ArrivalGuides Panama City

Updated 22 July 2014

Photo:

Panama City, Central Americain collaboration with Visit Panama

Avenue A. Publications

Welcome to Panama, the heart of the Americas, a country with great contrasts, kilometers ofbeaches on both Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, pristine islands, fertile highlands, historiclandmarks, great outdoor adventures, lush nature, indigenous tribes, a thriving, vibrant,cosmopolitan city and, of course, the Panama Canal. Panama is a real treat for nature andhistory lovers, foodies and it is a shopping paradise.

Top 5

BoqueteBoquete is located in a beautiful valleywith rocky mountain rivers and scen...

Bocas del ToroOf all the tourism destinations inPanama, Bocas del Toro is the placewhere...PedasiThe town of Pedasi is located in thesouth eastern section of the provinceo...Contadora IslandJust a 15 minute plane ride fromPanama City, Contadora Island is agreat es...Isla GrandeLocated across from the mainlandtown of La Guaira, Isla Grande offerscryst...

http://www.visitpanama.com/




ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Tocumen International Airport

Tocumen International Airport (IATA code: PTY) is located 24 km from downtown Panama City, approximately a 20minute car ride.Ocial taxi services are readily available just outside the terminal on the ground oor. These taxis are the only taxiservices authorized to pick up passengers at the airport,charging $25.00 for one passenger. Should you decide toshare the ride, the fee will be lower depending on thenumber of passengers.Several car rental companies oer their services.Many hotels oer shuttle services and you can also chooseto be picked up by a tour operator or privatetransportation service of your choice.

Address: Tocumen International AirportOpening hours: 24 hoursPhone: +507 2382703Internet: www.tocumenpanama.aero

Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (Albrook Airport)

Marcos A. Gelaber Airport (Albrook Airport; IATA code: PAC) is located 1.5 km west of downtown Panama City,oering daily local ights within Panama and internationalights to Costa Rica and Medellin, Colombia.

Address: Marcos A. Gelabert AirportPhone: +507 5019272Internet: www.aeronautica.gob.pa

Telephone

Country code: +507

Electricity

110 volts, 60 HzStandard two pin plugs

Currency

Panama´s currency is the Balboa with one Balboa equal toone US dollar. Panamanian coins (one-, ve-, 10-, 25-, and50-cent pieces) circulate having the same size, shape,color and value as the US ones and are usedinterchangeably with them. The Panamanian B./1.00 coinhas the same value as a US$1.00 dollar.The Tocumen International Airport oers foreign currency exchange services for traveler convenience.

Weather

Throughout of the country, the tropical climate is divided into the winter or rainy season from mid-May to Decemberand the summer or dry season from mid-December tomid-May. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughoutthe year, averaging 80°F/27°C in the coastal areas andbecoming cooler and less humid with spring like weatherin the highlands.

Internet: www.google.com/#q=panama+weather

Destination: Panama City, Central AmericaPublishing date: 2014-07-22

COUNTRY DESTINATIONS

Boquete

Boquete is located in abeautiful valley with rockymountain rivers and scenicviews and has a growingexpat community of peoplewho just fell in love with the

town and decided to move here.Boquete is home to multiple coee plantations, a good selection of restaurants serving dierent cuisines, a placeto practice outdoor activities that range from scenic toursin ATV vehicles to rock climbing, mountain biking, canopyzip-lining, horseback riding, golf, bird watching, hot springsand much more.Boquete’s spring-like weather is optimal year round and the town has been appointed one of the top retirementcommunities in the world oering a great quality of life.For more information about Boquete, check the Arrival Guide Chiriqui.

Bocas del Toro

Of all the tourism destinationsin Panama, Bocas del Toro isthe place where you can haveit all! During the day you cantake a tour to any of theamazing islands of the

archipelago, sail, sunbathe, swim, surf, snorkel, hike, ride a

bicycle around town, and visit an indigenous village or abotanical garden. At night you can literally go bar hopping,participate in a talent night, go to a costume party, anddance by a shipwreck, nd excellent live music, and best ofall, no need to drive!Bocas is constantly changing and transforming itself. There’s always something new and by walking in thestreets, you can feel the energy of people coming andgoing who are happy and feel lucky to be there.For more information about Bocas del Toro, check out the Arrival Guide Exotic Islands of Panama.

Pedasi

The town of Pedasi is locatedin the south eastern section ofthe province of Los Santos,characterized by an eclecticgeography of prairies,mountains and vast coastline,

including abundant marine life. Pedasi is known for great waves and awesome sunsets. A surf & turf town, a mix ofold Spaniard traditions and young people from all over theworld seeking to live life to the fullest.For more information about Pedasi, check out the Arrival Guide Azuero.

Contadora Island

Just a 15 minute plane ridefrom Panama City, ContadoraIsland is a great escape withwhite sand beaches and calmblue waters. Contadora is alsoa good base for exploring the

neighboring islands. Some of the activities include whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking and touring around theisland by scooter.Contadora has an interesting history. In the days of the pirates, the island was used to store and count gold (hencethe name) and later, in the 1960s, Contadora became theplace for Panamanian and international holiday homes,


which can still be seen today lining the shore of the island.For more information about Contadora, check out the Arrival Guide Exotic Islands of Panama.

Isla Grande

Located across from themainland town of La Guaira,Isla Grande oers crystal clearwaters, coral reefs, and whitesand beaches. The island issmall and there is a strip of

small hotels and restaurants catering to most budgets. There are great opportunities for snorkeling and practicingall kinds of water sports. There is famous surf break bySister Moon hotel but we advise exercising caution as thespot requires some expertise and knowledge of the coralreef.The Caribbean cuisine stands out due to the abundance ofseafood and coconuts which creates a perfect fusion ofavors to serve dishes like conch, lobster, crab, octopus,squid, shrimp, sh and many other delicious preparations.For more information about Isla Grande, check out the Arrival Guide Colon.

El Valle de Anton

This is a beautiful and exoticvalley located in the crater ofan extinct volcano.Temperatures are lower thanPanama City, especially duringthe dry season. Home to a

variety of wonders, from the endemic golden frog to unusual square trees, springs, rivers and multiple birdspecies. This is a favorite vacation and weekend spotwhere wealthy Panamanians go to kick back, relax andtake a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Foryears, the Sunday market has been attracting visitorslooking for great deals on local handicrafts and produce.For more information about El Valle, check out the Arrival Guide West Panama and Cocle.

Santa Catalina & Coiba Island

Santa Catalina, a small,laid-back town known forhaving one of the best surfbreaks in Central America, islocated 300 km northwest ofPanama City, about one hour

from Santiago. The scenery and natural environment are breathtaking. World-class shing, snorkeling and divingopportunities are found all along the coastline and aroundthe surrounding islands. Coiba National Park can be seenfrom Catalina. From 1912 to 2002, Coiba Island was usedas a penal colony, and Panama’s worst criminals were senthere. Now, the prisoners have gone, but the prisonremains, and makes for an interesting visit. Moreover, therecent declaration of Coiba as a UNESCO World Heritagesite prohibits any development on the island, so thewildlife here is simply spectacular. The enormous island ishome to a plethora of birds, mammals and reptiles andthe surrounding marine park, which also comprises 38other smaller islands including Cebaco and Gobernadoraand is the site of the second largest coral reef in theEastern Pacic. Coiba’s amazing variety of underwater lifemakes shing and diving here incredible. Santa Catalina isa great base for exploring the islands and coastline. Thetown itself is small, with few attractions, but a surprisingnumber of foreigners have moved to Catalina to starttourist-related businesses, creating an eclectic mix ofpeople. Restaurants oer a good variety of food includingauthentic Tuscan Pizza and Argentinian style meats.Needless to say, the seafood in this area is to die for.For more information about Santa Catalina and Coiba, check out the Arrival Guide Veraguas.


Taboga IslandThe island of owers, as it isknown, is located just an hourby ferry from Panama Citymaking it a perfect day tour.There is a nice beach on theisland, a couple of hotels and

restaurants and, for the energetic, there is a good hike up to a viewing point on a hill.For more information about Taboga Island, check out the Arrival Guide Exotic Islands of Panama.

Portobelo

Declared by Unesco as “WorldHeritage”, the town ofPortobelo is known as a“historic monument collection”since you can visit severalsites in the same place. Many

of the fortresses, castles and buildings still remain today such as Fort Santiago, San Jeronimo, San Fernando, theCustoms and Controller’s building, and the San Juan deDios Church famous for the Black Christ.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, Portobelo became one of the most important silver exportation portsof Nueva Grenada, the Spanish Colonial Jurisdictioncorresponding to what is today modern Colombia,Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela. Portobelo also becameone of the most important departure points from the“Indies”. For the same reason, this town was subject tomany pirate attacks from Francis Drake, William Parker,William Hiking, Henry Morgan, Edward Vernon, and WilliamKingles.The coastal town is famous for serving excellent seafood and it is close to other great Caribbean destinations.For more information about Portobelo, check out the Arrival Guide Colon.

Volcan, Bambito and Cerro PuntaBesides being the fruit andvegetable basket of Panama,this area oers the mostscenic destinations, awonderful climate that rangesfrom 12°C to 25°C in

temperature, rocky mountain rivers, indigenous tribes, great hiking trails, horse farms, orchid farms, ancientarcheological sites, great bird watching and mostimpressive of all, the Baru Volcano, Panama´s tallestmountain at 11,398 feet, from which on a sunny day youcan see both the Pacic and Atlantic Ocean. The areaoers multiple cabins, hotels and hostels to suit all tastesand budgets.For more information about Volcan, Bambito and Cerro Punta, check out the Arrival Guide Chiriqui.

TOP 5 TOURS

If you are visiting Panama for a short period of time, these are the tours you can't miss!

The Panama Canal

If you do nothing else inPanama, go see the Canal, youwon’t be sorry. Just 30minutes from downtown, theVisitor’s Center at theMiraores locks has a

museum, gift shop, restaurant and observation deck whereyou can watch the behemoth ships pass through thelocks. It truly is a modern marvel.


In contrast to the more historically and socially focused Museo del Canal Interoceanico, the Miraores Visitor'sCenter concentrates on the science,technology and environment behind the functioning of the Canal. The center is worth an afternoon of exploration.

Public Transport: You can reach the Miraores locks by bus or taxiOpening hours: Mon – Sun (holidays included) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Phone: +507 272 1111Tickets: nonresidents: adults $15.00, children $10.00, tour operators $12.00Internet: www.visitcanaldepanama.com

Casco Antiguo

Charming narrow streets,colorful buildings mirroringthe multicultural Panamanianhistory, exciting culturalattractions and an array ofhotels, cafes, bars, nightclubs,

restaurants and art galleries are luring people from all overto this little corner of the world.In 1673, after the sacking of Panama Viejo by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan, what is now the Casco Antiguobecame the setting for Panama’s second capital city. Thenew city was surrounded by a wall to protect it fromfurther pillaging. An eclectic blend of French, Spanish andAmerican architecture developed as the country evolved.

Photo: Avenue A PublicationsInternet: www.cascoantiguo.gob.pa/Inicio.aspx

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

With almost 1000 species ofbirds, Panama is the perfectspot for bird-watchingenthusiasts. The canopystretches in all directions asfar as the eye can see from

100 feet above the jungle oor at the top of the Rainforest Discovery Center’s observation tower in SoberaniaNational Park, just 30 minutes outside of Panama City.

This treetop world is usually but not exclusively reserved for biologists with scientic equipment and a considerabledegree of courage. Visitors are invited to take part in aunique eco-tourism and educational experience at thePanama Rainforest Discovery Center.Situated on 50 acres within the national park at the entrance to the Pipeline Road, the Rainforest DiscoveryCenter oers nature lovers an extensive network of guidedtrails within a lush tropical jungle.

Opening hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Phone: +507 3141140Internet: www.pipelineroad.orgEmail: [email protected]

Inter-Oceanic Canal Museum

If you are going to visit onlyone museum in Panama, thisis the one. With 10 permanentexhibitions that trace theconstruction of the PanamaCanal and its impact on

Panamanian history and society, the museum deserves at least a couple of hours in order to appreciate and absorbthe wealth of information available.Museum highlights include the 1977 Carter-Torrijos treaty by which the US turned over control of the Canal Zoneareas to Panama; several multimedia and interactiveexhibits that can keep even the most hyper ofmuseum-goers busy; and dioramas of everyday lifethroughout the history of the Canal.Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English to help navigate the abundant information.

Opening hours: From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Phone: +507 2111649Internet: www.museodelcanal.com


Visit an Indigenous TribeDiscover the fascinatingtimeless lifestyle of theEmbera indigenous tribe, anethnic minority that survivedthe arrival of theconquistadors and continues

to exist today. Embark on a journey by canoe along the Chagres river and through the lush tropical rainforest andlearn about their culture, everyday life and traditions. TheEmbera are famous for their basketry and woodworkamong other handicrafts. This is one of the toprecommended tours while visiting Panama City.

Internet: www.visitpanama.com/component/k2/item/1590-ember%C3%A1-wounaan.html?lang=en&format=html

PANAMA CITY DO & SEE

Panama City has a lot to oer from great shopping and and a vibrant nightlife to fascinating tours just minutesaway from downtown Panama City.

ArrivalGuides goesArrivalTV!

The Panama Canal

If you do nothing else inPanama, go see the Canal, youwon’t be sorry. Just 30minutes from downtown, theVisitor’s Center at theMiraores locks has a

museum, gift shop, restaurant and observation deck whereyou can watch the behemoth ships pass through thelocks. It truly is a modern marvel.In contrast to the more historically and socially focused Museo del CanalInteroceanico, the Miraores Visitor's Center concentrates on the science,


http://www.dailymotion.com/ArrivalTV#video=x18bdcw

http://www.dailymotion.com/ArrivalTV#video=x18bdcw

technology and environment behind the functioning of the Canal. The center is worth an afternoon of exploration.

Public Transport: You can reach the Miraores locks by bus or taxiOpening hours: Mon – Sun (holidays included) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Phone: +507 272 1111Tickets: nonresidents: adults $15.00, children $10.00, tour operators $12.00Internet: www.visitcanaldepanama.com

Casco Antiguo

Charming narrow streets,colorful buildings mirroringthe multicultural Panamanianhistory, exciting culturalattractions and an array ofhotels, cafes, bars, nightclubs,

restaurants and art galleries are luring people from all overto this little corner of the world.In 1673, after the sacking of Panama Viejo by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan, what is now the Casco Antiguobecame the setting for Panama’s second capital city. Thenew city was surrounded by a wall to protect it fromfurther pillaging. An eclectic blend of French, Spanish andAmerican architecture developed as the country evolved.

Photo: Avenue A PublicationsInternet: www.cascoantiguo.gob.pa/Inicio.aspx

Panama La Vieja

UNESCO World Heritage SitePanama La Vieja, commonlyknown as Panama Viejo, is thesite of the original PanamaCity founded in 1519 by PedroArias de Dávila. This was the

rst Spanish settlement on the Pacic coast of the Americas. Located on the far eastern side of the currentcity, these ruins are all that remains of the original citywhich was burned down by Welsh Buccaneer HenryMorgan in 1671. Since much of the original city was madeof wood, the ruins are not that extensive, although they

are well-maintained and make for an interesting visit.The visitor center at Panama La Vieja has a collection of the archaeological nds and information about the historyof the site.

Internet: www.panamaviejo.org

The Biomuseo

8 permanent exhibitions tell astory of the epic emergenceof the isthmus and theconsequent transformation ofthe planet that occurred amere three million years ago.

It’s designed to lead visitors on a journey of discovery that will transform their understanding of biodiversity.The museum’s layout loops through eight distinctive pavilions with interactive exhibits created by Bruce MauDesign that progressively deliver both the solid science ofPanama’s story and “the magnitude of life”. The visitor’sadventure includes colored glass murals; a Panamaramawith head-to-toe giant screens that immerse you in aprofusion of tropical life; towering geologicalcross-sections of the isthmus in tectonic upheaval; runs oflife sized animal sculptures celebrating the bioticinterchange over the narrow land bridge of the Americas;multi-storied aquaria that vividly portray the separation ofthe world’s two greatest oceans and nally, the pavilionwith the punch line: Panama is the museum.The building itself is an architectural icon designed by Frank Gehry.

Photo: ©Victoria Murillo/Istmophoto.comPhone: +507 8306700Internet: www.biomuseopanama.org/en


The Fish MarketHere beds of ice are coveredwith lobsters, king crab, softshell crab, octopus, shrimp,tuna sh, sea bass, redsnapper, clams, calamari,sardines, scallops and so

much more and everything at excellent prices. This is a fun spot to visit not only in a food sense but also as acultural experience. Try the dierent ceviche (sh orseafood cooked in lime juice) preparations from the stripof vendors outside in the parking lot. Most of the cevichevendors oer a sitting area and refreshments includingbeer which is the perfect beverage to go with ceviche.

Address: At the end of Cinta Costera and the entrance to Casco AntiguoOpening hours: Every day from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Closed the 3rd Monday of every month

Jungle Land Panama

Panama Eco Tours andOvernight Adventures:Discover the most unique andcomplete all inclusiveexperience at the only oatinglodge in the Panama Canal!

Explore the Canal from within and live the real Jungle Experience.

Phone: +507 2131172Internet: www.junglelandpanama.com

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

With almost 1000 species ofbirds, Panama is the perfectspot for bird-watchingenthusiasts. The canopystretches in all directions asfar as the eye can see from

100 feet above the jungle oor at the top of the Rainforest Discovery Center’s observation tower in SoberaniaNational Park, just 30 minutes outside of Panama City.

This treetop world is usually but not exclusively reserved for biologists with scientic equipment and a considerabledegree of courage. Visitors are welcome to take part in aunique eco-tourism and educational experience at thePanama Rainforest Discovery Center.Situated on 50 acres within the national park at the entrance to the Pipeline Road, the Rainforest DiscoveryCenter oers nature lovers an extensive network of guidedtrails within a lush tropical jungle.

Opening hours: From 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Phone: +507 3141140Internet: www.pipelineroad.org

Inter-Oceanic Canal Muesum

If you are going to visit onlyone museum in Panama, thisis the one. With 10 permanentexhibitions that trace theconstruction of the PanamaCanal and its impact on

Panamanian history and society, the museum deserves at least a couple of hours in order to appreciate and absorbthe wealth of information available.Museum highlights include the 1977 Carter-Torrijos treaty by which the US turned over control of the Canal Zoneareas to Panama; several multimedia and interactiveexhibits that can keep even the most hyper ofmuseum-goers busy; and dioramas of everyday lifethroughout the history of the Canal.Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English to help navigate the abundant information.

Opening hours: From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Phone: +507 2111649Internet: www.museodelcanal.com


MUSEO ANTROPOLOGICO REINA TORRES DEARAÚZ

Its collection of 15,000pre-Columbian ceramic,sandstone and ethnographicpieces is by far the largestgrouping of anthropocentrichistorical artifacts in Panama

City. The museum tour begins in the hall dedicated to Torres de Arauz and moves to the Hall of Gold whichhouses an interestingcollection of Huacas, the small ceremonial pre-Columbian treasures found in indigenous graves. Also featured areobjects from the Barriles tribe, Panama’s earliest residentswho inhabited the isthmus until 700 B.C. The museumalso has exhibits of household items and farm toolsdemonstrating modern Panamanian life and culture.

Address: Ave. Juan Pablo II, Llanos de Curundú.Opening hours: Tue - Sun from 10:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m.Phone: +507 5014761

Visit an Indigenous Tribe

Discover the fascinatingtimeless lifestyle of theEmbera indigenous tribe, anethnic minority that survivedthe arrival of theconquistadors and continues

to exist today. Embark on a journey by canoe along the Chagres river and through the lush tropical rainforest andlearn about their culture, everyday life and traditions. TheEmbera are famous for their basketry and woodworkamong other handicrafts. This is one of the toprecommended tours while visiting Panama City.

Ancon HillThe best panoramic view ofPanama City can be seenfrom the top of Ancon Hillwhich is 654 feet above sealevel. Ancon Hill is a great hikealong a paved road where you

can see an abundance of birds and wildlife on your way up.You can also reach the top by car and take fabulousphotos of the Panama Canal, the modern city and theCasco Antiguo. The Panamanian ag sits at the top as asymbol of sovereignty since previous to 1977 Ancon Hillwas under US jurisdiction and Panamanians did not haveaccess to it.At the bottom of the hill, there is a site called “Mi Pueblito”,my little town, a small colorful museum-like installationdepicting the culture, traditions and architecture ofPanama and its hispanic, indigenous and Afro-Antilleanheritage.

Address: AnconOpening hours: Mon - Sun: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Phone: +507 5065730

Amador Causeway

The causeway is a longstretch of land uniting terrarma with four small islandswhich was created from earthremoved during theconstruction of the canal. The

causeway is now developing into a great spot to spend theday or night, with a lively scene of street cafes,restaurants and bars. There are excellent views of the cityskyline and the Casco Viejo. A rm favorite with families,the causeway’s wide sidewalks are great for walking,jogging and cycling. The Smithsonian Research Institute isalso on the Causeway and is well worth a visit.


ShoppingPanama is home to thelargest malls in CentralAmerica and shoppers will notbe disappointed witheverything available. Thesmartest mall, MultiPlaza

Pacica located in Punta Pacica is home to many chic designer stores as well as facilities such as banks, makingthis a convenient one-stop shopping location. MultiCentromall on Avenida Balboa is also a high-end shoppingdestination. The largest of all is Albrook Mall located nextto the main transport terminal, just across from thedomestic airport. Albrook is home to some of the leastexpensive shops in Panama as well as the main chain andhigh end stores thereby oering intensive retail therapy atvery reasonable prices. All malls have movie theaters andfood courts.Aside from the malls, a good selection of stores can be found on Via España close to the banking district and, fora true bargain, Avenida Central in Calidonia provides quitean intense shopping experience particularly for householdgoods and appliances.

Nightlife

Panama City has everythingyou are looking for when itcomes to nightlife. Whetheryou are here on business, forleisure, with the family, or justexploring the city by yourself,

you can’t miss out on Panama’s nightlife. You will nd everything from dress-down breweries to stylishnightclubs in the heart of the city and a rooftop bar withspectacular views.

Bird watchingPanama City is one of the fewmodern cities in the world thatlie less than 30 minutes awayfrom the tropical virgin jungle.The Pipeline Road has earnedthe Audubon Society's World

Record for most bird species spotted in 24 hours! Among the species, you can see Passerini’s Tanager andResplendent Quetzals, as well as South American speciessuch as the Flame-rumped Tanager and Golden-headedQuetzal.

HOTELS

Tántalo Hotel - Kitchen and Roof Bar

It is, without a doubt, not yourtypical hotel room experience!Every room oers the nestamenities to make your stay acomfortable and pamperedone. Thinking outside of the

box, each room was assigned to a dierent local artist to be used as a canvas to best express themselves and tocreate a cool, trendy and functional environment resultingin a contrast between art, modern furnishings, rusticvintage oors and out of the ordinary tables. Each roomhas a unique ambiance. Worth mentioning are the beds…all in all a fun, joyful, visual and sensorial experience.

Photo: Tantalo Hotel


Address: Casco AntiguoPhone: +507 2624030Internet: www.tantalohotel.comEmail: [email protected]

Las Clementinas

Located in the heart of thePanama City’s UNESCO WorldHeritage Site historic district,Las Clementinas is a CascoViejo hotel and restaurant withlarge, lovingly decorated one

bedroom suites that sleep up to four people, a spectacularroof top view and lush gardens.Whether traveling alone, as a family or as group, Las Clementinas makes the perfect base from which toexplore our exciting and diverse country, as well as havinga front row seat to our ever-evolving neighborhood –Casco Viejo. Las Clementinas was originally built in the 1930s as an apartment building, and the owners have retained theoriginal apartments’ layouts, giving their roomsunmatched size and airiness. Think of it as a classic smallEuropean hotel with much larger rooms, beautifulfurnishings – and no elevator.

Address: 11th Street & Avenue B, Casco Antiguo, Panama, Republic of PanamaPhone: +507 2287613Internet: www.lasclementinas.comEmail: [email protected]

RESTAURANTS

Rincon Aleman Gasthaus

Rincon Aleman Gasthausserves authentic and deliciousGerman food in a relaxedatmosphere. Stop in andsample over 45 types of beerfrom around the world. They

are primarily German, of course, but there is a nice selection of Dutch, Belgian and Czech brews as well as anumber of beers on tap.

Address: 51st Street, Bella VistaOpening hours: Mon - Sat: From 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.Phone: +507 2642590Email: [email protected]

Super Gourmet Casco Viejo

A landmark in Casco Viejooering freshly prepared delifoods for all budgets. SuperGourmet has select gourmetproducts from around theworld and is the home of the

Caribbean Chocolate Company. A wide selection of meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, wines and liquors,desserts, snacks, organic cacao and chocolate, coconutoils and more is available.

Address: Avenue A between Calle 6 & 7, Casco AntiguoOpening hours: Mon - Sat from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Sun from 10:00


a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Phone: +507 2123487Internet: www.supergourmetcascoviejo.comEmail: www.supergourmetcascoviejo.com

Napoli Ristorante & Pizzeria

A family owned traditionalItalian restaurant servingPanamanians for more than28 years. Consistency, goodfood and fast service havecreated great loyalty amongst

their always increasing clientele. The restaurant is known for their extensive and traditional menu serving up dishessuch as lasagna, cannelloni, ravioli, parmigiana steak, andtheir antipasto selection of clams, octopus, jumbo shrimp,eggplant and ceviche.

Address: Obarrio, 57 StreetOpening hours: Tue - Sun from 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.Phone: +507 2680088Internet: www.napoliobarrio.comEmail: [email protected]

SHOPPING

Travel ShopTravel shop opened 10 yearsago to fulll the desire for highend Mola Art. We are locatedin the lobby shops at TheSheraton Hotel andConvention Center in Panama

City. We support local artists such as Yolanda Lam who designs for both men and women, Susie Davila with heramazing hats and fedoras, the exclusive swimwear NakarDesigns brand, Solangel shoes and we also representinternational brands such as Vince Camuto, Oxette,Kenneth Cole and other renowned designers. Come andmeet us and nd out what originality is all about.

Address: Sheraton Hotel and Convention CenterPhone: +507 3055100

Speed Republic

Sometimes it is not WHATyou are shopping for butWHERE you are shopping thatmakes the dierence. When itcomes down to skateboardingor longboarding NO place

comes close to a local skate shop. In Panama City there isonly one place:"SPEED REPUBLIC SKATE SHOP"A truly unique shop run by experienced longboarders , surfers and skaters who will share their knowledgepointing you in the right direction. We carry the bestbrands in today's market in both skateboards andlongboards as well as decks, trucks, wheels, protectiongear, clothing and accessories.Your "everything under one roof shop".

Address: San Francisco, Calle Andres MojicaPhone: +507 2263080Email: [email protected]


BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Encima Rooftop Bar at Tantalo Hotel

Encima was the rst rooftopbar in Panama and in its shorttime has become thesensation of the CascoAntiguo. It has an amazingpanoramic view of the city’s

skyline and it has become one of the most popular bars in Panama for both locals and tourists. Famous for itsdiverse crowd, inviting atmosphere, and excellent music,Encima attracts the attention of people from all around.Whether you are looking for a place to watch the sunsetand enjoy one of their famous “Zen-jito” cocktails orlooking to meet new people and enjoy a fun night out,Encima is a great place to go. The lantern balls that hangacross the bar create a relaxed atmosphere making it theperfect place to go to chill out with friends.

Address: Avenue B & 8th StreetPhone: +507 2624030

Internet: www.tantalohotel.com

8º58’ Lounge at the Bristol Hotel

Located on the fth oor ofthe North Tower of theexclusive Bristol Hotel, youwill nd 8º58’ Lounge. Asophisticated spot with anelegant and intimate

atmosphere, this lounge has the perfect ambiance for romantic dates, casual gatherings,or even businessmeetings.

Address: Avenida Aquilino de la Guardia, 5th oor North TowerPhone: +507 2640000

Isabella

Panama city is known for itsvibrant nightlife and nonstopbeat. Isabella is the nest andmost exclusive nightclub inPanama. Located in “LasTerrazas” of Multiplaza Pacic,

the most popular mall in Panama, Isabella has one of the most desirable locations in all of Panama.

Address: "Las Terrazas” of Multiplaza PacicPhone: +507 3916008


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EVENTS

Life in Color

The “World’s Largest Paint Party” is BACK and ready to transform 2014 with the release of their UNLEASH TOUR.

Opening hours: June 27th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Franco De Vita in Concert

Venezuelan singer and song writer performs his romantic tunes with his 360° concept concert at Roberto DuranArena.Date: August 13th.

TRANSPORTATION

TaxisIn Panama, all licenced taxisshould be yellow and theirlicence number should bevisible on both side doors.There are no meters and farescan vary from the same point

A to the same point B depending on the taxi, the number of people, the time of day, your appearance and yourdriver’s disposition. It is common to pool passengers butshared rides do not aect your fare. Do not be surprised ifyour driver picks up more than one passenger or slows tosee where you are headed and is already carryingpassengers. It is recommended to carry small bills as itmay be challenging to get change for $20 or $50. Faresrange from $1.50 to $3.00 within downtown Panama City.

Metro Bus

The Metro Bus network is a reliable and aordable way to travel within Panama City. To ride the Metro Bus youmust acquire a Metro Bus card sold at grocery stores andpharmacies. The card costs $2.00 and a recommendedcharge of $5.00 should be enough if you are travelingwithin downtown Panama City. A ride within downtownPanama City is $0.25 and $1.25 for routes that includeusing paid highways like the Corredor Norte and theCorredor Sur.Buses stop approximately every 15 minutes and bus stopsare identied by an orange Metro Bus sign. To enter,swipe your Metro Bus Card and to leave, push the redbotton and the driver will stop at the next available stop.

Phone: +507 8009393Internet: www.mibus.com.pa

Metro

Panama has a new and reliable metro system. Metro cardsare sold at the metro stations and each ride has a cost of$0.35 cents. Relevant line stations for tourists are Albrook,Iglesia del Carmen and Via Argentina.

Phone: +507 5047200


Internet: www.elmetrodepanama.com

Population3,661,868

CurrencyUnited States Dollar / Balboa

Opening hoursBusiness from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stores-shopping starting at 10:30 a.m.

Internetwww.visitpanama.com

NewspapersLa PrensaEl Panama AmericaLa Estrella de Panama

Emergency numbers911 for all emergenciesPolice 104Firefighters 103SINAPROC *335 (National Civilian Protection System)

Tourist informationAutoridad de Turismo de PanamaTelephone: 311


Documents

ArrivalGuides Panama City