About Panama

Located between Central and South America, Panama covers 75,517 square/km (29,208 square miles) and is bordered both by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea - only 50 miles apart at the narrowest. The 3 million Panamanians speak Spanish, but English is also widely spoken. The Isthmus of Panama, a physical and cultural link between two countries, is well-known for its canal. However, it also offers among the finest eco-tourist experiences in the world.

Panama is a stable, democratic, independent Republic and the U.S. dollar has been legal tender since 1904. All major credit cards are accepted and there are numerous ATMs all over the country. Panama is the world's 5th largest International banking center, Colon is the second free zone in the world. A 6 months left validity passport is sufficient to enter Panama for a 90 days stay.

The Int'l Airport of Panama/Tocumen has direct flights from the major cities of North and South America. Miami is only 3 hours away. European flights transit through the USA or Caracas or Bogotá. This hurricane-free country enjoys a two-season tropical climate

* From December to beginning of May, the cool trade winds blow: sun & wind.
* The rest of the year the green season finds light winds and sporadic rainfall. Better snorkeling,    fishing and sea life watching: lees wind, less current.

Temperatures are always between 26-35º C (80;-90º F).
No special vaccination is needed in the San Blas islands and Panama City.

The City of Panama pleasantly mixes ancient and modern architecture. It's always a pleasure to take a walk in 500 year old Casco Viejo, the original city sacked by Henry Morgan, the pirate. Of course, the Canal is one of the main attractions in Panama. Check the Panama Canal Live web cam at http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html

There is much more to see in Panama! The local folklore, a mix between Indian and Spanish culture, is really outstanding! Note that Panama is the country that offers a real autonomy to the several Indians communities they can live traditionally, with their own laws, in their ancestral territories (called here Comarca): nothing to do with any "reserve"). See Kuna Indians special page

Panama is a well preserved paradise for eco-tourism. Bio-diversity is 50% greater than neighboring Costa Rica, forests are 10 times larger! The Smithsonian institute has, for half a century, preserved the world's finest rainforest preserve. The protected Darien forest shelters jungle Indians living traditionally, and one of the world's best spots for bird watching, for those with a great appreciation of nature. San Blas has been recently elected top 3 destination in the world for the beauty of its islands & for sure the top 1 for the Indian cultural interest!

Panama is a new destination worth the visit but also to retire: elected top 4 retirement destination for US Americans. San Blas is known as last ultimate Caribbean paradise by circumnavigators!

More information on the Republic of Panama: Panamá
Live weather map: Weather map