| Check out our free interactive Panama holiday guide and discover Panama's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Panama before why not tell us your holiday tips and help everyone have a great holiday in Panama. |
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| Panama Holidays - Destinations |
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| Temperature: |
Live Forecast |
Population: |
3 042 800 |
| Time Zone: |
GMT - 5 |
Driving side: |
Drivers drive on the right hand side of the road. |
| Languages: |
English
Spanish
Castilian |
| Religion: |
85% Catholic
10% Protestant
1% Islam & Jewish |
| Emergency #: |
All Emergencies: 911
Police: 104
Ambulance: 269-9778
Fire Brigade: 103 |
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Panama City - This modern, thriving commerical centre of Panama runs along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo in the east to Panama Canal in the west.The colonial part, Casco Antiguo ( or San Felipe or Casco Viejo) juts into the sea with its decaying colonial grandeur, striking architecture, peeling paint and decrepit balconies. Some attractions in the city include a 17th Century church, the history museum of Panama and the sea wall, built by the Spainards four centuries ago.
Boquete - This small Alpine town is known for its cool, fresh climate & pristine natural enviroment.Outdoor lovers will enjoy this town for its walks, bird-watching, horseriding and enjoying the cool after the lowlands heat. Flowers, coffee and citrus fruits are grown here and it is a good base to climb the 3475m Volcan Baru.
Isla Toboga - Just 20 km south of Panama City, this island has an attractive beach, lovely protected rain forest and is home to one of the largest colonies of brown pelicans in Latin America.It is also known as the Island of Flowers from the many aromatic blooms at certain times of the year.The small church on the island is claimed to be the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
Panama Canal - An engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways in the world. It stretches 80km from Panama City on the Pacific coast to Colon on the Atlantic side and carries over 14000 vessels a year.Boat tours are offered as well as a museum with a model and film of the Canal. |
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| Dry season from Mid-December to mid-April. Weather can be hot and steamy in the rainy season, although the sudden downpours do freshen the air. The humidity in the rainy season is high and can be oppressive. |
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Boquete This small alpine town is nestled in a mountain valley north of David. It is perfect for walking, bird watching, horse riding and generally enjoying nature. If you are into mountain climbing, this is the place to come in Panama; the Volcan Baru rises to 3475m.
Archipelago de San Blas This string of 378 islands is basically self sufficient as it operates with minimal interference from the mainland. They are perfect for outdoor activities like diving, snorkelling and swimming. To get here you can take a local flight or catch a lift on a merchant ship.
Archipelago de Bocas del Tora These pristine islands are ideal for beach lovers. They offer a great selection of beach activities including swimming, snorkelling and diving. Many of the beaches are nesting grounds for several species of turtles. |
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| The main point of entry is the international airport in Panama City. From here you can connect with many destinations in North and South America. There are a number of domestic airlines and a good domestic flight network, and local airlines offer fairly affordable flights to destinations within panama and the nearby islands. Be sure to retain $20 for the obligatory departure tax fee. From Panama City, the bus system is inexpensive and goes to all accessible parts in and outside of Panama. Boats are the principal mode of transport in various parts of Panama and the hiring of a local boatman is always the safest and best option. |
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Carnaval - This is celebrated over the four days preceeding Ash Wednesday.It is a very festive holiday involving music, dancing and a big parade on Shrove Tuesday.
Festival of the Black Christ - It includes a parade of the famous lifesize statute of the Black Christ. It is held on the 21 October and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.
Semana Santa ( Easter week) - These festive celebrations are held at Villa de Los santas on the Peninsula de Azuero.
Panama Carnival The last weekend in February features the Panama Carnival. For two days ordinary life in Panama City comes to a standstill and the air is filled with the sounds of reggae, the smell of food and incense and all the colours of the rainbow. The Carnival is centered on the very long and very wide Via Espana with numerous parades making their way up and down this stretch all day and night.
New Years Day Jan 1
Martyrs Day Jan 9
Carnival Last weekend Feb
Ash Wednesday Feb 25
Holy Thursday April 8
Good Friday March/April
Easter Monday March/April
Labour Day May 1
Founders Day Aug 15
All Souls Day Nov 2
Independence from Spain Nov 28
Mothers Day Dec 8
Christmas Eve Dec 24
Christmas Day Dec 25
New Years Eve Dec 31 |
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