By Andy Noorlander
Panama has eluded the flood of tourism that has engulfed other Central American states like Costa Rica. But inevitably, tourism is growing in Panama as tourists flock to its jungles, historical sites and its two beautiful coastlines.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
- Tourist visa (granted on arrival; $5)
International Certificate of Vaccination
Bathing suit
Hiking clothes and boots
- Tourist visa (granted on arrival; $5)
- International Certificate of Vaccination
- Bathing suit
- Hiking clothes and boots
Step 1
Panama's top attractions include the rarely visited Panamian side of the Parque Internacional La Amistad, the sun-soaked beaches lining the jungles around the Archipiélago De Bocas Del Toro, the Panama Canal and the renowned nightlife of the capital, Panama City. Get a good guidebook and mark out your picks to plan an itinerary and travel route.
Step 2
The high season for tourism in Panama falls between December and April along the Pacific Coast, since this stretch of the calendar sees little rain. On the Caribbean side, the rain is almost constant year-round. For most outdoor activities, the high season is popular for a reason (hiking through jungles isn't as pleasant in high temperatures, high humidity and constant rain). Hotel prices do tend to be higher in the winter, so if you hope to see fewer tourists and spend fewer dollars, you might try the late summer and early fall.
Step 3
Visit a physician at least four weeks before your planned departure so that your immunizations can take effect prior to arrival. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and yellow fever. Take along antibiotics or antidiarrheal medicines in case of recurring diarrhea. Also, be prepared with prophylaxis for malaria if you're planning to travel in rural areas around Bocas del Toro, Darien or San Blas. Ask your doctor for a copy of your International Certificate of Vaccination, known as the "yellow booklet." For more health information, check out MDTravelHealth (see Resources).
Step 4
Budget wisely. Costs in Panama tend to be slightly higher than in other parts of Central America. New budget hotels in major sites like Panama City, Bocas del Toro and Boquete offer dorm beds from US$10, while a budget hotel room will cost around US$25. Countrywide you'll be able to find "comida corriente," or set meals, at local Panamanian restaurants for about US$3. To be safe, plan on spending at least US$30 each day.
Step 5
Keep informed on the security situation. Some parts of Panama are not considered safe for tourists, so be sure to stay up-to-date before roaming the countryside or strolling the outskirts of Casco Viejo in Panama City at night. Places that should be avoided include Colón, parts of Darién Province and the area between Boca de Cupe and Colombia.
About the Author:
Andy has attended schools all over the world but is now on the leg last of her Bachelors Degree at Brigham Young University through Independent Study while living in China. She has studied Spanish, Finnish, and Mandarin and is majoring in English literature. She has been a writer fro Demand Studios for over a year.
