What are the best places to go to in Panama?

• One of the most surprising countries in Central America, with the modern capital Panama City. Visit the island groups of Bocas del Toro (with great surf, diving and snorkeling sites) and Archipelago de San Blas (the territory of the Kuna Indians), the Panama Canal and Isla Taboga. Panama has several nature reserves and tropical rainforests, beautiful orchids and very relaxed language schools on several Caribbean islands.
• Take a trip from Panama City to Barro Colorado Island in Lake Gatun. The island is a reserve that is a hotspot of biodiversity.
• Take a multi-day tour to Colomba where the San Blas Islands are located. These bounty-like islands are themselves small and flat and are disappearing very slowly due to sea level rise. The indigenous Kuna people here traditionally live by farming and fishing, but meanwhile they also earn a little extra with tourism.
• Climb the Baru Volcano on horseback. At 3,475 meters, this mountain is located in the beautiful Chiriquí province, near the popular resort town of Boquete and the mountain resort of Cerro Punto.
• Go bird watching! 40 kilometers north of Panama City is one of the best places for bird watching. With more than 950 bird species, Panama is the best country for bird lovers.
• Hike through Darién National Park in the sparsely populated wilderness of the Darién Gap, where both beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves and lakes can be found, and even tropical rainforests. This park is also home to two indigenous Indian tribes.
• A cruise on the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The scenery is stunning and the banks are home to crocodiles, birds and other wildlife. By the way, you can also see the Panama Canal well from the bus or train.
• In Las Tablas, the capital of Los Santos province, vibrant parties are held throughout the year. Carnival in particular is a huge experience, when two different groups “compete” against each other to see who can organize the best parade and parties.
• The Chiriquí province is a beautiful part of Panama with characteristic highlands, many waterfalls, rivers and spectacular mountains with many cattle and horses. The area is also known for its banana and coffee plantations.
• Panama City; nearly a million people live in this metropolis at the Pacific port of the Panama Canal. A city with skyscrapers, parks, suburbs, historical monuments of the Spanish past and a charming section known as Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama. For shopping, there is Avenida Central in Panama, the duty-free Tocumen airport, major malls and commercial areas near hotels. Panama Viejo is a part of Panama City where you can still see a bit of the earlier life in Panama. An excursion along these ruins is interesting and gives a good insight into the original Panama City.
• Bocas del Toro; Bocas del Toro (located on Isla Colon) is the capital of the archipelago of the same name located in the Caribbean Sea in northwestern Panama. After Panama City, Bocas del Toro is the most popular travel destination in Panama. You will find beautiful beaches and more than 200 islands, only a few of which are inhabited. Bocas del Toro has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, excellent snorkeling and diving, and the available water cabs will take you anywhere.

Whether or not to travel by plane in Panama?

• Flight time Amsterdam Schiphol - Panama City (AMS-PTY) is 11 hours and 15 minutes. It is good to know that flights from Amsterdam Schiphol are direct. Many islands can be reached only by domestic flights or by boat.

Whether or not to travel by train in Panama?

• There is a beautiful train route from Panama City to Colón. For the rest, you are better off taking the bus.

Whether or not to travel by bus in Panama?

• Bus transportation in Panama is good and is the most normal way to travel. There are paved roads between the major destinations, such as David, Boquete, Colón and Panama City. The “PanAmerican Highway” is used for most routes, and you can wave at a bus to stop it or buy a ticket in town. There are many different bus companies, with varying standards and prices.

Whether or not to travel by car in Panama?

• The roads in Panama are not very bad, and the biggest highway, the “Panamerican Highway” that goes right through the whole country, is actually good. But in the more rural parts, a four wheel drive is really a must. You can rent a car in cities and airports with both a Dutch and an international driver's license. You must be at least 23 years old.

Whether or not to travel by boat in Panama?

• Panama has many islands that can only be reached by boat (or domestic flight).

Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Panama?

• because Panama offers many opportunities to learn or brush up on Spanish; relaxed language schools in the capital but also on various Caribbean islands or in the highlands.
• because Panama offers a high quality education at a low cost of living.
• because Panamanian employers generally try to create a pleasant work environment, where social relationships and friendships among colleagues are important.
• because your colleagues are often helpful, friendly and interested.
• because Panama offers many opportunities for work, internships, volunteering in tourism, as well as in water science, environment, or tropical disease research.
• Because Panama is the country in Central America with one of the best and fastest Internet connections.

What should you pay attention to?

• that 'mañana' is also present in the work culture, but that does not mean that 'being on time' is not appreciated (do not assume that it is fine to be late!)
• that the boss and older workers are generally respected.
• that good basic Spanish knowledge opens many doors (in real internship/work situations you need more than 'basic' knowledge).

What are the customs in Panama regarding food?

• Because there are so many different cultures in Panama, the country has a very varied cuisine. At small cafes you can often taste local specialties further, top international restaurants and American fast-food chains have also penetrated Panama.

What are the best recipes in Panama?

• Try the specialty Ceviche. This is fish marinated in lime juice, onions and peppers.
• Sancocho is a characteristic stew with chicken, meat and vegetables.
• Gallo pinto is a dish consisting of rice and beans with pork sometimes added.
• A popular dessert is a Raspado; a kind of white scones with condensed milk and syrup on top.

What are the best drinks in Panama?

• The Ron Ponche is highly recommended. This is a milk and vanilla cocktail with rum.
• Panama is rich in many fresh fruit juices: pineapple, papaya, mango and passion fruit juices are available everywhere. Both pure, and mixed with ice.
• Panama produces Panama, Atlas, Soberana and Balboa beer.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Panama?

• 'Feria de las Flores y del Cafe' is held every January and is the largest (and perhaps best) flower festival in the world. There are beautiful flower exhibits, food stalls and lots of live music.
• During Santa Semana (holy week around Easter), religious processions are held throughout the country where participants wear beautiful colored clothes and hold up church statues.
• The “Festival de los Diablos y Congos” is the festival of devils and Africans. It is held annually in March. It is historically the representation of good versus evil, or the struggle between the African slaves (good) and their Spanish overlord (the devil). Drumbeats and drumbeats depict escape attempts, rebellions and freedom songs are sung.
• On Aug. 31, the “Feria Internacional del Mar” is celebrated. This annual festival celebrates all things sea, beach and fish.
• Panama has no less than three independence days, but the most important celebration is on Nov. 3 and 4 in which lots of fireworks and parades celebrate the country's independence from Colombia.

What are the remarkable habits in Panama?

• Family is key, it is all about the family, including extended family. Grandparents are often involved in raising children.
• Fiestas are tradition, between 1 PM and 3 PM all shops are closed. People are resting.
• Baseball is a very popular sport.
• Strong sweet coffee is the way of life and drinking it included in daily habits.