Even though Panama is riddled with beautiful beaches and rain forests, sometimes it just feels good to get out of the tropical climate without having to leave the country.  There are some mountain communities that provide this escape, but a place called La Yeguada really transfers you from Panama’s tropical climate and landscape to a [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on November 21st, 2009 | No Comments »

The idea of Isla Coiba is like something created in fiction. A 500 square kilometer island surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs on the Pacific coast of the Americas with an ecosystem comparable to the Galapagos.  Combine the ecological wonder with the fact the island was an operational no-cell penal colony until 1994 [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Culture on October 26th, 2009 | No Comments »

Ever since I first visited the San Blas Islands, I have been convinced that this large archipelago in the Caribbean makes Panama special.  A different palm strewn island for every day of the year, owned and governed by a native population and affordably available to the public – sounds like a dream.  My convictions were [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Reviews on October 15th, 2009 | No Comments »

I recently had the privilege of being a guest for the weekend at one of the beachfront homes in the community of Buenaventura.  This visit was my first to Buenaventura, and after hearing both negative and positive reviews about the community, I was very curious to see and experience it with my own eyes.

Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement on September 29th, 2009 | 9 Comments »

Sometimes as residents of foreign countries we miss out on some of the opportunities that travelers have.  Sailing from Panama to Colombia is one of these opportunities that seems to only exist within the backpacking world.  However, with increasingly expensive plane tickets to South America and the Darien Gap being too dangerous to cross, hopping [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement, News on September 23rd, 2009 | No Comments »

I often forget about the Caribbean side of Panama.  When the weekend arrives and I am revving up the explorative engine, my mind always thinks Pacific.  Some of this shielded thinking comes from the fact that until fairly recently, the road from Panama City to the Colon area was AWFUL.  A trip that should normally [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on September 18th, 2009 | No Comments »

Just call me Senorita Scuba. The woman who explores the underwater world that is blind to any eye on land. The lady version of Jacques Cousteau, if you will. A mermaid of sorts, swimming gracefully under the sea. Truth be told, I just got my Open Water PADI certification today that allows me to scuba [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on July 6th, 2009 | No Comments »

I recently moved to Pedasi, Panama and within the first week of living here I got caught in the middle of two scary, near accident stampedes.

Filed under: Country Guide, Culture on April 20th, 2009 | No Comments »

Super 99-
This is the biggest grocery store chain in Panama, (owned by Presidential hopeful Ricardo Martinelli) it has a concrete floor with industrial feel, but you will find basically everything you need. Sometimes the veggies might be a little limp, but what isn’t in this steamy, steamy land? The Super 99 located in the [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Food on April 9th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Many people visiting Panama rely on taxis to get around. This is the easiest way to ruin a trip. I’ve come to hate taxi drivers. Let me tell you why.

Filed under: Country Guide, Culture, Living & Retirement, News on April 8th, 2009 | 7 Comments »

Driving in Ancon, a largely wooded neighborhood in Panama City, one of my first weeks in Panama, I nearly swerved off the road when a large rodent, the size and shape of a mutant hamster, scurried out from the brush and into the center of the street, standing on its hind legs to stare me [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on March 26th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Boat ride to Cañas Island on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula
Planning a vacation to an unknown country like Panama can be a challenge, especially when that destination is also new at tourism.  Here are some common travel planning mistakes and misconceptions about Panama that we commonly encounter at my travel agency, which offers customized vacations to this [...]

Filed under: Country Guide on March 25th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

One of the most important things to know before moving to or visiting Panama, is that you cannot rely on ambulances. No matter the emergency, your best bet is most likely going to be to get yourself to the hospital.

Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement, News on March 24th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Visitors to Panama who possess only a tourist card must leave the country every 90 days. Many people on a budget travel to Panama’s border towns, and cross over to Costa Rica for the mandatory 72-hour exit. This is probably one of the cheapest methods to reset your stay in Panama, but the border at [...]

Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement, News on March 9th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

For those athletes out there, Panama is a great spot to partake in outdoor activities. Hiking, jogging, swimming, and surfing are all great exercise options in Panama. However, Panama does have many gyms available for when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Filed under: Country Guide, Culture, Living & Retirement, News on March 4th, 2009 | 2 Comments »