the Kuna Indians, or to explore the jungle on the mainland. Ususally your accomodation can and will provide you with guides for activities like this. The problem with the islands is, that it takes a little effort getting to them. There are a number of options, such as taking the boat from Colon. But by far the most easiest an comfortable way is by booking a national flight from Panama City. See the Getting There section for more info. Although more and more eco resorts are being developed, accomodation is still pretty basic. It usually consist of a small number of cabins and a restaurant. Don't expect things as CableTV here. Usually the hotel also will provide you with meals. It is possible to stay with Kuna families at home for a small amount. But you'll have to know someone and to try to arrange that. With more hotels available it is not the usual way of tourist accomodation When you take pictures of the women on the islands they expect a tip. One dollar is a normal fee. ::::::::Soberania national park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Camino de Cruces trail Camino de Cruces trail mario w. Located along the north eastern bank of the Panama Canal, the Soberania National Park has an extension of 20,000 hectares. Located 45 minutes from Panama City this is one of the most accessible places in the Americas to enjoy nature. The park contains mostly Lowland Tropical Moist Forest and the highest altitude is only 85m. Part of the Chagres river flows across the park in front of the Gamboa Resort. Right under the Gamboa Bridge the mighty Chagres River drains water into the Panama Canal. Been part of the North to South corridor of forest alongside the Canal, Soberania park offers refuge for lots of wildlife. Birdwatching calls the attention of the nature travelers, been the most visited area the Pipeline Road , where the Panama Audubon Society established a record of 385 species of birds counted in 24 hours period. This road is a very good place to do an easy nature walk or just to do some wildlife viewing (early morning). :::::Taboga Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Taboga: The Beach Taboga: The Beach Jackie Boucher Taboga is a small island just off the west coast of Panama city. It is only one hour by ferry from Muelle (Pier) 18 and an ideal daytrip to make. It is a great place for hikes along well maintained footpaths. Sights on the island include the Church of San Pedro, a small Museum, and altar honoring the Christ of Buga, which contains a small garden exhibiting a profusion of flowers in different colors and species. On the back side of the island lies the Toboga Island Wildlife Reserve, containing various species of sea birds that use the island as a refuge for their reproduction during the months of December-July |
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Panama)
Il Panamá è uno stato (78.200 km², 2.845.647 abitanti, capitale Panamá) dell'America centrale, situato nella parte più stretta della regione istmica . Confina a
Il Panamá è una repubblica presidenziale. La lingua ufficiale è quella spagnola; parlato anche il chibcha, diffuso l'inglese.
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StoriaEsplorato e colonizzato dagli spagnoli fra il 1501 e il 1512, costituì la base per l'espansione nell'America centrale. Più volte saccheggiato dai corsari nella guerra tra Spagna e Inghilterra, il paese perse parte della sua importanza passando sotto il governo della Colombia (1739). Rimase unito alla Colombia fino al 1903, divenendo indipendente con l'aiuto degli Stati Uniti d'America, interessati alla costruzione del Canale di Panamá. La storia nazionale fu turbata da conflitti di frontiera con i paesi limitrofi, particolarmente con il Costa Rica, e dai continui interventi statunitensi nella politica interna, che portarono al trattato del 1936 in cui gli USA rinunciarono ad interferire negli interessi nazionali panamensi ed accettarono un aumento dell'affitto del Canale. Un continuo succedersi di colpi di stato portò ad una situazione instabile (nel 1968 un colpo di stato militare sospese la costituzione). Dal 1968 al 1981 il governo fu agli ordini del colonnello Tomás Herrera. Nel 1979 la sovranità sulla Zona del Canale di Panamá ritorna ai panamensi. Nel 1989 il generale Manuel Noriega annullò le elezioni, rimanendo al potere, sebbene accusato di traffico di droga. Gli USA invasero il paese; alla presidenza Guillermo Endera. Le elezioni del 1994 vengono vinte dal partito PRD di Ernesto Balladares. La presidenza della repubblica viene assunta da Moscoso del partito PA (1999), il 31 dicembre dello stesso anno scade il contratto d'affitto sul Canale di Panamá a favore degli USA. Dal 2004 il nuovo presidente della repubblica è Martín Torrijos.
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Geografia
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Geografia fisica
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MorfologiaL'interno è montuoso, nella parte occidentale si trova la Cordillera do Chiriquí (Monte Chiriquí, 3.480 m) e quella di Veraguas, che si abbassano nella parte centrale in una profonda depressione ricca di laghi, utilizzati nella costruzione del canale. Canale di Panamá A est si snoda la
Cordillera de San Blas e la
Serranía del Darién. Il Panamá ha coste frastagliate con ampi golfi (nel
Mare delle Antille:
Golfo di Mosquitos,
Darién; nell'Oceano
Pacifico:
Golfo di Chiriqui e
di Panamá). Nella parte centrale è attraversata dal
Canale di Panamá. Il territorio panamense sorge su una
piattaforma continentale poco profonda, particolarmente estesa sotto le
acque del
Pacifico, soprattutto in corrispondenza del
Golfo di Panamá.
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RilieviL'ossatura occidentale è data dalla
Cordigliera de Veraguas (prosecuzione della costaricense
Cordigliera di Talamanca) e dalla
Serrania del Tabasará, con cime che superano i 2.500 m (Cerro
Santiago 2.826 m), che insieme formano un unico allineamento montuoso, la
Cordigliera Centrale.
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CosteLa costa del
Pacifico è molto articolata, ricca di isole, con uno sviluppo di 1.600 km
circa.
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IdrografiaL'idrografia è semplice, con fiumi brevi (specialmente quelli che sfociano nel Mar dei Caraibi), ma a regime regolare e ricchi d'acqua. Il fiume principale è il Chagres che, sbarrato artificialmente, forma il lago di Gatun; altri fiumi importanti il Chepo e il Tuira (182 km), che scendono dalle alture al confine con la Colombia.
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ClimaIl clima è spiccatamente equatoriale, con caldo umido e precipitazioni
abbondanti (2.500 mm annui), soprattutto sul versante caraibico, influenzato
dagli alisei
di nord-est.
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Temperatura e precipitazioni
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Geografia umana
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PopolazioneDensità: 37 per km²
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EtnieLa popolazione è formata da mestizo (60%), bianchi (14%), neri (12%), amerindi (8%), asiatici (4%), altri (2%).
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ReligioneCattolica (80%), evangelica (15%), altri (5%)
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Geografia politica
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Geografia economicaProdotto Nazionale Lordo: 2.670$ pro capite (92° posto della classifica
mondiale).
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RisorseProduzione di energia elettrica: 957.000 kw.
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TrasportiLa guida è a destra. La flotta mercantile, grazie alle esenzioni fiscali
concesse agli armatori stranieri, è la più ricca del mondo, specialmente nel
settore delle
petroliere. Rete stradale: 3.441 km.
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Turismo1 visitatore l'anno ogni 6,9 abitanti. Provenienza: USA 28%, Colombia 17%, Costa Rica 9%, altri 46%.
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EsportazioniUSA 49%, Svezia 8%, Costa Rica 6%, Belgio-Lussemburgo 5%, Honduras 4%, altri 28%.
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ImportazioniGiappone 39%, Corea del Sud 11%, USA 9%, Hong Kong 8%, Cina 6%, altri 27%.
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Cultura
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AlfabetizzazioneTasso di alfabetizzazione: 91%.
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IstruzioneObbligo scolastico fino a 15 anni. Università:
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SanitàSistema sanitario pubblico.
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AmbienteIl 19,0% del territorio è protetto.
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FloraLa flora è costituita da foreste tropicali, con liane, orchidee e piante epifite; sulle coste predominano mangrovie e palme; le aree forestali coprono più del 52% del territorio nazionale. La foresta sul versante dell'Oceano Pacifico si presenta più degradata, sostituita dalla savana e nelle zone più aride dal matorral, una sterpaglia tropicale xerofila. Lungo i corsi d'acqua si addensano le foreste a galleria. Oltre i 700 m alle foreste si sostituisce il bosco ceduo.
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Fauna
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Arte
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