Consulate General of Panama in London

Tourism

Panama’s tourism industry is on the verge of something big. Local and international investors are currently building several hotels in Panama City – including the five-star Miramar Hotel and Marina- and there are plans for others in outlying areas. In the lovely Fort Amador area of Panama City, a development plan calls for the construction of theme hotels, a dock for cruise ships, a shopping centre, an arts-and-crafts village and a professional golf course. Tours on Gatun Lake and Gamboa, the first ecological village in the middle of the Panama Canal, are also being planned. On the Atlantic side of the country, some of the world’s most pristine wildlife refuges will be open to the public.

Although Panama is not yet a well-known tourist destination, the country possesses all that is necessary to become a world-class attraction: beaches, lakes, oceans, Spanish forts, jungle and tropical forests. More bird species live in Panama than in the whole of North America, including Mexico. And near Panama City lies an area considered to be one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world, Gamboa.

Panama is heavily exploiting its tourism potential. The government has passed Tourism law No. 8, which offers incentives such as 20-year exemption from import duties and fees for construction materials and equipment, income, real estate and other taxes. The government has constructed tourism-friendly infrastructures and tourism authorities have embarked on an international promotional campaign. These programs have led to a tourism growth rate that surpassed the world average last year.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Location/Area
The Republic of Panama is located at the narrowest point of the Central American Isthmus, which connects the continents of North and South America. It is just two-and-a-half hours by air from Miami and located in the same time zone as the U.S. East Coast (five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time). Panama encompasses a total area of 75,517 km2 and is bordered by Costa Rica, Colombia, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.�

Population
Panama's population is estimated to be about 2.8 million, with an annual growth rate of 1.6 percent (World Fact Book 1996). The population is a mix of many different races: about 14 percent African descent, 10 percent Spanish descent, five percent Indian and 62 percent "Mestizo" (ATP (Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, 1998). The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, however, churches of all denominations are found in the country.

Principal Cities
Panana City is the country's capital and the principal commercial center. It lies on the Gulf of Panama in the Pacific Ocean. Colon, the country's second largest city, is located on the Caribbean Coast. Its economy is dependent on traffic through the Panama Canal and on business activity in the Colon Free Trade Zone, the largest duty-free zone in the Americas.

Standard/Cost Of Living
In Latin America, Panama ranks as one of the best places to live, according to a 1998 business survey of 192 cities worldwide by the Corporate Resources Group. Panama ranked among the top three cities in which to live in Latin America next to Buenos Aires and Montevideo. The survey takes into account transportation, crime rate, arts and entertainment. In executive living expenses, recreation and entertainment costs and prices of basic goods, Panama ranks well below Buenos Aries, Sao Paulo, Santiago and Caracas (EIU, Worldwide Cost of Living Survey). Telecommunications costs are also below those in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela (Source: Latin Trade, May 1999).

Education
Panama City boasts an excellent private school system. Education is offered in English, French, Italian, Mandarin and there are several bilingual schools (Spanish/English).

Medical Services
Health care is both excellent and reasonably priced in Panama. Many of the country's physicians earn their degrees in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, and the state university offers a top quality medical program. Bilingual doctors are common in all Panama City hospitals. Water is safe to drink with few exceptions throughout the country.

Environment
Panama is the only city in the world in which a protected, tropical rainforest can be found within city limits. The country has many and varied outdoor attractions from the mountain region of Chiriquí to the beaches on the Caribbean coast.

Entertainment
The country's most famous attraction is, of course, the Panama Canal. There are several superb viewing areas that can be easily reached from Panama City. There are five golf courses in or near the city and beach areas. Dining is excellent in Panama City, and there are numerous bars, discos and cafes. Evening entertainment may include live music, movies (in English with Spanish subtitles) or dancing.

Security
Panama is a peaceful country with no army. Unlike many neighboring countries, personal security concerns are few.

Why Panama?

Looking for somewhere exciting where adventure is at your doorstep and friendly people all around, then Panama is the place to go. Panama has a wide range of tropical landscapes including beautiful unspoilt beaches, rain forests, cloud forests, over 950 species of birds. Without a doubt, Panama is a real tropical paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventure.

Places to Visit in Panama:

1) Panama la Vieja (Old Panama): This was the first Spanish city founded on the Pacific coast of the Americas by Pedro Arias de Avila on 15 August 1519. From this City, many expeditions made their way down to South America. This city was destroyed by the English Pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. After this destruction the city was moved to what is today known as Casco Viejo or the Old City Centre. In order to protect and restore the Old City Ruins an archaeological project was started in order to protect and preserve what is left of these ruins. Today this a great attraction not only for its rich history found in the ruins that still stand and tell a story of resilience of a nation, but also because of the great crafts that are sold by different artisans and indigenous people at the Visitor Center market. www.panamaviejo.org/

2) El Casco Viejo or Old City Center: This second City was built after Old Panama was destroyed by the attacks of the English pirate Henry Morgan. In order to protect it from invaders this city was built with massive rock fortifications for protection and safety. Today El Casco Viejo is a great urban attraction. Over the last 5 years it has become a vibrant and exciting tourist attraction due to various restoration projects that have taken place in the area, bringing out the beauty of the Colonial architecture but also because of the various restaurants, bars and shops that have quickly become part of Panamanian and tourist attractions. For its historic richness it was inscribed as a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1997.

3) Iglesia San Jose (San Jose Church): Found in El Casco Viejo, this church contains an enormous solid gold altar (El Altar de Oro). This altar was saved during Henry Morgan’s looting by priests that painted this altar black to pass it off as a wooden altar. It is truly a stunning sight and not to be missed while visiting the Old City Center.

4) Panama Canal: You can not come to Panama and not visit the Panama Canal one of the most amazing engineering marvels of the world. A ship takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to pass through Canal while being lifted step by step to a height of 85 feet (26 m.) in three sets of locks - Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores. A partial or complete transit of the Canal is a great experience and a must for any visitor to Panama. A Visitors Centre welcomes tourist to the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the Isthmus seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m with a special viewing point for transiting ships. This Centre allows visitors to experience Canal operations up close and includes a great museum which explains through various exhibitions the history of the Canal. www.pancanal.com.

5) Canopy Tower: Built in 1965 by the United States Air Force to house a powerful radar used in the defense of the Panama Canal it is today an excellent ecolodge spectacular for birdwatchers and twitchers. Located in Soberania National Park, this ecolodge is great for all who want to experience the tropical forest firsthand. You’ll have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful yet rare bird in the world, Morpho Butterflies, and Howler monkeys, all of this from your bedroom at treetop level. www.canopytower.com/

6) Portobello: Rich in history, during the Spanish colonial era, Portobello was essential for its location since it served as a shipment point for all the treasures that came from South America. These treasures were stored at the Customs House and then transported to Spain. Various forts where built in order to protect the Customs House from pirate attacks. Today, this is well visited sight not only for its forts but also for its great scuba diving and surrounding beaches. In 1980 it was named a United Nations World Heritage Site.

7) El Valle: A two hour drive from Panama City brings you to this little jewel well known to Panamanians. Tucked away deep in the Coclé Province, El Valle (The Valley) is truly a spectacular little mountain town which is the perfect getaway if you want to unwind and escape daily life. El Valle is great for hiking, nature walks, horseback riding, bird watching, among many other great outdoor activities.

8) Boquete: Ever since this quaint little mountain town was advertised as the number one place to retire it has gained an international reputation as the place to go if you want to retire and live a comfortable and enjoyable life. Many different retire communities have been built the most famous being Valle Escondido, an all inclusive community for retirees including anything from shops, to their own movie theatre. Boquete is a picturesque mountain town offering beautiful mountain views, gourmet coffee farms, world-class birdwatching, international flower and orchid fairs, a near perfect climate which lures many to come and visit and even stay. www.boqueteguide.com

9) Emberá Indian Village Tour: For an incredible and authentic experience with one of the oldest Indigenous tribes in Panama this is it. Just an hour and a half from Panama City, a motorized canoe will take you down the jungle river to an authentic Emberá village. Here you will go back hundreds of years and learn about their culture, traditions and ways of life. You will share their native food, perform tribal dances, and learn how to weave their beautiful intricate baskets. You will also learn about medicinal plants and learn about their legends which have been passed on from generation to generation. www.emberavillagetours.com .

Great Beaches:

PACIFIC

Pearl Islands: A 30 minute plane ride and you will be in the “Survivor Islands”, as these Islands are known. These are definitely one of Panama’s great attractions since more than 3 series of Survivor have been filmed in these islands. These islands are known for their beauty, great vegetation, incredible marine life and turquoise colored waters. During Spanish expeditions during the 16th century, thousands of pearls were found here reason why they were named the Pearl Islands. One of the best known islands is Contadora.

Coiba: Up until the 1990’s Coiba was a penal colony and it reached more than 3,000 prisoners. In 1992 the Coiba National Park (CNP) was created. Located off the Pacific coast of Panama CNP is one of the largest marine parks in the world and due to its many years of seclusion and undisturbed existence contains untouched tropical forests and a unique ecosystem. For its richness and incredible marine biodiversity it was named a United Nations World Heritage Site in 2005.

Taboga: “Island of Flowers” as this island is also known, is a very picturesque island for a quick and relaxed get away as it is a one hour trip by boat from Panama City.

Playa Venao: Great for surfing lovers. Playa Venao has over the years earned an excellent reputation for surfing and many international competitions are held in this beach.

ATLANTIC

Bocas de Toro: An exotic, exciting and stunning Archipelago which offers something for everyone. The people of these islands have very laid back and relaxed. The main island is called Isla Colon. It has a great lively nightlife, excellent international cuisine, and a very friendly population. At night artisans will set up their stalls with beautiful handcrafts, most of the population speaks English. Every morning different tour boats leave Isla Colon to visit other islands such as Dolphins Bay where you will see playful dolphins swimming and jumping next to your boat. As well you can visit Red Frog beach, a surfer’s paradise and only place where you will find tiny but gorgeous red frogs, and a favorite is Boca del Drago, great for swimming and just plain relaxation.

Isla Grande: Great Caribbean feel to this island, great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing, island tours and kayaking. You can find great accommodations for moderate prices. Just 2 hours by car from Panama City on the Atlantic coast past the historic town of Portobello in the province of Colon.

San Blas Islands: A truly incredible experience, stunning islands of immense beauty inhabited by the Kuna Indians world known for their beautiful hand embroidery known as MOLAS. These islands (more than 300) give the visitor the opportunity not only to relax in incredible surroundings but also to learn about the Kuna’s way of life, traditions and culture. San Blas is great for snorkeling, some of the best sea food, great handcrafts all just 30 minutes away from Panama City.

Websites of Interest

General information about Panama

www.atp.gob.pa/

www.visitpanama.com

www.bellapanama.com

www.movetopanama.com

www.liveinpanama.com

Places of Interest

www.coibapanama.com

www.bocas.com

www.panamaviejo.org/

www.panarail.com/

www.isla-contadora.com/

Travel Guides and Further Reading on Panama

www.bradt-travelguides.com