The Ultimate Panama City Travel Guide
This summer, I had the opportunity to explore the best of Panama from coast to coast, and I was impressed!
Though sometimes overlooked as a Central America destination, there truly is something for everyone in Panama, whether you come for world-famous shopping, the pristine islands of San Blas or for a stroll through the historic Casco Viejo district.
This Panama City travel guide is filled with travel tips to help you plan an incredible trip!
What to Expect in Panama City
-
Language: Like most of Latin America, Spanish is the primary language in Panama City, but because of its legacy as a vital international trade connection, you will also find that there is a multicultural expat population that speaks English too.
-
Currency: Unusual for a sovereign state, Panama actually has two official currencies, with the US Dollar sharing official status with Panamanian Balboa, pegged at a one-to-one rate, and dollars used for paper money, and Panama mainly produces its own coins.
-
Credit Cards and Banks: In Panama City itself, a good majority of retailers will accept credit cards, particularly tourist businesses, while ATMs are common around the city.
-
Climate: Temperatures in Panama City are quite stable throughout the year, with hot days that often rise to thirty three degrees Celsius, and rarely dropping below eighteen degrees. The dry season is fairly short, running from December to April, with the remainder of the year experiences a fair amount of rain.
Getting Around Panama City
The transportation situation in the city has improved significantly over recent years, with a new metro subway system which opened in 2014, and some of the old buses being replaced by new city buses. The first line of the metro runs north to south under the city, and is relatively cheap and affordable, with fares at around 35 cents.
Buses in the city are divided into the local routes with lots of stops that offer fares of 25 cents, or the main corridor buses that run a quicker service along the main north to south and east to west corridor, with fares a little higher at $1.25.
Taxis are also plentiful and affordable in the city, with fares set by the government that depend on the distance that you will be covering, with even the longest journeys around the city only costing around five dollars.
What to Do in Panama City
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or beach bum, there’s something here for everyone!
Panama Canal – The canal is the main reason for the city being what it is today, and to see the ships go by in the canal is an impressive sight. You can reach the area by bus or by taxi, and there is also a visitor’s center at the Miraflores Locks with a great viewing platform and a museum showing off the history of the canal too.
Casco Viejo – The historic area of the city has seen a lot of development over recent years, but you can still see some historic traditional buildings, while there are also plenty of bars and restaurants here. Many of the city’s museums are located in this district, while the theaters here host some of the best operas and musical shows in the region.
Panama Viejo – Panama City has not always been set in its current location, and back in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the city was a target for pirates, and after the attack of Henry Morgan, the city elders eventually decided to leave behind the old city and move to the more secure site which you can see in Casco Viejo today.
Bio Museo – This colorful building is facing the Pacific Ocean near the end of the canal, and is designed to be a museum of biodiversity. There are eight exhibitions located within the museum itself, and the bold design is actually one that was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry.
Stand Up Paddleboarding On The Chagres River – The Chagres is the largest of the rivers of Panama, and is a broad river that flows relatively slowly, meaning that the sport of stand up paddleboarding is a great way to see the scenery of the banks of the river.
Take A Day Trip To The Gamboa Rainforest – A trip to Gamboa offers some fascinating insights into Panama and its history, as the town of Gamboa is a faded colonial gem that has houses and public buildings in various states of repair, while the rainforest is home to a massive range of birds and wildlife, with some lovely walking trails.
Monkey Island Boat Tour – This is an island on Gatun Lake which has a huge range of monkeys present, and this trip offers a view of a range of different species including capuchins, howler monkeys and even the sloths and toucans that also live on the island.
Embera Indian Village Tour – The Embera are an indigenous tribe that live in the Panama rainforest, and this day trip from Panama City will offer a fascinating perspective on the country as it was before colonization, and you can enjoy musical performances and an introduction to the culture and traditions of the tribe. Overnight stays in the rainforest are also available.
Where to Eat in Panama City
Panama City has plenty of places to make your mouth water!
Puerta de Tierra – This great steak house is located in the old town area, and while you can sit inside, the lovely patio is a great place to enjoy your food and to see the people of the city go by. You will also regularly find some good live bands performing here too.
Nacion Sushi – So close to the ocean, it is no surprise that seafood is popular in Panama City, and this sushi restaurant is a stylish option in the Costa del Este district, and is nicely decorated while the food is well prepared and offers some tasty vegetarian options as well as the sashimi.
Barrio Pizza – Located on the Avenida Central at the heart of the city, this pizza restaurant prepares their pizzas in the traditional way, with a good selection of toppings and the option to choose your own topping too. The restaurant is lively and displays some bold artwork giving the location a vibrant atmosphere.
Donde Jose – One of the few restaurants in the city that has a waiting list, Donde Jose’s cuisine delivers Panamanian classics with a modern culinary twist, and every day a fixed menu of five main items and two desserts are prepared in two sittings, and each dish is lovingly decorated which makes it almost a shame to touch the food with your fork!
– Panama’s Rooftop Bars –
With a tropical climate and a growing range of tower buildings in the city, Panama has seen a great growth in rooftop bars, and if you are looking to relax and socialize, then an open air bar with a view is definitely a great way to do it.
-Tantalo is a nice option in the historic Casco Viejo district, with Latin nights held on Wednesdays and a busy atmosphere on the weekends.
-The 1400 bar is a new addition with an urban theme that has become a popular place to party, while the Inedito Rooftop has the business district to one side and the ocean to the other.
-Another bar with ocean views is La Jirafa de Maria del Alma, which offers a great range of cocktails, and also has a Mexican restaurant if you have a taste for nachos or something more substantial with your drinks.
By: theblondeabroad
Tips útiles para viajar a Panamá
¿Tienes pensado irte de vacaciones y estas buscando algunos Tips para viajar a Panamá este año?
Panamá ha dado un paso importante para ser reconocido mundialmente en turismo.
A pesar de que el canal de Panamá sigue siendo su obra más popular.
Este país llega a ofrecer mucho más, como una rica cultura local, y sitios que indudablemente debes visitar.
Si deseas viajar, te recomiendo los siguientes tips útiles para viajar a Panamá.
Si te han entrado ganas de ir a este bello país, sigue leyendo estos Tips para viajar a Panamá.
Para elegir el vestuario adecuado, debes tener en cuenta el tipo de clima que tienen a lo largo del año.
Para la mayor parte del país, el clima es tropical, por lo que es mejor llevar ropa ligera y cómoda.
Te recomiendo también una gorra y protector solar o bronceador.
Existen zonas cuya temperatura media es mucho menor (un buen ejemplo es Chiriquí) pero aun así, es suficiente con llevar una chaqueta o un abrigo.
Tips para viajar a Panamá
En la Ciudad de Panamá, te encontraras con mucho tránsito, pero en el resto del país, se puede transitar de manera fluida.
Puedes incluso utilizar la autopista panamericana, que es la principal del país.
Está en buenas condiciones y bien señalizada.
Enfermedades a considerar en Panamá
La fiebre amarilla es un riesgo en esta zona, más aun en temporada de lluvia y, aunque pocos son los casos, es mejor prevenir a lamentar.
Por ello recuerda llevar siempre contigo repelente para mosquitos, y de ser posible, vacunate contra esta enfermedad si quieres mantener una buena salud.
Platos que debes comer
Panamá es un país con una rica cultura, y lo demuestran con su destacada y excelente gastronomía.
Entre los platos típicos de la nación los más destacados son el pollo sudado, el sancocho, el guacho de mariscos y ropa vieja con patacones entre muchas otras opciones.
Cuánto dinero debes llevar
Teniendo en cuenta que Panamá es un país cuya moneda nacional es el dólar americano, indicar una cifra exacta es algo absurdo.
Todo dependerá realmente de lo que quieras hacer.
Indicando una aproximación, quizás gastes unos 25$ al día, entre este está el hospedaje, la comida y algún que otro gasto adicional.
Pero si prefieres un alojamiento más económico y optas por cocinar tú mismo, es muy probable que esta cifra baje.
¿Que necesitamos para viajar a Panamá?
Documentos y requisitos para viajar a Panamá
Dependiendo de la situación, y las leyes vigentes, te pueden solicitar diferentes requisitos.
Sobre todo para estar al tanto de cada cambio y actualización, es recomendable que te informes en el consulado más cercano a ti.
En conclusión los requisitos que debes tener en cuenta a la hora de realizar un viaje a Panamá son
- Pasaporte:
Este debe estar en buen estado y vigente según las leyes de tu país.
- Demostración de solvencia económica:
Sobre todo esto es crucial, pues consiste en probar que tienes los recursos necesarios para tu estancia en el país.
- Un billete de retorno o vuelta:
Con esto garantizas que no te quedaras por tiempo indefinido en el país.
- Visa de turista:
Esta fácilmente puede obtenerse en el consulado de Panamá.
Finalmente no olvides tener en cuenta estos tips útiles para viajar a Panamá para hacer tu estadía plena y placentera.
Fuente: tips-para.com
3 Tips for your vacations in Cancun
If you are on vacation in Cancun and would like to venture a little further than the hotel beach and pool, there are a few tips to our visit here.
Beach to spend the day
If you are looking a beach to spend your day, the best place to go is ‘Playa Gaviotas’.
You can reach this beach by a small pathway right next to Coco Bongo nightclub. It’s hidden behind the Hard Rock Cafe right in the Party Centre but the ocean and sand here are truly beautiful although the waves may be a bit big if you have small children.
Beach if you have small children
If you have kids with you then another great choice would be Coco’s Beach Bar at Km3 which has a beautiful wide beach with plenty of seating and shade under the palm trees. They also have a swimming pool here so the kids really do have a ball.
Visit ‘Parque de las Palapas’
Many tourists do not venture into town but it’s worth going to the Parque de las Palapas, a large market square where the locals gather in the evenings. They often have live music and shows and lots of street stall selling delicious local food. The children also love it here as they have a play area and electric cars to drive around the square.
For really tasty authentic Mexican food at much more reasonable prices there are plenty of restaurants downtown worth a visit, from street stalls to much more classy restaurants.
So during your vacation in Cancun, be adventurous and explore where us locals go.
By: cancun-airport
¿QUÉ HACER Y QUÉ NO HACER EN EL MÁGICO MUNDO DE HARRY POTTER EN UNIVERSAL?
Si bien la atracción del Mundo Mágico de Harry Potter abrió hace poco más de un año en esta nota te contamos qué hacer y qué no, para que puedas aprovechar tu experiencia al máximo.
¿Qué hacer?
1- Comprar las entradas con anticipación
Si ya sabes qué día exacto vas a visitar el parque de Universal Studios y compras la entrada con anticipación, te podes ahorrar entre 10 y 25 dólares. Además, haciendo esto, vas a poder ahorrarte varias filas en las atracciones.
2- Llegar bastante temprano
El tiempo de espera para el viaje de Harry Potter y el Viaje Prohibido, quizás una de las mejores atracciones del parque, puede ser entre una y dos horas, principalmente una vez que llega el mediodía. Por lo tanto, estar ahí justo cuando el parque se abre, te asegura uno de los primero puestos en la fila.
No te olvides que necesitas media hora adicional desde que entras al estacionamiento del parque hasta llegar a esta atracción.
3- Ir directamente al gigantesco castillo de Hogwarts
Desde tu primer paso a través de las puertas, estarás fascinado por la gloria que es El Mundo Mágico de Harry Potter. ¡El conductor del tren te invita a entrar! ¡Los edificios están cubiertos de nieve! Si sos un amante de Harry Potter este lugar te va a dejar sin aliento y te distraerá por completo de tu objetivo principal: entrar en la cola para el paseo oscuro del Viaje Prohibido dentro de Hogwarts.
4- Comprar una cerveza de mantequilla y explorar todo lo que hay alrededor de Hogsmeade Village
Las tiendas de este lugar ofrecen artículos que son totalmente diferentes unos de de los otros y ofrece gags divertidos, sorpresas y objetos de las películas. Podes enviar una carta estampada del Owl Post, y obtener un sello de Hogsmeade. O visitar el Monster Book of Monsters o escuchar a la Llorona Myrtle con sus lamentos desde dentro de los baños.
¿Qué no hacer?
1- Desayunar en Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf en Universal CityWalk
Comprar una taza de café y algo para comer en este lindo barcito, que se encuentra justo al lado del parque, puede ser toda una odisea. La cuestión es que se encuentra dentro de una tienda de recuerdos y es muy pequeño. Lo peor de todo es que una vez que finalmente logras obtener tu dosis de cafeína, ni siquiera se puede entrar al parque.
2-No desaproveches los tiempos en los que haces filas
El equipo detrás del Mundo Mágico construyó toda la atracción como una película vivida, así logran que te sientas como si estuvieras dentro de Hogwarts. La parte del invernadero tiene un muro encadenado de mandrágoras, las estatuas representan el pasado histórico de Hogwarts, y la sala de retratos presenta a los cuatro fundadores de cada casa en una conversación mágica. Toma todo, porque no volverás aquí, ni siquiera cuando lo vuelvas a montar.
3- No pierdas el tiempo en la montaña Hippogriff
Si bien esta montaña rusa te seducirá, vas a oír gritos, ver cestas de mimbre volando por el cielo todo parece que va a ser genial, pero termina decepcionando. Hay un robot Hippogriff que no hace mucho más que parpadear, y todo el paseo se siente como que termina unos 30 segundos, demasiado pronto. Si estás viajando con niños o el tiempo de espera es menos de 10 minutos, lo cual sería muy raro, entonces hazlo, de lo contrario te recomendamos que aproveches el tiempo para otra cosa.
Fuente: intriper
Branson, MO Planning & Tips
The Art of Smart Timing
Branson is in southwest Missouri just a few miles from the Arkansas state line. Those arriving by car usually travel Interstate 44 East or West and connect with Highway 65, the major North South artery that runs through the Ozarks. The Branson Airport (BKG) opened in May 2009 with service by Frontier, AirTran and Branson AirExpress.
Just 35 miles to the north is the Springfield-Branson National Airport (KSGF) with service by American, Delta and United.
More and more of the attractions and accommodations in Branson are staying open 12 months of the year, but many do close in January, February and early March. Be sure to check the hours and offerings if there is a particular show or attraction you wish to experience.
Things really get busy in the Ozarks when the weather warms up, making the lakes and water attractions so enjoyable. In the heat of summer, those 53 air conditioned theatres are a welcome respite. The good times continue through the autumn months with numerous festivals, and Christmas is as magical in Branson as in any place where Santa chooses to spread his joy. As you might expect, weekends are the most crowded. You’ll find less congestion mid-week and the best deals are found in late spring.
The Children’s Theatre Workshop at College of the Ozarks each July is a nationally recognized opportunity for children with the acting bug. From fiddle contests to crafts festivals to incredible fireworks displays, there’s not a week that goes by without numerous special activities to entertain the family.
Getting Around
Getting around Branson is an adventure on good days and an exasperating challenge on the worst days. You’ll definitely need a car to get everywhere you want to go, but when you’re walking you’ll find the sidewalks are wide and predominantly stroller friendly. The strip is a four-mile section of Route 76 where a large number of theatres, restaurants and family attractions are located. Over the years, significant improvements have been made such as designating «red routes,» «blue routes» and the like. It pays to look at a map and take those routes – unless you enjoy the people watching and other sightseeing that takes place in bumper-to-bumper traffic on holiday weekends! The good news is that parking is plentiful and few places charge extra for parking.
Off the Radar
Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10 is one of those classic dime stores that has been in business for more than 50 years. Located in Old Town Branson at 103 Main Street, this second-generation family business includes a classic toy department featuring Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, Pick-Up Sticks and other childhood favorites. Old-time candy, such as Slo-Pokes and wax lips, are on the shelves along with a 70-car collector train exhibit, 13 antique washing machines and other collectibles.
By: familyvacationcritic
Recent Comments