Guidebooks to Panama

Lonely Planet Panama is a guidebook well worth its weight, beginning with unparalleled photographs of tropical flora and fauna in some of Panama’s sixteen national parks and offering solid travel advice for Panamanian visitors throughout.
Travelers who value planning will find historic highlights, health bulletins, guides for travel with children, where to find internet access, and guides to planning wide variety of trips through Panama. Adventurers, who plan for moments rather than days, will find phone and fax numbers for last minute reservations on flights to the shore of the Caribbean for a weekend’s scuba diving or a mountain trip to kayak in class-five rapids.
Even more important as you actually venture into a foreign venue, are Lonely Planet’s well constructed maps and solid recommendations for clean hotels and good food, in Panama’s renowned destinations. The editors offer their favorites in both lodging and meals for each region, giving insights that can be very significant in a country in which food-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses do exist.
The amount of relevant data included by Lonely Planet Panama’s well-traveled team is extensive. The travel guide chooses regional destinations in each of the provinces, and then discusses local lodging and restaurant alternatives that are offered. The options for each area are categorized as: budget, mid-range and top end; which simplifies deciding where you want to go, by highlighting the differences in amenities that your dollar buys.
One chapter of the Lonely Planet Panamanian travel guide is advice by a physician, on vaccinations recommended before traveling in Panama. The doctor included a variety of health care information, even a contents checklist for a good tropical first aid kit.

Surprisingly, the cultural diversity that Panama offers has had few proponents in travel literature. The Lonely Planet editors have provided the latest information about trips to see the celebrated 940 bird species and 125 animal species found nowhere else in the world and have offered special destinations for ornithologists and biologists.

The Lonely Planet policy of accepting and incorporating helpful hints, useful advice and meaningful anecdotes from fellow travelers, have enriched and grounded this edition, whether it’s stories of how to swim in a riptide, or hints about where the horseback riding is really good.

You can hike through cloud forests and swim in two oceans, climb mountains, or even be a delighted conservationist and delight in the four species of sea turtle nesting on this country’s unmatched seashore, and Lonely Planet Panama will help you travel wisely. Check it out.

Panama is literally the undiscovered Country that you will fall in love with. It has one of the most stable Governments in Latin America is blessed with one of the lowest crime rates, and is steeped in culture and intrigue.

Panama is a land with an astonishing amount of history.Pre-Columbian site have been found that date back 11,000 years.Its full of adventure including Christopher Columbus and even Pirates the likes of Henry Morgan.

Get great advice about all of Central America, learn from Experts and Licensed Professionals about how to retire to Belize, Honduras, Guatamala, and El Salvador buying Beach Front property, purchasing a home, rental deals, visas etc.

Source: Panama Travel Bureau

Capital

Panama City

Exchange rate, currency Balboa

1 Balboa (B) = 1 US$ (fixed rate).

Administrative divisions

9 provinces: Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama and Veraguas. 2 territories: Ngobe-Bugle and San Blas.

Population

2,808,268 growth rate 1.34% (July 2000). Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%.

Languages

Spanish (official), English 14%, many Panamanians are bilingual.

Religions

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%.

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season from May to January, short dry season from January to May.

Geography

75,990 sq. km. Interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills.

National Anthem

Listen to the National Anthem of Panama

Public holidays

January 1 - New Years Day.
January 9 - Mourning Day.
February 15 - Carnival.
March/April - Good Friday.
May 1 - Labor Day.
November 3 - Independence Day (1903 from Colombia).
November 4 - Flag Day.
November 10 - The rebellion of the Saints.
November 28 - Independence from Spain.
December 8 - Mother’s Day.
December 25 - Christmas Day.

Newspapers

La Prensa |El Siglo |Crítica en Línea |La Estrella

Natural resources

Copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower.

Industries

Construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling.

Agriculture products

Bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables, livestock, shrimp.

GDP

US$ 21 billion, real growth rate 4.4%, per capita US$ 7,600 (1999 est.).

Exports

US$ 4.7 billion (f.o.b., 1999). Bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee.

Source: Alfa Travel Guide

Panama City, the capital of Panama

Located at the entrance to the Panama Canal, Panama City is that country’s largest city and its business, political, and cultural center. A thriving metropolis with over 700,000 residents, Panama City stretches along the Pacific coast from the old city to the edge of the Panama Canal. The city has an international flavor, thanks in part to its importance as a crossroads and banking and commercial center.
Read more about Panama City »

The Panama Canal: Connecting East and West

The Panama Canal, located in narrow isthmus of central Panama, has been a major shipping channel since the day it opened in 1914. The 48-mile canal, one of the most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, connects the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean beyond with the Pacific Ocean.
Read more about the Panama Canal »

Visit Colon and Visit Panama’s Past

Panama’s Colon Province is rich with history. It has been a Spanish colonial outpost, a rowdy 18th century pirate stronghold, a vital link across the continent during the 19th century Gold Rush, and more recently, the workers’ base during the construction of the Panama Canal. Today, visitors can see reminders of all of those periods as well as sparkling turquoise waters and dense tropical jungle.
Read more about the Colon Province »

The San Blas Islands: A Beautiful Land that Time Forgot

The San Blas Islands, an archipelago of around 365 coral atolls, are located in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Panama. Only 36 of the islands, also known as Kuna Yala, are inhabited, and they are home to the Kuna people, an indigenous Native American people for whom life has changed little in the last centuries. Visitors must seek permission from the local chieftain to spend the night in the Islands.
Read more about the San Blas Islands »

Isla Coiba: Undeveloped Paradise

Isla Coiba is Panama’s largest island in Panama. Located about 30 miles from the mainland and about 200 miles from Panama City, Isla Coiba is a nature and wildlife preserve. The island is filled with tropical rain forests and off shore lies the second largest reef in that part of the world. The area surrounding Isla Coiba is a huge marine park encompassing more than 2700 square kilometers.
Read more about Isla Coiba »

The Azuero Peninsula: Panama’s Heartland

The Azuero Peninsula, located in south central Panama, is a densely populated, yet somewhat isolated place, home to approximately 13 percent of Panama’s residents. Frequently referred to as “Panama’s Heartland,” Azuero is known for its wide, secluded, white sand beaches, its colorful handicrafts, and as home to Panama’s national drink, the powerful sugarcane liquor called “seco.”
Read more about The Azuero Peninsula »

David and the Chiriqui Highlands

Chiriqui, in southwest Panama, is the traditional home of the Guaymi people. Bounded by Bocas del Toro province to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, this diverse province includes hot and humid lowlands as well as steep volcanic highlands. It’s a beautiful landscape, full of history, culture, and natural wonders.
Read more about David and the Chiriqui Highlands »

Bocas del Toro and Isla Colon

Bocas del Toro is an archipelago, made up of nine principal islands, just off the northeast coast of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. The region offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving around offshore coral reefs and many of the islands offer pristine and uncrowded white sand beaches.
Read more about Bocas del Toro and Isla Colon »

Darien: The Land beyond Civilization

Darien is the name of a stretch of mountainous rain forest between Panama and Columbia as well as a large National Park and World Heritage Site, home to rare and colorful plant and animal life. Abandoned by the Spanish because of its rugged and rainy environment, the area remains wild, remote, and beautiful.
Read more about the Darien province »

Source: Alfa Travel Guide

Prepare your travel to Panama with a first-rate guidebook. Plan your itineraries before you leave home. That way you will find all the best spots and bargains.

Moon Handbooks Panama

From lounging in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro to viewing the cool highlands of Boquete and exploring Panama City, the most cosmopolitan city in Central America. Practical information includes suggested travel strategies and lists of must-see sights, both on and off the beaten path, plus essentials on dining, transportation, and accommodations for a range of budgets.

Lonely Planet Panama

This in-depth guide shows you where to go salsa dancing all night, glimpse resplendent quetzals or relax at a secluded mountain retreat. Including complete coverage of outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling, hiking and wildlife, this travel guide also provides information on where to eat, hotel accommodation and regional traditions.

Adventures in Nature: Panama

This book highlights only the most interesting places and activities for adventure travelers. Vivid scenic descriptions, from the cool highlands to the lowland tropical forest, along with tips on getting around and a wide variety of accommodation options. Details on the country’s conservation efforts, with advice on how you can support local communities.

Lonely Planet Central America On a Shoestring

Probably the best known and used of all the guidebooks. Includes budget hotel accommodation, the best spots for scuba diving, wildlife watching, jungle trekking and language study. Air, bus and ferry routs and schedules, including border information. Detailed maps. Covers: Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Let’s Go Central America

A comprehensive guide to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. This edition boasts expanded coverage of local and indigenous culture, beaches, and the outdoors. More listings of Spanish schools and volunteer opportunities help travelers extend their stays, get involved, and make a difference.

Footprint Central America and Mexico Handbook

Whether you’re looking for the ancient Maya pyramids, Spanish colonial splendours, majestic volcanoes, adventure sports or just the best beaches, this guide offers practical travel advice along with background information on ancient civilizations, archaeological sites and revolutionary history.

Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife Central America

From toucans to tapirs and jaguars to jacamars, this guide will help you to find and identify Central America’s amazing wildlife. Covers the wildlife of Belize, Costa Rica and Panama. Hundreds of color photos highlight the rich variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. The region’s world-class bird watching is covered for experts and beginners.

Central America Map

Travel map of Central America in color. Shows roads from paved Inter-American Highways to secondary and seasonal tracks, with distances in kilometers; railways; airports and landing grounds; ferry routes; active volcanoes; mountains with altitude in meters; protected areas; points of interest; beaches; gas stations; more.

Source: Alfa Travel Guide

The combination of incredible natural beauty, pleasant moderate climates as well as access to international markets and the quality and low cost of the labor force, make Panama an ideal place to live. You can drive from a modern, bustling urban environment to a rain forest teeming with animal and plant life in as little as an hour.

Stats:

Full country name: Republic of Panama Area: 78,000 sq km (30,420 sq mi) Population: 3 million (July 2005) (growth rate 1.3%) Capital city: Panama City (pop 700,000) People: 70% mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 14% Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 10% White 6% Amerindian Language: Spanish English Indian languages Religion: 85% Roman Catholic 10% Protestant 5% Islamic Government: Constitutional republic President: Martin Torrijos GDP: US$8.8 billion GDP per head: US$3200 Annual growth: 4.1% Inflation: 1.1% Exports: $5.699 billion f.o.b. (includes the Colon Free Zone) (2004 est.) Exports - commodities: bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing (1999) Exports - partners: US 50.5%, Sweden 6.6%, Spain 5.1%, Netherlands 4.4%, Costa Rica 4.2% (2004) Imports: $7.164 billion f.o.b. (includes the Colon Free Zone) (2004 est.) Imports - commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals Imports - partners: US 33.3%, Netherlands Antilles 8.1%, Japan 6%, Costa Rica 5.7%, Mexico 4.6%, Colombia 4.2% (2004)

Panama’s Economy Three-fourths of Panama’s GDP relies on an economy based primarily on well-developed services sector. Services include the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism. Panama’s economy has positive and sustained growth due to economic stability in the last few years, including an inflation level that is among the lowest in the world, and a per capita income that is among the highest in Latin America.

During the last 15 years, income from international tourism in the Republic of Panama has grown 1.5 times faster than the national GDP, and there is no indication that it will decrease. For the year 2005, tourism has contributed between 15% and 20% to the national economy. Panama has 1,398 tourist attractions of which 70%, are natural sites and 30% are cultural and historical sites.

Panamaexpertos.com - Call us — 561-210-5832

Panama is more than just a Canal?it is definitely way much more! The Republic of Panama is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a great biodiversity of nature where you can find a mix between tranquility and a well developed city.

In fact, Panama is a paradise to invest, to enjoy, to shop, a paradise of service, of friendly people, with seven ethnic Indian groups that still conserve their millenary traditions, with a Canal serving the world in between two oceans, a Canal considered to be the eight wonder of the world, with a variety of the most famous international chains of hotels, convention centers and a sustainable ecology in development, Panama is this and way much more!

Panama is considered to be in the 3rd position for best place to retire in the world; The Republic of Panama is also considered to be the best place to live outside the United Estates. This is according to the renowned International Living magazine and experts that promote the life style of US citizens retired in foreign countries. The American Association of Retired Persons a magazine for retired people, has also considered Boquete and Chiriqu? in the Republic of Panama to be one of the four best places to have a home outside home. This rating was given after ten key indicators that included security, beauty, costs, climate, political stability and others.

Everything is relatively close and accessible in the Republic of Panama Center of the World and heart of the Universe? counting with direct flights from the United Estates, Europe, Asia and Latin-American, with more than 150 private banks, business centers where you can buy or sell any type of product at the best international prices. Panama is a commercial empire!The Free Trade Zone (Colon City) in the Republic of Panama is the second most important trade center of the World after Hong Kong. This position is given since Panama has the best route or shortest from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean to move global trade. For these reasons, the Republic of Panama offers a great variety of Malls (Multiplaza, Multicentro, Los Pueblos and others) and duty free shopping centers with an excellent relation between quality and price where you will be able to experience the best shopping of your life!

INVESTING IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA:When you buy in the Republic of Panama, you will find more amenities than in other retiring heavens such as Costa Rica, the costs are simply lower as well as crime rates. In the Republic of Panama you will find less bureaucracy and less interference with the local authorities when is about investing.

The Republic of Panama is one of the most globalize countries in Latin America. Panama is also a member of the (OMC) which stands for Organizacion Mundial de Comercio or Worlds Commerce Organization, it is also part of the (ALCA) Area de Libre Comercio de Las Americas or Free Trade Sector of the Americas in which the Republic had the privilege to be the convention center for 2 years in a row (2001 & 2003) and has already started negotiations to be part of the (MERCOSUR) and (APEC).You would not require special permits or inscriptions previous to your investment in the Republic of Panama. The Law of Stability of Investment (1998) protects all foreign investors from any change on taxes, the 10 year labor laws and other costs after an investment has been registered.

TheRepublic of Panama has proportioned various ways to incentive foreign investors which include;* A US dollar based economy.* Low inflation rates without risk of currency changes* Total absence of exchange controllers* Same treatment to foreigners and locals* One of the most flexible countries in the world* No restriction to foreign owned corporations* No restriction to fusions, acquisitions or corporations of shared risk* An existing Free Trade Zone* A large percentage of bilingual labor force* The Republic of Panama is nominated #1 in the region for low cost of living and low operational cost from the Tripartite Committee which consists of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Commission (ECLAC), the American Estates Organization (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).The Republic of Panama is totally covered by the OPIC, MIGA, IDB and other multilateral entities.The Politic Risk Service (PRS) named the Republic of Panama to be one of the three countries in the hemisphere with best qualifications for investment.These are just some of the reasons why Panama is the best place for your businesses and investment.COST OF LIVING IN PANAMA. The Republic of Panama has costs of a third world country in a first world country. Panama Real Estate cost can be 1/10 of values in the United States and the cost of living is about ? to all mayor cities in the US. Below is a quick list of mayor living cost as reference, in many cases retirees can Sell their present Living properties, buy one better in Panama for ? of the cost and live a better Life Style for many years with the ? of their sale, with change.Estimated Monthly Fixed Costs in US dollars:Electricity in Panama $80.00Water in Panama (Very Safe to Drink-The Best in Latin America) $20.00Phone Bills in Panama (Includes Monthly Fee and Estimated Usage) $50.00Living Maid in Panama (If you can afford it its highly recommended) $150.00Cell Phone cost in Panama $50.00Condo Maintenance Fee in Panama $150.00Internet Service in Panama (Residential) $20.00Cable TV Service in Panama $50.00Gasoline in Panama (2.35 per Gallon ? Estimate) $50.00Groceries in Panama (Monthly for Family of 4) $400.00Fire Insurance in Panama (Building) $150.00Health Insurance in Panama (Basic Coverage for Family of 4) $150.00Car Insurance in Panama (Based on a $25,000 Auto) $35.00Private School Fees in Panama (per kid) $130.00 -$500.00Additional ExpensesPrivate School Tuition in Panama $300.00General Medicine in Panama $35.00Dentist in Panama consultancy $35.00Gymnasium monthly fees in Panama $45.00Dinner at a luxury restaurant in Panama (2 pax) $50.00-$80.00Movie theater fees in Panama $3.50Taxi fees in Panama $1.50Tax (ITBM) in Panama 5%

SECURITY IN PANAMA.The Republic of Panama is the safest country in Central and South America. It counts the highest qualifications on security for tourists according to the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency, is a warm, economic, comfortable and adventurous place to retire, invest and live how you have always dream of.

CLIMATE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The Republic of Panama counts with the ideal geographical position and atmospheric conditions. Here in Panama, you can find the perfect climate for al tastes, sunny, tropical, warm exotic beaches and over 1,200 islands that surround us. At the same time you can enjoy a fresh climate at the high lands of Chiriqu, El Valle, Boquete or Cerro Azul among the most popular spots at a few hours from Panama City.It is very important to mention that in the Republic of Panama there are no hurricanes, active volcanoes or earthquakes because of its privileged geographical position.The Republic of Panama counts with to climatic stages Dry (December-April) and Green (April-December) seasons. The Green season its know for the drastic changes of sun light and tropical rain that makes the country Green.The temperature in the Republic of Panama during the year is 27 C y 16C-25C in the valleys and mountains. The north winds refresh us during dry season. The tropical rains are usually in between 5 to 45 minutes while the sky partially opens and lets the sun rays penetrate or country.

GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA?Panama seems to be apart from Central America sustained by its canal, banks and a free trade zone? The Economist.

GEOGRAPHY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The republic of Panama occupies 75,990 km2 with 9 provinces: Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Colce, Veraguas, Darien, Colon, Los Santos, San Blas and Herrera. Up north the Panamanian coastline borders the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific on the Southern coast of our Isthmus at only 1hr from each other. On the west side of the Republic of Panama is Costa Rica and Colombia on the East Side.

POPULATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The Republic of Panama has 2,839,177 million habitants (July, 2001). It is a mix of ethnicities from different origins; Spanish conquerors, blacks and indigenous groups. Panama is a place where all cultures collide.

RELIGION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The Republic of Panama has the following religious statistics; Catholics: 85% ; Christians: 12%; Orthodox: 3% Hindus, Muslim and Buddhists? All cultural groups practice their religion freely in the Republic of Panama.

LANGUAGE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMASpanish is the official language in the Republic of Panama. However, English is used frequently by Panamanians and businesses in the Republic of Panama.

POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The Republic of Panama has a stable democratic political system who actually promotes the foreign investment. Panama is an independent nation that counts with a wide legal frame which supports the national security for Panamanians and foreigners. Panama?s actual president is Mr. Martin Torrijos.

CURRENCY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMASince 1904, the Republic of Panama uses the Balboa as its currency. The Balboa is equivalent to the US dollar which circulates in the Republic of Panama as well. The Republic of Panama has maintained the lowest inflation rates in the hemisphere (2%) in the last 40 years. Traveler checks, credit card or debit cards can be used to makes payments in the Republic of Panama.

BANKING CENTERPanama City counts with over 150 international and local banks offering a modern legislation on IBC?s (International Business Corporations), Private Interest Foundations, high interest rates on certificates of deposit and more! Banks such as Citibank, HSBC, BNP/Paribas and Dresdner are some of the ones you will find in the Republic of Panama.

TIME IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA The official time of the Republic of Panama is the same as the East Coast of the United Estates which is (GMT-5).

ELECTRIC POWER IN PANAMA The electric power in the Republic of Panama goes at 110w-60hz and 220w.

TELEPHONE SERVICE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA Internet, phone lines and cell-phone services are excellent. You can make or receive international phone calls in Panama City. The country code for the Republic of Panama is 507.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA Because of having an excellent geographical position and one of the most important routes in the world for international trade, The Panama Canal, our country is one of the most important spots for logistics on transportation and cargo services in the world.The Republic of Panama counts with modern ports on the Atlantic Coast as well as the Pacific Coast. Our ports are connected with a Panamanian Rail Way. We count with excellent roads, national and international airports in which all are capable of processing cargo.

The Republic of Panama offers one of the most important maritime systems of commercial routs in the world.The public transportation cost in Panama City is of less than 25cents of a US dollar; taxis fees in Panama City starts from $1.00 USD per passenger, in case of an extra passenger you should add a 25% or 25cents per dollar.

You can reach any province of the Republic of Panama thru de Albrook bus terminal or by contacting a local tour operator. We suggest a private tour services such as the fist private tour service in the Republic of Panama. (www.panamaprivatetours.com).An example of the price for a bus ticket to David, Chiriqu? is of $10.60. However, this may take long hours and a few stops to eat, etc. In order for you to travel comfortable we suggest a local tour operator as mentioned above.

DRIVERS LICENCE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA Any driver license is valid in the Republic of Panama for 90 days. However, you should always carry your passport in case you get stopped by a police officer. The minimum age required to obtain a drivers license in the Republic of Panama is of 18 years of age.

MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES IN REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The Republic of Panama offers medical services that are top rated like in the United Estates and other countries. Panamanian medical top standards include the public and private service as well. You can find a wide range of hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, ambulance services; insurance companies that are just a part of a complete medical service system and medical specialties that are found in Panama and Central America. In Panama you will also find a large number of medical professionals; surgeons, medics, paramedics, nurses with vast experience that will confirm the best medical assistance for you and your family.

The Panamanian health center Ministerio de Salud, is the institution in charged of determining and conducting health politics in the Republic of Panama.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.Private and public schools in Panama are supervised under the Panamanian Minister of Education. Panamanian school systems are organized under primary and secondary high school levels which are six years each. University degrees are also offered in the Republic of Panama. There are also a few US universities such as Louiville and Florida State University. The Republic of Panama has over 20 different universities.Monthly fees for School Trasnportation in the Republic of Panama: US$ 35.00

TOURSISTIC DESTINATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The Republic of Panama is affordable tourism For many, Panama is the todays best country for ecotourism. The unique geographical position that Panama has a bridge connecting two continents? gives the opportunity to enjoy fascinating primitive tropical rain forests and a biodiversity that counts with over 944 bird species. This is more than in the United Estates and Canada together!

It is convenient to know, that all this nature is accessible at only 1 hour from Panama City. Panamas National Parks are vast with almost 5 million acres in size; this makes 25% of Panamas total size. Panama has plenty unexplored virgin forests and for those who have, there is a local saying: while in other countries you see 20 tourists observing one bird specie, in Panama you find one tourist observing 20 species.

Panamanian National Parks that we recommend you to visit:1. Altos de Campana Natural Park2. La Amistad Nacional Park3. Marino Isla Bastimentos Nacional Park4. Cerro Hoya Nacional Park5. Isla Coiba Nacional Park6. Chagres National Park7. Dari?n National Park8. El Cop? National Park9. Camino De Cruces National Park10. Metropolitano National Park11. Portobelo National Park12. Sarigua National Park13. Soberana National Park14. Volcon Bar? National Park

We cannot leave our beautiful beaches behind! Panama has over 1,200 islands and 2,400km of coast including the Pacific and Atlantic coast together. There is a wide range of beaches to pick from starting from all inclusive resorts to fascinating getaways. Both coasts in the Republic of Panama are separated by only 55 miles, this means that you could snorkel on the Atlantic coast in the morning and bathe in the Pacific after.

Many international experts are impressed by the world class adventure that river navigation offers in the Republic of Panama. This includes kayaks, tubes, rafts and motorized river boats. Panama has river sites where you could find 20 rapids in one afternoon. Canoe excursions, excursions, rappelling and surfing offers similar experiences to anyone looking for extreme adventures.

The Republic of Panama is characterized by its fishing. Even from Pre-Hispanic times, the rumors were that Panama had abundance of fish in its coasts and that Panama meant abundance of fish in local Indian dialect.

There are many options for fishing in the Republic of Panama. The most fascinating aspect is that you could fish at a short distance the following styles; fly fishing, trout or big game fishing at Pias Bay. We recommend www.panamaprivatetours.com as the most comfortable and private option to travel in the Republic of Panama.

HOW TO GET INTO THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA.The following lists of countries do not require a visa to get into the Republic of Panama:

Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Israel, Austria, Italy, Chile, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Pollony, El Salvador, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Finland, Greece, France, Singapore, Guatemala, Switzerland, Honduras, Uruguay, Holland, Luxemburg, Belgica, Bolivia.

Countries that require a visa to access the Republic of Panama: Chad, Chipre, Egypt, ilipines, Peru, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Ecuador.

Countries that can get into the Republic of Panama using a tourist card: Antigua / Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Curacao, United Estates, Vatican, Granada, Greece, Guyana, Isladia, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Samoa, San Cristobal / Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent, Santa Lucia, Sao Tome, Sweden, Suriname, Taiwan, Trinidad / Tobago and Venezuela.

The remaining nationalities require authorization and visas to access the Republic of Panama.Estamped Visa: You can get a stamped visa at Panamanian Consulates in your country.

Authorized Visa: The authorized visa can be obtained at Panamanian consulates in your county with direct authorization from Migration in the Republic of Panama as well as an authorization from the Panamanian Security Council.Tourist Card: This card can be purchased for $5.00 USD and is sold at travel agencies or airlines. Every tourist must have a valid passport except US citizens that would only need to present a valid ID.

HOW TO SEND YOUR PET INTO THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMAThe following list of requierements are for the pet lovers who wish to bring thei own domestic animals into the Republic of Panama.

- The first step to bring a pet into the Republic of Panama is to get a hold of a health and rabies certificate given by a veterinary. Both documents must get stamped by the Panamanian Consulate.

- Three (3) days before the animal?s arrival, you must present an application to the Department of prevention and control of Zoonosis. The document must include the general information of the animal; age, sex, color, name, etc. The flight number, airline, owners information must be given as well. This application must specify the duration of the animal; permanent or temporary.

- You must pay the amount of $130.00 USD in concept of quarantine to the National Bank of Panama. This branch is located in the International Airport.

- Alter presenting the National Banks receipt to the department of quarantine, you will be free to enjoy your pet?s company in the Republic of Panama.

As a matter of fact, the Republic of Panama is one of the 5 countries with out rabies!

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