CROSSING BOARDERS FROM COSTA RICA: We left Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica by Public bus to Blanca Penas (bus comes every hour from bus stop in Puerto Veijo). From Blanca Penas (the boarder) we walked across the bridge into Panama. We paid a departure fee...?? leaving costa rica and a corrupted fee entering panama $20 US (if you have proof of finance of supporting yourself in the country or proof of ticket out you wont need to pay bribing fee). The bus took us from the Boarder Blanca Penas to Boca's Land, then boat for $6 to Isla Colon. Total round trip including boarder fees about $28.
ENTERING THE COUNTRY: Once we walked across the bridge into Panama we had to pay ... then had to pay $20US bribe because we didn't have proof leaving the country or bank statements of our bank account.
CROSSING BOARDERS FROM PANAMA INTO COLOMBIA: We flew out of Panama City with Viva Cololmbia for around $225 AUD into Medellin. From Medellin we got the local bus from the arrivals a the airport to San Diago downtown for 9,000 ($4.50AUD) then a taxi from their to our hostel for $8-10 (split between x4 ppl)
LEAVING THE COUNTRY: Was not very nice through Viva Colombia. They charged us a Tourist Departure tax of $15US per person which was a scam. They printed off the "boarding pass ticket" as a receipt and told us we would get a refund in Colombia. When flying with Viva Colombia you pay $4.99 online for your boarding pass, this extra $15US cash at the airport went straight into their pockets. They also charged $50US for the surf board that went straight into their pockets, they make you get money out of the ATM at the petrol station as they don't accept visa/eftpos.
ENTERING THE COUNTRY: Once we walked across the bridge into Panama we had to pay ... then had to pay $20US bribe because we didn't have proof leaving the country or bank statements of our bank account.
CROSSING BOARDERS FROM PANAMA INTO COLOMBIA: We flew out of Panama City with Viva Cololmbia for around $225 AUD into Medellin. From Medellin we got the local bus from the arrivals a the airport to San Diago downtown for 9,000 ($4.50AUD) then a taxi from their to our hostel for $8-10 (split between x4 ppl)
LEAVING THE COUNTRY: Was not very nice through Viva Colombia. They charged us a Tourist Departure tax of $15US per person which was a scam. They printed off the "boarding pass ticket" as a receipt and told us we would get a refund in Colombia. When flying with Viva Colombia you pay $4.99 online for your boarding pass, this extra $15US cash at the airport went straight into their pockets. They also charged $50US for the surf board that went straight into their pockets, they make you get money out of the ATM at the petrol station as they don't accept visa/eftpos.
BUDGET: In 25 days we spent in between $2,500-3,000 between x2 people (couple). So on average we spent roughly $50AUD per person each day Including all Accommodation, Meals, Drinks, Transports, Activities/Tours.
CURRENCY: Panama uses US$ Dollars.
TRANSPORTATION - Very easy to travel around the country, buses are constant and can get them from almost anywhere!
CURRENCY: Panama uses US$ Dollars.
TRANSPORTATION - Very easy to travel around the country, buses are constant and can get them from almost anywhere!
BOCAS DEL TORO
2 weeks here
crossed boarders FROM PUERTO VEIJO COSTA RICA TO BOCA'S
an amazing DRIVE FROM THE BOARDER TO THE BOAT THE BOCAS
make sure YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA OUT
rainy season STARTS MAY TILL OCTOBER
island LIFE
rent a BIKE
surf AT THE REEFS
look for RED FROGS AT ISLA SOLARTE
catch BOATS TO GET AROUND
nasty monday AT IGUANA BAR
loads of SAND FLIES HERE
and be aware OF SOME BED BUGS AROUND SOME HOSTELS
you will find it hard TO HAVE A NIGHTS SLEEP IN ANY BED IN THIS COUNTRY WITHOUT THE SHEETS COMING OFF THE MATTRESS
We got a boat from Isla Colon to Mainland for $6 pp, then paid $2 for a taxi to the terminal to catch a bus to David.
an amazing DRIVE FROM THE BOARDER TO THE BOAT THE BOCAS
make sure YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA OUT
rainy season STARTS MAY TILL OCTOBER
island LIFE
rent a BIKE
surf AT THE REEFS
look for RED FROGS AT ISLA SOLARTE
catch BOATS TO GET AROUND
nasty monday AT IGUANA BAR
loads of SAND FLIES HERE
and be aware OF SOME BED BUGS AROUND SOME HOSTELS
you will find it hard TO HAVE A NIGHTS SLEEP IN ANY BED IN THIS COUNTRY WITHOUT THE SHEETS COMING OFF THE MATTRESS
We got a boat from Isla Colon to Mainland for $6 pp, then paid $2 for a taxi to the terminal to catch a bus to David.
SLEEP
Tungara Hostel $10 dorm beds, clean rooms, Air Con, Ensuites, Only 4 beds in some. Central Selena's Hostel $16 US a dorm bed, army style bunk beds, wifi, bar & restaurant backs onto the water, Breakfast included toast eggs coffee, but apparently had a problem with bedbugs More coming soon... |
EAT & DRINK
Panaderia y dulceria - bakery with tuna sandwiches , paninis, toasties, crepes. Pollo rosti - $3.50 1/4 chicken and chips .75c beers next door Taco surf - Mexican delicious Books, booze Tuesday night More coming soon... |
|
ISLA COLON
ISLA CARENERO
ISLA BASTIMENTOS
ISLA SOLARTE
LOST & FOUND HOSTEL
3 nights
taxi ride FROM BOCAS TO LOST & FOUND WAS $60US ($15 PER PERSON X4 PPL) AND ONLY TOOK 1HR 30MIN
local bus FOR $8.25pp WHICH TAKES 3-4HOURS TO LOST AND FOUND
be warned WITH THE 20-25 MIN WALK UP A STEEP, ROCKY, MUDDY & SOME SLIPPERY TRAILS UPHILL TO THE HOSTEL FROM THE HIGHWAY
suitcases SUCK AT THIS HOSTEL
buy some GROCERIES BEFORE, BEERS & FRUIT & VEG FROM HIGHWAY AT BOTTOM OF HOSTEL
they do have a pantry up top THAT YOU CAN BUY FOOD FROM TO COOK DINNERS & BILL PUT TO YOUR TAB
the local kitchen LADIES COOK UP EMPANADAS AND SWEETS SOME MORNINGS & NIGHTS & OFFER A DINNER EVERY NIGHT AT 6PM FR $7
pay for 2 NIGHTS & GET THE 3RD NIGHT FREE
amazing views UP IN THE MOUNTAINS TO WATCH SUNRISE AND SUNSETS
play with ROCKY THE
loads OF ACTIVITIES & TOURS TO DO
canyons WATERFALLS, COFFEE TOURS, SUGAR CANE, TREASURE HUNT, MAZE & HOT SPRINGS
local bus FOR $8.25pp WHICH TAKES 3-4HOURS TO LOST AND FOUND
be warned WITH THE 20-25 MIN WALK UP A STEEP, ROCKY, MUDDY & SOME SLIPPERY TRAILS UPHILL TO THE HOSTEL FROM THE HIGHWAY
suitcases SUCK AT THIS HOSTEL
buy some GROCERIES BEFORE, BEERS & FRUIT & VEG FROM HIGHWAY AT BOTTOM OF HOSTEL
they do have a pantry up top THAT YOU CAN BUY FOOD FROM TO COOK DINNERS & BILL PUT TO YOUR TAB
the local kitchen LADIES COOK UP EMPANADAS AND SWEETS SOME MORNINGS & NIGHTS & OFFER A DINNER EVERY NIGHT AT 6PM FR $7
pay for 2 NIGHTS & GET THE 3RD NIGHT FREE
amazing views UP IN THE MOUNTAINS TO WATCH SUNRISE AND SUNSETS
play with ROCKY THE
loads OF ACTIVITIES & TOURS TO DO
canyons WATERFALLS, COFFEE TOURS, SUGAR CANE, TREASURE HUNT, MAZE & HOT SPRINGS
SLEEP
Lost & FOund HOSTEL - http://www.thelostandfoundhostel.com/how-to-find-us/ Is $14 for a dorm bed, or pay $12 each to share a double bed with friend or couple to save 41 a night. Amazing views of the mountain areas of panama. And 3 nights gives you enough time to fit in all the activities. More coming soon... |
EAT & DRINK Up in the Mountain here you are kind of in the middle of nowhere, in between Boca's del Toro & David. So there isnt many/any restaurants or bars around. Cafe/restaurant is at the bottom of the hill that has food all day and there is a fresh produce stall selling fruit & veg. They have dinners every night at 6pm you just need to put your name on the Board by 4pm, price is around $5-7US. The lost & Found hostel has a Hostel bar not far from the kitchen/dormitory areas. They have Jenga game, cards games. |
SANTA CATALINA
2nights
From lost & found hostel TAKE BUS TO DAVID FROM THE MAIN HIGHWAY (COMES ROUGHLY EVERY 30 MIN) TAKES 45-1HR, COST $3.50
from david GET THE BUS TO SAN DIAGO (LEAVES EVERY HR ACROSS THE ROAD FROM WHERE BUS DROPS YOU OFF, COSTS $9, 3HRS TRAVEL
we stayed in San Diago TO BREAK UP THE TRAVEL TIME
from San Diago CATCH BUS TO SONA ONLY TAKES 30-45MIN, COSTS $2
then from sona GET A TAXI TO SANTA CATALINA FOR $30 (CAN BE DIVIDED BY X4 PPL A LOT CHEAPER) ONLY TAKES 1HR, BUS TAKES 2HRS.
if you want TAKE BUS FROM SONA NOTE THAT THE LAST BUS IS 4:30PM TO SANTA CATALINA FROM HERE
all the buses ARE DECENT SIZE SHUTTLES OR COACHES, COMFORTABLE, SOME RECLINE, WITH AC.
surf BEACH TOWN ON THE PACIFIC
surf competitions COME HERE
from david GET THE BUS TO SAN DIAGO (LEAVES EVERY HR ACROSS THE ROAD FROM WHERE BUS DROPS YOU OFF, COSTS $9, 3HRS TRAVEL
we stayed in San Diago TO BREAK UP THE TRAVEL TIME
from San Diago CATCH BUS TO SONA ONLY TAKES 30-45MIN, COSTS $2
then from sona GET A TAXI TO SANTA CATALINA FOR $30 (CAN BE DIVIDED BY X4 PPL A LOT CHEAPER) ONLY TAKES 1HR, BUS TAKES 2HRS.
if you want TAKE BUS FROM SONA NOTE THAT THE LAST BUS IS 4:30PM TO SANTA CATALINA FROM HERE
all the buses ARE DECENT SIZE SHUTTLES OR COACHES, COMFORTABLE, SOME RECLINE, WITH AC.
surf BEACH TOWN ON THE PACIFIC
surf competitions COME HERE
SLEEP
Hostel Verguras - Its an older panamian womens home who has turned it into a hostel. Rooms are very basic. $10 dorm bed & $20 for private. Beds are quite small , some matressess were quite thin, but had a homey feel, only a $3 taxi ride from the Bus Terminals. And across the road from the hostel there is a Typical comedor restaurant & a supermarket. (SAN DIAGO) Surface Paradise - was $15 for a dorm, spacious dorm with a balcony overlooking the beach with a deck down the bottom. Kitchen to use and wifi. Oasis Surf Branch- $15 for a dorm room. Wifi and Kitchen. Views of the beach, right on the beach. |
EAT & DRINK
In San Diago the tipical comedor across the road is as cheap as starting price .30c for plantano's, fried yuka, and hot chips and rice fo less then a dollar and meals for $2-3 with meat. Supermarket had some fruit, noodles, pastas rice ect with agua, snacks ect. |
DO
More coming soon... |
PANAMA CITY
5 nights
you can get a OVERNIGHT BUS FROM BOCA'S DEL TORO HERE FOR $38 I THINK
or you can GET ANY BUS FROM DAVID OR SANTIAGO TO PANAMA CITY, VERY CONSTANT
stay at CASCO VIEJO (the old quarter) BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL OLD TOWN OF PANAMA CITY
City , concert , big roads
Business
Harbour Port
Shopping Malls & Plaza's
Some cute small lanes and passages
Cobble stone roads
Restaurants
Sky rise Buildings
the presidents PALACE IS IN THE OLD QUARTER
eat $1.25 CEVICHE FROM THE FISH MARKETS ACROSS THE ROAD FROM CASCO VEIJO
visiting the TRUMP HOTEL LEVEL 66 IS A MUST
is so so so HOT HUMUD HOT HUMID
we were DRINKING TAP WATER HERE, NO PROBLEM
they have white TAXI'S HERE THAT YOU GET EVERYWHERE THEY ARE VERY CHEAP & CONVENIENT TO GET ALL AROUND PANAMA CITY
visit all THE MALLS AND PLAZAS
large city WITH LOTS OF SHOPPING
some beautiful SKY-RISE BUILDINGS
City , concert , big roads
Business
Harbour Port
Shopping Malls & Plaza's
Some cute small lanes and passages
Cobble stone roads
Restaurants
Sky rise Buildings
the presidents PALACE IS IN THE OLD QUARTER
eat $1.25 CEVICHE FROM THE FISH MARKETS ACROSS THE ROAD FROM CASCO VEIJO
visiting the TRUMP HOTEL LEVEL 66 IS A MUST
is so so so HOT HUMUD HOT HUMID
we were DRINKING TAP WATER HERE, NO PROBLEM
they have white TAXI'S HERE THAT YOU GET EVERYWHERE THEY ARE VERY CHEAP & CONVENIENT TO GET ALL AROUND PANAMA CITY
visit all THE MALLS AND PLAZAS
large city WITH LOTS OF SHOPPING
some beautiful SKY-RISE BUILDINGS
SLEEP
Casco viejo Hospedge Hostel - $13 for a dorm bed, Spacious clean & renovated dorms, shared bathroom, dorm room 9opens up to a x2 double doors onto a balcony. Nice breeze at night with fans, own power points and lamp lights at the beds, lockers just outside, Really fast wifi, breakfast includes toast, peanut butters, spreads, bananas and coffee. Highly recommend. Perfect location and good price. Luna's Castle - $15 dorm wuth no aircon, OR $16 dorm bed with aircon (that only comes on after 8-9pm and turns off at 8am) unbareable heat in the dorms throughout the day. $16 dorm with ocean views. 50c beer happy hour. Mamallena Hostel - $13 a dorm bed with ensuite for the dorm room. AC comes on at 9pm shuts off at 8am. Unbareable heat in the day without aircon and they dont have fans for the day.. Breakfast included pancakes all day starts ay 4:30am, 24hr reception. $40 US for 3 nights. DOWNTOWN WITH A POOL - SALLY |
EAT & DRINK
Champo Street Stall near Mamallena Hostel. have hot dogs, burritos, mini burgers, pockets with pulled beef starting at $2-3 to $6-7 with combos. AKI Japanese Starter plates startng from $4 edemame, spicy cruncy tuna rice, mushrooms. Rooftop Restaurant - $12 for entree, main and a drink on the roof top in Casco Viejo Margaritta bar Cervasaria |
|
GAMBOA, DREDGING DIVISION
EL VALLE DE ANTON lots of flowers, hills &waterfallsA VILLAGE LOCATED IN CENTE OF EXSTINCT VOLCANOE, WATERFALL & HANDICRAFT MARKET
CAMBUTAL & PLAYITA RESORT
EL VALLE DE ANTON lots of flowers, hills &waterfallsA VILLAGE LOCATED IN CENTE OF EXSTINCT VOLCANOE, WATERFALL & HANDICRAFT MARKET
CAMBUTAL & PLAYITA RESORT
HISTORY
Like all of Central America, the native Indian population of Panama was all but destroyed by the disease and powerful weapons inflicted on them by the Spanish during their aggressive colonization. As the Spanish regional power increased, Panama became the launching point for invasions into South America. Most of the treasure mined (stolen) by the conquistadors in Bolivia and Peru was sent back to Panama for transport to Spain. Treasures shipped across the Caribbean became a easy target for the pirates and over time to reduce their increasing losses, the Spanish Crown decided to transport the gold and silver south, around the southern tip of South America, on a long but safe journey back to Spain. With little strategic value remaining for Spain, Panama was ignored. When neighbouring Colombia gained its independence from Spain in 1821, Panama became a province of that new country.
With U.S. backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903, and signed a treaty with the U.S. allowing for the Panama Canal Zone. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers successfully constructed it between 1904 and 1914, a feat that revolutionized ocean-going shipping, even to the present day. Understandable unhappiness by Panama on its major asset being controlled by a foreign land, an agreement was signed in 1977, calling for the complete transfer of the Canal from the U.S. to Panama by the end of 1999.
In the mid-1980s General Manuel Noriega took control of Panama, and during his messy 5-year dictatorship, democracy disappeared, the economy was severely damaged, drug trafficking from South America increased, and the population lived in fear of further repression. With U.S. help, Noriega was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining U.S. military bases were turned over to Panama on December 31, 1999.
GEOGRAPHY
The most dominant features of Panama are the forested, volcanic-in-origin, mountains that extend from its Costa Rican border to Colombia, South America. Significant ranges include the lengthy Central Mountains, as well as the San Blas, Talamanca and Tabasara.
The sandy beach coastlines of Panama merge into forested lowlands that rise into the foothills of the inland mountain ranges.
The eastern third of Panama is a sparsely populated land of rain forests, rivers and swampy lowlands bordered by high mountain peaks. The Darian Gap, fronting the border with Colombia, is an inhospitable, almost impassable thick jungle.
The northern coastline is ringed by the hundreds of small islands that form the Bocas del Torro and San Blas Archipelagos. Significant islands along the southern coastlines include the Pearl Islands (of Survivor fame), Taboga, Cebaco and Coiba.
Hundreds of rivers drain the land, mostly small; significant ones include the Charges, Chepo, Chucunague, San Pablo, Santa Maria and Tuira.
Capital City: Panama City (880,691 pop.) (1,272,672 metro pop.)
Language: Spanish (official), English
Religion: Catholic (85%), Protestant (15%)
Currency: Panama Balboa (PAB)
Largest Cities: (by population) Panama City, San Miguelito, Tocumen, David, Arraijan, Colon, Las Cumbres, La Chorrera
Highest Point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m
TRAVEL
Panama is replete with points-of-interest for any type of traveler, including tropical rain forest tours, beautiful beaches, bird-watching opportunities, historical sites, numerous national parks, as well as countless fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and white-water rafting venues.
At the top of Panama's major attractions list is the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks, the best place to watch the international commerce in action; Darien National Park and its thousands of bird and plant species; Panama City and its Bolivar Plaza, National Theater, Metropolitan Cathedral, Presidential Palace and Summit Biological Garden; Portobelo Fortress rain forest area; San Blas and Bocas del Torro archipelagos, and the Pearl Islands.
IN A FEW WORDS: Native Indians, Spanish Colony, War, US help, Mountains & jungles, Spnish, Catholic, forests, beaches, islands, volcanoes, mountains,
L O O K I N T O PLAYITA RESORT ANTES DE PLAYA VENADO