Video to the Panama

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Panama is the most modern country in Central America and surprises with a metropolitan City.
Nevertheless, Panama offers a beautiful countryside and mountain terrain in the Bouquete (Chiriqui) area.

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Locations

Panama City
Panama City the City with the Canal.
I tell you why I think you can skip watching the Panama Canal.

Boquete
incl. David (Chiriqui)
Boquete, the place in the mountains above David in the Chiriqui province has lots of Free Adventures.

Further Panama
​​Next to Panama City and Boquete are Santa Catalina, Coronado, San Blas and Bocas Del Torro.

Dangers

Natural Dangers
Hurricanes almost never hit Panama so other than bigger storms, there is nothing to worry about during the Hurricane season from September to November.

Wildlife
Due to the pretty developed state of Panama there are not many Animals or aggressive Stray Dogs even in most of the country side. But in especially in the Chiriqui, there can be some venomous spiders and snakes in the jungle.

Social Mishaps
Panama is no third world country and should be not compared to another one. Be aware that Panama got independence  from Colombia in 1903. So no inappropriate jokes about that.
1983-1989 the country fell in dark times with the regime of Manuel Noriega who acted like a maniac as the head of the country. With help from the USA, Noriega was convicted for drug trafficking and left a destroyed country behind.
​So no jokes about dictatorship or related topics.

Crime
All of Panama is surprisingly safe.
​Especially the area Chiriqui and all the countryside of Panama. Panama City can be considered like a big US city with good and bad parts. See my Map for more info about where not to go.
The city of Colon on the north side of the Panama Canal should be avoided. Not just because there is nothing to see, but because it's a poor and dangerous town.

Darien Gap
This part of Panama should not be visited without a guide because there are still drug trafficking gangs in the national forest and some parts are controlled by para military movements (Guerilla) in that part of the country. My advice, is not to go further east than the Tocumen airport, unless you know what you are doing.

Diablos Rojos
These are the colorful buses driving around Panama City.
​Those are used by the poorer people of Panama on a daily bases and are no tourist attraction.
​Driving with them should be avoided.

​Traffic

Traffic
Panamanians are very calm drivers.
At least outside of Panama City I got surprised how careful and easygoing  people drive here.

Panama City is a whole other story.
People drive more aggressively, especially Taxi drivers are a pain in the butt.
It is doable for a skilled driver, but should be thought of twice.
My tip: If you drive comfortably in NY, LA DomRep, Jamaica and similar you are going to be fine.

Streets
The streets are surprisingly good as well.
​Especially the Transamerican Higway (Highway1) is in great condition.
The only downside that instead of being a two lane road, on side is constantly closed from Rio Hato to David due to miles of construction work.
So overtaking trucks is a little nerve racking on a road where both sides drive 60mph (100km/h).
The more you leave civilization, the more potholes will be a part of your concern while driving.

Can One Drive To Colombia?
Clearly No.
​The dangerous Daren Gap boarders Panama and Colombia, where no road leads in or out.
You have to fly, walk with an experienced guide, or sail to Colombia.

Budget Tips

Use Public Transport
Most public transport will mean buses, which are very modern and mostly comfortable. Cost factor for 30miles (50km) is about 15-20$.
​They are highly air-conditioned so bring a jacket.

UBER
Ok, now everybody got the memo that UBER is a cheap alternative to a Taxi.
But UBER in Panama? UBER in Panama works great. They have all the advantages, cleaner, cheaper and safer.
They are widely available and helped us a lot to save money.

Guide?
Especially in Panama, most of the time Guides are unnecessary.
​You can do most of the trips by yourself.
See on my "What To Do" sections, how you can do it by yourself.

Before You Go

Entry
For most citizen of US and EU, you don’t have to get a VISA, so you will be able to get in the Country with no problem

Medical
Malaria Risk low, Zika Risk low, HIV low.
Talk to your doctor about vaccination.

Language
Spanish is the main language. 
Learn Spanish if you want to get around by yourself, see here my list of Spanish words to learn.
Many people in the non touristic areas can't speak English, but it should be enough to get around even with minor spanish knowledge.
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Weather
Panama has a long rainy season, it's from mid March to mid December. But rainy season doesn't mean there will be rain all day. Mostly it will just rain for 30min to 1h every day in the afternoon. All day rain could be expected in the months of November and December though.
Temperatures 75°F (25°C) to 95°F (35°C) through the year in Panama City.
And in the higher Boquete 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (30°C)
Likelihood of a Hurricane striking Panama is very small.

Emergencies
The official emergency number is 911 and should be reliable everywhere.
If your Passport got stolen, call your embassy.  

Currency
The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (B/) and the US Dollar ($).
You can easily only bring US$ as it is an official currency. (You don't have to get Balboa)
Note that change in shops (only coins) can be returned in Balboa.
Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

MAP of Panama

Open in google Maps

See here my Map of Panama
You will Find Beaches, Activities, Accommodations, Restaurants and much more.