Panama

Panama, the last paradise on earth.

Panama, for most people, means "The Canal".   But Panama is even more than its famous canal, namely  it is a wonderful nature paradise, with an intoxicating, unbelievable variety of flora and fauna.  Not enough people know of these rich resources. You will always find nice weather, a really pleasant climate, favorable Hotels, international Hostels, B&B´s inexpensive and very good restaurants everywhere in the country. No matter whether you travel around the towns or in the country side, you can travel in comfortable and reasonably air-conditioned buses. We would like to give you an understanding from our side of one of the last real paradises. Here you can be enchanted by the wonderful scenery, the rain forests with their friendly  indigenous people sceneries. Panama offers a  breathtaking animal world,  with waterfalls, the volcano Baru, and the mountain town Boquete, which is inhabited mostly by foreigners. Here you can purchases an organized tour of fast-flowing river by raft.

After your adventure or mountain tours you can relax in hot, natural springs below some waterfalls. Or  you might like to discover the pleasure of miles (1.915 km) of lonely sandy beaches, with turquoise sea , where the bays invite you to dive and snorkel. Everywhere lthere is cheap but comfortable and clean  accommodations, like backpacker Hostels accomodation. There are B&B hotels as well as big luxurious Beach Hotels.  On the Caribbean Coast and on the Pacific Coast, there are very luxurious Country Clubs. e. . If you like motorcycling, with the wind in your hair, then Panama offers motorcycle tours and good roads for adventurous riders on their own. Just follow the rules of the Panama roads and ride safely. Or you can take a comfortable tour by local buses, throughout this special land, the magical realm of Panama. Once you have begun to experience Panama, you will not find it easy to forget it. Panama cares for the environment, and her rich tropical rainforests are conserved national parks.  Among these, Cerro Hoya National Park and Coiba National Park, are listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites.

Panama is also a true birdwatcher's paradise. The coloured parrots are especially delightful. In this country, animal friends come free of charge. You can observe the amusing monkeys leaping from tree to tree, or watch wildcats like Jaguars and Ocelots. It is like being in a gigantic safari park, but much more natural and free. Why have a farm holiday in Europe when you can have all that – and more – in Panama?
Direct flights to Panama are cheap, and there are last minute booking possibilities also. You can also fly to Costa Rica, and then take the comfortable bus to David (Boquete). In David you will find very clean and comfortable Hotels, cheap Hostels or B&B accommodations. For only $2, you can continue by bus to the lovely and famous mountain town of Boquete. There you will find also some nice and friendly Hostels and other accommodation.  

Naturally, we would be happy to welcome you to our B&B (hostel) "La Casa Romantico" in Alto Boquete, www.la-casa-romantico.com. Here you will be in peace and quiet and surrounded by magnificent views. Breakfast on the pretty terrace is a great experience. You will be our guests in a house with friendly and welcoming hospitality! From David, you can go by bus to Bocas del Toro for only $7  and for $2 you can continue to see the sights of Boquete.ONLY for 11$ you can travel to Panama City in a comfortable long distance bus with climatization and TV equiped.

I have lived myself 16 years in the South of France where I owned a small Hotel "Deluxe". I really loved this country. But, if I have to balance today between Panama and France, I vote for Panama. True, France has so much of culture, scenery, sea, gastronomy, and sunshine. And of course, every tourist finds something after his heart in France. BUT, the cost of living – even for tourists – can be painful! And it's  the same like in other parts of Europe. Everything is getting too expensive and hardly payable. In Panama, you can have a holiday for three weeks for what you would pay for one week in France. And – it's sooo pretty! Have a look at our special emigration report: "Where to live best today?"

The Old Town of Panama city, Casco Viejo, is well worth exploring. Some guides suggest that tourists should not walk alone or walk by night through Casco Viejo. Probably as a single woman, I would rather prefer other places by night. BUT we did not encounter any problems - day or night – in walking around Casco Viejo. Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, Vienna, Paris, Nice, London and other European cities, are substantially more dangerous at night in many areas. And the risk of physical assault which often becomes an actual event in public transport in Germany or in Britain is completely unknown in Panama. Trains and buses here are completely safe.

The new president, Ricardo Martinelli also resides in Casco Viejo. Thus, there is a generally reassuring background of good security. Backpackers who have stayed in Hostels in Casco Viejo recommend it. Panama wants to build up a gentle tourism and does everything for the security of the tourists, in contrast to many European towns. The Old Town is a very attractive tourist quarter, with cafés, restaurants, bars, smart hotels, theatres, all kind of artists, small shops and much else. Conservation and restoration in the Old Town is making it an absolutely special tourist destination. But it retains an authentic local quality. Real people live here. Artists from all over the world will enchant, as Saint Tropez started long time ago. The first ones already settled in. But there is still even more to see.

DISCOVER PANAMA WITH HIS DREAM LANDSCAPES

Today Panama counts economically, as well as politically as one of the most stable and most successful countries of Central and South America. The economy has grown during the past 5 years on average by about 8%, in contrast to Europe. From the point of view of the tourist, this small country offers nearly everything. Besides big jungle areas there are rivers for rapid Rafting tours, lakes, mountains, beaches, and isolated bays with comfortable hotels. There are even big shopping malls in the centres of Panama City and David, of international standard: like Paris or London without the disadvantages! There is even nightlife for every taste.

In Panama, you will find hotels for every purse. From luxurious international hotel chains down to the cheap Hostels, used mainly by backpackers or tourists who want to economise. The bus connections are excellent. You can travel nearly 400 km in a modern air-conditioned bus from Panama city to David (north), for only $13 one way. That beats German, French, British and other European Rails! The long distance buses go every hour, and almost round-the-clock. You can travel 70/80 km for $2. It's true! Within the towns the bus ride will cost you 25 cents. Read more about prices and the cost of living under the column: "Emigrate" or in our Report : "Where to live best today?"

Mobility is cheap because public transport in Panama really is a public utility designed for people.  If we talk about third world and we compare the mobility in Panama with our supposedly civilized world, which is than the third world?  As for telecommunications, you can use high-speed Internet or mobile (cell) phones even in jungle areas.
The goal of the government is to allow everyone to have mobility and security. Naturally, nowhere is perfect. Most tourists will avoid areas of Colón where there is some serious poverty, or some areas around Darien which are close to the border of Colombia where there are drug problems.