Panama

While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal, the country's natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to far-sighted travelers. This oft-overlooked country offers some of the finest birding, snorkeling and hiking in the Americas.

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Panama has two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from mid-December to mid-April while the rainy season goes from mid-April to December. North of the mountains, on the Caribbean side of Panama, it rains all year round. However, it tends to rain less in February, March, September and October than it does the rest of the year. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands throughout the year - days usually reach around 32°C (90°F) and only drop to an average of 22°C (72°F). During the rainy season the humidity makes the heat even harder to endure. Mountain temperatures are much cooler, ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F) in a day, and they too vary little throughout the year.

Transport

Getting around

Panama has a number of domestic airlines and a good domestic flight network. There's an inexpensive bus system servicing all accessible parts of the country.

Boats are the principal mode of transportation in several parts of Panama, particularly in the San Blás and Bocas del Toro archipelagos. Kuna merchant vessels carry cargo and passengers along the San Blás coast, between Colón and Puerto Obaldía. Be warned that occasionally these boats are used to traffic narcotics. Travel by these often dangerously overloaded boats is neither comfortable nor safe. Hiring a local boatman is a wiser option. Cars can be rented in Panama City and David.

Getting there and away

Panama has flights to all Central American countries and both North and South America; Miami is the principal hub for flights to Panama. COPA is the national airline. There's a 20.00 departure tax on international flights, payable only in cash.

There are three land border crossings between Panama and Costa Rica: Paso Canoas, on the Interamerican Hwy, is the most popular, followed by Guabito-Sixaola near the Caribbean coast. Río Sereno, at the terminus of the La Concepción-Vacán Rd, is the least usual border post. There are buses to the border that connect with local services on the Costa Rican side. Despite the huge amount of shipping passing through the Panama Canal, it's hard to catch a ride on a boat.

The two-week hike through the jungle that comprises the Darién Gap - the roadless terrain between Yaviza and the Colombian border - is an unwise endeavour. But if you absolutely must cross the Panama-Colombia border on foot, do so at Puerto Obaldia, a sleepy little town just a couple of kilometers from some fine beaches.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

Crime is a problem in certain parts of Panama City, namely the districts of Chorrillo and Calidonia. It can also be dangerous to stroll the Casco Viejo district at night. In general, use common sense; stay where it's well lit and there are plenty of people.

Colón has some upscale residential areas, but most of the city is a sad slum widely known for street crime. If you walk around, even in the middle of the day, well-meaning residents will inform you that you are in danger. Unless you've just got to visit Colón's Zona Libre, it's best to avoid the city altogether.

Parts of Darién Province are extremely dangerous. Many people, including tourists and missionaries, have been kidnapped and/or murdered in the vicinity of the Colombian border.

Plying the waters of the Archipiélago de San Blás are numerous Colombian boats that run back and forth between the Zona Libre in Colón and Cartagena, Colombia. It has been well documented that some of these boats carry cocaine on their northbound voyages. If you decide to ride on one of these slow cargo boats, be forewarned that your crew may be trafficking drugs.

Visas overview

British, German and Swiss citizens, among others, need only a passport to enter Panama; people from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, USA, Venezuela and some other countries need a tourist visa or tourist card as well. Contact an embassy or consulate for current details.