Punta Culebra Nature Center

Punta Culebra Nature Center (PCNC) is a non-profit initiative of STRI that relies on the support of the Smithsonian Foundation of Panama and international entities. It offers visitors an open-air museum focusing mainly on marine science and education, conservation and interpretation of marine coastal environments. More than 700,000 students and visitors have visited PCNC since it opened in 1996, and hundreds of schools have taken part in its educational program.

The Center is a place where individuals can increase their awareness and appreciation of coastal and marine environments in Panama and nearby regions of South and Central America. Its goal is to increase public understanding of Panama ’s past and present coastal environments, promoting their conservation. It is also meant to show how scientific discoveries improve our understanding and deepen our appreciation of the natural world.

PCNC occupies a territory of approximately 1 1/2 hectares and is only 15 minutes away from the heart of Panama City. The area has great natural wealth and the appropriate infrastructure so that locals and foreigners of all ages can take part in an enriching experience, as they enjoy the scenic views.

Exhibitions

• Panama: Abundance of Fish
• Discovery Room : An Underwater Journey with All the Senses
• Open-air historic and interpretative displays
• Turtle and Shark Pool
• Aquarium Exhibits
• Touching Pool
• Lookout point with views of the entrance to the Panama Canal and its surroundings
• Two trails across a Tropical Dry Forest

Future plans include: a major scale Touching Pool, and a project for a larger aquarium.

The Visit

The Punta Culebra Nature Center allows visitors to take a short journey through Panama's geological, military and natural history, and to learn about marine and terrestrial life through a unique experience.
Most of the constructions here are old military bunkers built during the First World War; columns date back to construction of the Panama Canal. There is also a small room, called "la casita", built more recently by old Panamanian Defense Forces. All of these spaces have been conditioned to hold temporal and permanent exhibitions and to serve as projection areas.

Natural attractions

• There are two trails through a tropical dry forest, a typical ecosystem of the Pacific side of Central America which is almost extinct today. This forest is a refuge and habitat for racoons, iguanas, birds of all kinds and armadillos, among others animals that visitors can admire as they walk around.
• The rocky shore, the sandy beach and a patch of white mangrove forest have plenty of marine life which is best seen during low tide.
• The sea life exhibitions show the magnificent biodiversity of Panamanian coastal ecosystems, particularly that of coral reefs from the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
• A pool that is home to sea turtles and sharks who swim among other colorful fish.
• Experience touching marine organisms such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and even stingrays.
• As they walk through the natural trails and the exhibitions, visitors will receive information from specially trained naturalists about Smithsonian research.
• A beautiful view of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal completes this educational experience

Colon Free Zone

That is what the Colon Free Zone is all about!

Founded in 1947 with 50 hectares of land of the City of Colon, at the entrance of the Atlantic side of the Panama Colon, today is an emporium of 500 hectares with over 1800 companies that operate from it, where over 14,000 people are employed.

The Colon Free Zone's activities represent about 10% of Panama's GNP.It was created to offset the lack of economic activity of the Atlantic City after World War II taking advantage of the maritime route.

The Colon Free Zone is served by three ports in the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, Manzanillo International Terminal "MIT", one of the most modern and competitive ports in the area; The Colon Container Terminal, and the Panama Ports Company, S. A. On the Pacific side, there is another port run by Panama Ports Company. In terms of air transportation, the Airport of Tocumen is 80 miles from the Free Zone where international carriers have a hub.

Finished goods arrive from industrialized countries in the Far East, Europe and North America, mainly by ship.

They are then re-exported to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sales amounted to US$ 6 billion a year before the crises in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

The goods imported by the Colon Free Zone Users (companies authorized to operate there) come into the area free of any duties and/or tariffs. When re-exported, the buyers have the responsibility of paying the taxes in their respective countries.

0% TAXES means that all profits earned from re-exporting (that is sending merchandise to other countries) are totally free of tax. Only profits made to sales to the fiscal territory of the Republic of Panama, are subject to Income Tax.

100% OPPORTUNITIES means that, the fiscal advantage, coupled with the strategic position of the Colon Free Zone allows companies to store merchandise at a closer distance to their market. As merchandise comes in containerized form and in bulk, the freight costs are considerably cheaper.

Since the Colon Free Zone Users serve a market of 500,000,000 consumers in the Latin America and Caribbean markets, buyers can be served with smaller quantities, according to their own particular markets, making a better use of their working capital.

The best example of this symbiosis is explained the example of some medicine manufacturers, who import medicine in bulk from two or three factories, and re-ships, after repackaging and re-labeling in full compliance with Health Authorities, in more than 5 languages, re-exported in smaller parcels as the markets need.

There are three types of companies that operate in the Colon Free Zone. These are Distributors, who have a distribution contract from manufacturers to distribute their goods in certain or all markets served.

The other one is the Multinationals who have established their own companies in the Colon Free Zone as logistics center serving their distributors in the region. Some of them, such as the electronic companies, have also parts warehouses as well as training centers for their clients.

The last one are those companies, which offer third party logistics, service to multinationals companies. They store, label, repack; re-ship goods according to the requests made by the company who contracts their services.

As part of anyone's travel in the Republic of Panama, the Colon Free Zone is a must see place!

Panama Travel Checklist

Documents to take with you

• Passport and required visas, and record of immunizations. Keep them handy at all times.
• Airline round-trip tickets. This are important in case the country requires return verification.
• State drivers license. You may also need a an international driver's license.
• Traveler checks. Possibly also pre-purchased foreign currency available at your local bank.
• Internationally accepted credit cards. Use these for all purchases except tipping or smaller transactions.
• Travel itinerary. Include all telephone numbers and addresses for destinations.
• Proof of Purchase. Important for items such as a laptop so there can be no question of ownership.
• Copies. Have two of everything in case one set gets lost!

Insurance

• Medical insurance. Find out if your medical insurance is valid in other countries in case of an emergency. If not, consider purchasing a travel medical insurance policy.
• Driver's Insurance. Some automobile insurance coverage is portable to other countries. If your coverage is portable, you can save buying car rental liability insurance.
• Traveler's insurance.

Important items to pack

• Prescription drugs. These should all be clearly marked and in childproof containers.
• Basic first aid kit. Include salt tablets for arid countries.
• Medical cards. These should state any allergies or medical conditions.
• Luggage. Plain and durable is best.
• Foreign language/English paperback book. Be familiar with basic terms.
• Battery or wind-up alarm clock. Be sure to set it and your watch on local time.
• Electrical adapters. Most countries uses 220 volts.
• Personal appliances. Hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors.
• Flashlight. This comes in handy in case of a blackout.

Items to leave behind

• Itinerary. Leave a copy with family or a friend
• Passport copy. Including all pages and photo and all other travel documentation
• Unnecessary credit cards. Any cards you will not be using, leave at home.
• Expensive jewelry. Other than your wedding rings and watch, any other jewelry should be costume.
• Knives. Really, any sharp object that may be mistake as a weapon.

When you arrive at your destination

• Reconfirm your next day itinerary. Also check on any future flights, hotels or car rentals.
• Exchange currency. Have enough small currency for tipping and small purchases. Banks normally give the best exchange rate.
• Consulate contact. Register with the Embassy for visits beyond a few days.
• Check for hotel exits and emergency instructions. Know where to go in case of a fire.
• Verify telephone service. Call the desk to be sure your phone works.
• Check locks. Be sure that they work. Never leave your room key at the front desk.
• Public transportation. Inquire with hotel staff which sources of public transportation are the most economical and the most reliable.

Special Considerations when you travel to Panama

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for travel in [Name of Country]. You will need to present it at the airports before and after your flights. Be sure to carry a photocopy of your passport in a separate location, for security’s sake. It is also a good idea to leave one with somebody at home. If you already have a passport, check to make sure it is still current (they expire every 10 years). Passports can be renewed through the mail. If you are getting a passport for the first time, you must submit your application in person.

For information on how to obtain a passport, download an application from travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, ask your travel agent, or call the Passport Office at 202-647-0518. Allow at least 6 weeks.

 

 

VISA

 

 

A visa is not needed for stays under 90 days, however tourists from the USA, Canada and EU need to purchase a $6 tourist card from their airlines at the ticket counter on the day of departure for Panama. A tourist card gives you an automatic 90-day stay in Panama and can be extended for another 60 days.

 

MONEY

 

 

The National Currency is the Panamanian balboa (B). However, the official paper currency is the U.S. dollar, which is accepted everywhere at the rate of B1 = US$1. The centesimos coins are of identical size, denomination, and metal as U.S. coins, and the coins of both nations are used hereinterchangeably. Credit cards are well accepted at hotels, major stores and better restaurants in Panama City. Outside Panama City, in general, cash will be necessary. We recommend getting what you think you will need in Panama City. Outside Panama City best to carry denominations of $20 or less Panama City has numerous ATM machines. Double check with your bank to make sure you ATM card will work. Traveler's checks are not well accepted in Panama except at banks:

American Express preferred.

You will need spending money for a few meals, snacks, optional excursions, personal gifts, drinks and guide gratuities.

 

 

HEALTH

 

 

There are currently no required immunizations for travel to Panama

Hiking Camino de Cruces Trail

       

In 1514 Balboa built a crude road, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, by cutting a path through the jungle. This road was about 30 - 40 miles long, and soon after the building of the town of Panamá, was abandoned. There were no permanent villages built along the route, which contributed to it demise.

1515, Captain Antonio Tello de Guzmán used the overland trail between Antigua and the Gulf of San Miguel. At the native village of Panamá, (a Cueva word meaning "Place of Abundant Fish"), the natives told Guzmán of a trail, going north, all the way to Porto Bello, past the site of the abandoned town of Nombre de Diós. This trail had been used by the natives for centuries, and was well laid out.

In 1517 Gaspar de Espinosa built the road that Alvitez had discovered. Espinosa used 4000 natives as slave labor to build the road.

Smooth river stones were laid on the trail. These stones were covered with clay, and packed, to make a smooth surface. The Río Chagres was bridged with very large boulders and large trunks were shaved flat, making a road bed for the bridge.

By August of 1519, cobbled stone road, approximately 3 feet wide ran from Nombre de Diós to Panamá. Nombre de Diós, lacked a good defensible harbor, and a road was later built to connect Nombre de Diós to Puerto Bello in the 1590's. This road, El Camino Real, was about 50 miles long, and was wide enough, to allow two carts to cross one-an-other traveling in opposite directions. The Spanish spared no expense in the construction of this road.

In 1521, a Spaniard wrote the King describing his trip across the Isthmus from Nombre de Diós to Panamá. He related that the first part of the journey was the most difficult because of the rivers, the mountains, and the thick forest. The trip from Panamá to San Lorenzo and then Porto Bello, was easier then the return trip. This was OK, since the purpose of this route was to insure that the treasures reached the Caribbean safely. This road served the Spanish well for more than three centuries.

In 1671, this legendary trail was the route used by Henry Morgan to sack Panama City.

During the 1849 Gold Rush in California, the Las Cruces Trail was used again. 49er's used the Panamá Route, to get to California. The Las Cruces Trail, had not been maintained for a long time, so was very difficult to navigate, even for the sure footed mule. At best, this trip took 4 days; but usually took much longer. Some travelers are known to have taken several weeks, to make the crossing. The trekker had to face Yellow Fever, Malaria, and Chagres Fever, great swarms of mosquitoes, snakes and bugs along the way. Once they finally arrived in Panamá City, they would have to wait for a ship to take them to California.

The only reminder today of the passage of the mule trains along the Camino de Cruces, other than the old mule shoes that can still be found along the trail, are footing points etched by the mules in the soft shale stone that forms the base of stretches of the trail as it climbs and descends the hills through the jungle.

Large portions of the remarkably well preserved old Spanish colonial trail transverse deep ravines. The mules were forced repeatedly to use of the same footing points as they climbed or descended. Mule footing points have been found in several locations on the trail. They are quite prominent and it is easy to see the shape of the mule shoes. The ascending footing points are deep and round. The descending points are longer and more shallow with the mule’s hooves sliding and forming a trough until a catch hold was reached.

The Soberania National Park borders the Panama Canal and contains 9.5 kilometers of the Camino de Cruces. Outside of the park, the Camino de Cruces is under increasing pressure from land development, particularly the closer it gets to Panama City.

Summit Nature Park

Summit Nature Park-Panama displays some of the most emblematic birds found in the neotropics. As well as being home to a pair of, what many consider to be the most powerful bird of prey in the world: the Harpy Eagle, Panama’s National Bird. If you have a sharp eye you might actually see several different species of native birds flying around the grounds. Anything from toucans to black hawks have been sighted. Make sure to bring your binoculars!

Summit is home to more than 150 species of trees, palms, and shrubs from around the world. Walk through our magnificent Bamboo Way . The palm collection is considered to be one of the best in the world and in the dry season the breeze kicks up the wonderful fragrance of several flowering trees. Fifty one of our most impressive species are marked and include a fun little fact. Can you find them all?

Items to bring… Long Pants, boots or sneakers, insect repellent ,Camera or binoculars


INCLUDE: Transportation (round trip ), guide, entrance.
Price $ 50.00 per person ( minimun 2 persons )

Tour Booking

New York Times: Panama the No. 1 tourist destination in 2012

According to a New York Times publication on January 6, Panama was selected as the best place to visit in 2012 among 45 sites. The country’s economic growth, development projects such as the Panama Canal expansion and a variety of tourist attractions were cited as factors leading to this selection.

It is important to point out that Panama received more than 2 million tourists in 2011 for the first time, and it is expected further growth for the tourism sector in the coming years.

The article of New York Times can be viewed at: http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html pagewanted=all&smid=fb-share

Book a Tour Package

www.panamatourismtravel.com

Tourism Attraction: Herrera Province

Herrera Province is a small province located on what is called the Azuero Peninsula. It is bordered by Cocle, Los Santos and Veraguas, and touches on the Pacific Ocean. Herrera is mainly agricultural, with interesting tourist attractions. The interior of the province is mostly farmland, cattle pasture, and towns. The province of Herrera ranks third in the production of sugarcane in Panama. Panama's most famous alcoholic drink, "seco" is made from sugarcane and is also produced in Herrera.

The capital of Herrera is Chitre, which is located near the coast. Other important cities in Herrera are Parita, Ocu, Las Minas, Los Pozos and Santa Maria. The province is famous for its festivities during Carnival, especially in Chitre, Parita and Ocu. Chitre's carnival is one of the most popular in Panama, but those in Ocu have risen in prominence in recent years.

The artisans of Herrera are particularly known for their clay pottery, which can be bought along the roads and streets of Chitre. There are many examples of Spanish colonial architecture in Chitre, including The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista and the Herrera Museum. The Sarigua National Park , which is a unique desert like region, is also located in the province of Herrera. The Museum of Colonial Religious Art of the Church of Santo Domingo of Parita is a museum located in the town of Parita.

·

Tourism Attraction : Chiriquí Province

What many visitors to Panama don't realize is that just at the western tip of the republic, lies an undiscovered land brimming with promises of wildlife, adventure, exotic culture and enchanting mountain villages that will make you long to extend your stay. This tropical mountain paradise pleasantly surprises those who don't expect to find a home away from home.   Bordering on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide, undoubtedly luring most to Chiriqui are the storybook villages nestled along the craggy flanks of Baru Volcano, Panama's highest peak and only Volcano at 3,478 meters. No stranger to the visitor, Chiriqui has long charmed Panamanians from the capital to its cool mountain villages for a respite from the daily grind and heat of Panama City. A-frame Swedish style houses adorn the landscape; remnants and evidence of those Europeans who came to Panama to work on the canal and railroad projects and surprisingly found themselves at home in the pristine highlands of Chiriqui. As of late, the serene beauty of forested and flower dotted hillsides have once again caused a great many of those internationals "just passing through" to actually set up house and take on new roles as inn keepers and coffee farmers. Chiriqui is considered first and foremost to be Panama's breadbasket. The slopes of Baru Volcano are covered in a rich, black and fertile soil that has inevitably made Chiriqui's highlands the agricultural lifeline for the rest of Panama. Virtually everything and anything seems to grow in colorful abundance; everything from potatoes, intoxicatingly sweet oranges, vivid and exotic flowers, strawberries, and, of course, the province's most recent source for pride, highland coffee whose induction to the international coffee arena has been well received; all enjoy Chiriqui's rich conditions and all thrive upon Chiriqui's soil. Baru Volcano lies smack in the center of the province flanked on either side by the small and picturesque towns of Boquete to the east, and Cerro Punta to the west. Both are bustling agricultural towns where rosy cheeked people bundled in sweaters meticulously tend their gardens and farms. Boquete's people mostly cultivate coffee and during the months of October to February trucks can be seen rumbling down the streets heavy with red and succulent coffee cherries. The entire town of Boquete takes on a joyous ambiance which culminates in the yearly Boquete Coffee and Flower Festival during the month of January. This week-long festival shows off flowers imported from Europe and carefully nursed into bloom in Boquete, as well as the fair's newest addition: the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) coffee hut which has been hosting their yearly coffee cupping (akin to wine tasting) featuring prestigious cuppers from all over the world. Known as the "Valley of the Moon" to the natives, Chiriqui is also home to a large population of Ngobe-Bugle (Guaymi) Indians. Panama's largest tribe, they number about 125,000 and although found in large groups in Chiriqui's eastern town of Tole, many Ngobes make the yearly migration to Chiriqui's highlands in search of jobs as coffee pickers. A strenuous and labor-intense job, coffee picking for the Ngobes is the financial and social event of the year since they make the bulk of their money picking coffee and often return home with new wives. The Ngobes still speak their own language which they refer to as el dialecto and the women can be seen in colorful and beautiful hand-stitched dresses called naguas. Using the most vivid hues of blues, reds and greens, the dresses are adorned with triangular trimming and are certainly works of art. The Ngobes can also be seen using woven handbags called chacaras which are also quite lovely and which, along with the naguas, can be found for sale in the local shops along Boquete's main drag. The towns of Cerro Punta and Bambito on the Western side of Baru, offer vistas of manicured agricultural farms, wild flower farms and gurgling brooks and streams. At 1900 meters and like Boquete, this area has a brisk and cool climate that ranges from 55-70 Fahrenheit. Cerro Punta mainly produces flowers for export, and produce such as lettuce, tomatoes and cabbages. Along a drive through Cerro Punta one can see the renowned horse farms that breed and train Panama's prized thoroughbred racehorses. Bird watching in both Boquete and Cerro Punta is quite phenomenal. Trails crisscross their way into these lush and verdant cloud forests and continually awe visitors with their surreal like beauty. Upon reaching higher levels of the cloud forest one is struck with the ethereal sound of the Black-Faced Solitaire; a bird whose song is as lovely as the sound of chimes. The Los Quetzales trail is a popular path for visitors and connects the two towns of Boquete and Cerro Punta along the northern ridge of the Baru Volcano. An easier hike from Cerro Punta to Boquete (since the former is at higher elevation), this trail is often times a strenuous but nonetheless beautiful hike offering excellent birding opportunities where such birds as the Emerald Tucanette and the sought after Resplendent Quetzal inhabit the cool jungles and flit through their canopy of avocado and orchid laden trees. The forests surrounding these towns are also home to pumas, as well as the new world's largest herbivore, the tapir. By all means, consider yourself lucky if you should happen to come across one. For those in search of excitement and a reawakening of their system, Chiriqui's perfect combination of highlands and abundant rainfall set the stage for world class whitewater rafting. Descending from the flanks of the volcano, these rivers have been hailed by many a rafter to be some of the best stretches of river throughout Central America. Both day trips and multi-day raft trips are offered on the Chiriqui and Chiriqui Viejo rivers as well as various river classification levels (class III-class IV predominate). And if the excitement of whitewater has piqued your interest for a more personalized sort of water sport, three day kayaking clinics taught by stateside instructors will set you on your way down these rivers. Although not necessarily conducive to nature watching (one is usually more concentrated on running the rapids), these river trips offer rare glimpses of remote areas of Chiriqui that in some instances are virtually only accessible by your river craft. Some of these rivers take you through untouched gorges and to little known but spectacular waterfalls that tower above you as they cascade into the river.

Tourism Attraction: Veraguas Province

Veraguas Province is located in central Panama, and is the only province with both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. The capital of Veraguas is Santiago, which is the fourth largest city in Panama. The town of San Francisco De La Montana is close to Santiago, and here you can find a gorgeous church with baroque style architecture dating back to the beginning of the XVIII century. The province of Veraguas also encompasses spectacular mountain terrain along the Cordillera Central that rises as it continues into Chiriqui Province. Veraguas Province offers tourists and visitors close contact with nature, while exploring it’s rainforests, mountains, beaches and islands where there are more than 200 varieties of orchids, more than 400 species of birds, as well as a diversity of mammals, reptiles and insects.

Veraguas includes several islands including Cebaco, Isla Jicaron and Isla Gobernadora. The largest is Isla Coiba, which includes Coiba National Park . This park has the second largest coral reef in the Central-Eastern Pacific Ocean, and is one of the largest marine parks in the world. Isla Coiba also has beautiful beaches such as Playa Damas and Playa Blanca. Other parks in Veraguas include Santa Fe National, Yeguada Lagoon Forst Reserve and Montuoso Forest Reserve.

 

 

In addition to its mountains and jungles, Veraguas also offers beautiful beaches, such as Playa Santa Catalina, Playa Mariato, Malena and Torio, which provide great opportunities for recreation, surfing and fishing. In particular, Playa Santa Catalina is well known throughout the world, especially in the surfing community.

·