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Panama, Panama, Panama
Greetings from Panama! My name is Marina Ehrman and I have been a professional tour guide and promoter for Panama Tourism and Travel Company since 2005. I love what I do and am proud to share what my country has to offer. It is filled with endless leisure and commercial attractions, friendly happy people who open their doors to all visitors. Panama is a country of incomparable natural beauty with a variety of tourist attractions, beautiful beaches in the Pacific and Caribbean. The tropical climate year round with its diversified flora, fauna and indigenous groups make it one of the most important of Ecotourism in Latin America. I invite you to know our country’s history, culture and also enjoy the cuisine, folklore and traditions that only a place in the world can provide………Panama! Contact me and I’ll organize your visit and will be happy to welcome you in Panama. For more information on Panama, follow my Facebook page and my blog. Visit www.panamatourismtravel.com

Bocas del Toro : Hospital Point

 

Hospital Point is a close and small place with a great diversity of attractions part of Solarte's island. Tourists can scuba dive or snorkel in the reef nearby, or swim and rest in the protected small beach, know about the history of the islands with the owner of the point or walk in the forest with a local guide, looking for the tiny colorful and poisonous frogs and the tombs from the beginning of the century.
Christopher Columbus sailed in front of the island during his fourth voyage in 1502.As english-speaking bucaneers, pirates and colonists, came during the next three centuries the island became known as Nancy's Cay. In United Fruit Company medical files from 1899 to 1920, "Nances Cay", is used. The Spanish name of the island is Solarte.
Towards the end of the 19th century, the banana business prospered and people from different countries came to the islands to take advantage of this new industry.
Several banana companies operated in Bocas del Toro during the last years of the 19th century. In 1899 the giant United Fruit Company replaced all other banana interests in the region, establishing their main office in the city of Bocas del Toro. To ensure a healthy and functional work force, the company built a Medical Center on the west end of Solarte, a place that came to be known as Hospital Point.
The history of the hospital is very rich. Plants lovers find, in the western side or Hospital Point, where the main house is, a real botanic garden with species from all over the world, with emphasis in a diversity of banana plants.
Today, visitors can appreciate the remains of concrete columns and sidewalks of the complex. In the nearby forest are several tombs, some identified and others not. In the sea, snorkellers and divers can appreciate the history of Hospital Point in the form of rails, ceramic and bottles

Bocas del Toro: Red Frog Beach

About a 10 minute boat ride from Bocas town gets you to the Red Frog Marina, from where a 15 minute hike across the narrowest point of Bastimentos Island allows you to reach Red Frog Beach. With 0.75 miles of white and golden sand, Red Frog Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bocas del Toro.
 
The north shore of Bastimentos Island hosts some of Bocas' most beautiful beaches and Red Frog is one of the more accessible ones, and the only one with a few facilities such as a couple of restaurants and bathrooms. It receives its name from the poison-dart frogs that are abundant in Bastimentos' hills. If you're lucky enough you might encounter a three-toed sloth or some monkeys as well.

Due to its ease of access many boat tours make Red Frog Beach their last stop during the day, providing you with a lively environment with travelers from all over the world (anything between 100 and 300 people). During low season, it is a lot quieter. If you happen to arrive to Red Frog and feel the need for more space to yourself you can always hike a bit to the east (Turtle Beach) or to the west in direction to Wizard Beach (Playa Primera), or simply go to another beach in Bocas del Toro with less people... there are loads of secluded beaches in Bocas
 
 

Boca del Toro: Zapatillas Cays

 

Located on the south-eastern border of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, the Zapatillas Cays are two stunning islands that emerge from a coral platform and are surrounded by tropical coral reef. About a 30 minute boat ride from Crawl Cay (roughly 8 kms), the Zapatillas Islands are generally considered the most beautiful islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago and offer visitors pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and some of Panama's most attractive coral reefs.
Some say they receive their name from a fruit that grow in its forests, and yet others because their shape resemble a pair of running shoes ("zapatillas" in Spanish).
 
Western Zapatilla or "Zapatilla Menor", is less than half the size of its eastern counterpart, and is nesting ground for the Green Marine Turtle. Leatherback and Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs on both islands. This island is more visited by scientists than by tourists.
 
Eastern Zapatilla or "Zapatilla Mayor" is home to the ranger station (the rest of the cays are uninhabited), where a $10 Park Fee is collected from visitors . The best snorkeling and diving in Major Zapatillas can be found towards the south-eastern coast, about 300 meters from the beach in a spot known as Coral Islands. This spot is relatively shallow and has the most beautiful coral
formations with lots of tropical fish, and its crevices hide many lobsters, crabs, eels and an immense amount of tiny sea invertebrates. If you want more than a just a gorgeous reef, on the Zapatillas' north shore, you can go behind the breakers (the reefs that break the incoming waves... when there are waves). If the sea permits (mainly May, September, October), you will find a wall formed by the reef, that contains small caves and tunnels, up to 40 feet deep.
 
All of the beaches on the islands are excellent for swimming, and there is a rough 45-minute nature trail that makes its way through mangrove swamp. With some difficulty, you can complete the circuit through the center of the island and return along the beach.

 





 

Bocas del Toro : Coral Cay

 

One of the most famous snorkeling spots in Bocas de Toro, Crawl Cay is a tiny island located in the channel between Bastimentos and Popa Island (about 20 minutes by boat from Bocas town, or 10 - 15 minutes from Dolphin Bay). Crawl Cay is surrounded by lush coral gardens, the best of which begin just after the south-eastern tip of Bastimentos Island
 
The sea here is calm year-round, which make it suitable for snorkelers of all ages, and the abundance of tropical fish, coral heads and colorful sponges will keep experienced divers entertained as well. Water clarity is better than at other places but as always it depends on if it's rained during the previous days. On the typical Caribbean day with lots of sunshine and light blue skies, the waters of Crawl Cay are of luminous emerald green shades and make the perfect holiday postcard.
 
 

Bocas Del Toro: Dolphin Bay


The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is home to a semi-permanent population of Bottlenose dolphins. Its calm waters and abundance of small fish, crustaceans and squid seem to make the perfect grounds for the young ones' first stages of life. Calves and juveniles can be frequently spotted with their mothers, as well as small pods of 5 or 6 dolphins.
 
The dolphins of Bocas del Toro seem to have a special predilection for the bay locally known as Laguna Bocatorito (Dolphin Bay), which is about 12 km south of Bocas town (about 15 - 20 minutes by boat). This bay is bordered by the east side of Cristobal Island and an odd-shaped peninsula from the mainland. A labyrinth of shallow channels formed by mangroves screens its northern entrance, helping to make it a kind of giant natural aquarium, six kilometers across at its widest.
 
 

Bocas del Toro: Starfish Beach

 

Famous for its abundance of starfish (you will literally encounter hundreds of them in this beach), Starfish Beach is a must visit destination of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Starfish beach is located on Colon Island, on its north-western side (opposite side of Bocas Town). Even though it can be reached by bus from Bocas Town (30 minutes), most tours that visit Bird Island (about 30 minutes from Bocas Town by boat) make a stop at this beach, either before or after lunch. It's about a 20 minute boat ride back to town from Starfish Beach.
 
Due to its location, its waters are very calm during most of the year, except during certain times in November and December when the swell comes up from the north. Its crystal clear waters and abundance of starfish make it a big favourite amongst visitors of all ages. Definitively one of the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro.

 
 
 

Bocas del Toro: Bird Island

 
Swans' Cay, also known as Bird Island is birders paradise. Here you will find the only known nesting place in the Caribbean of the Red-billed Tropic Bird (Phaeton aethereus). Swans Cay is a rocky formation approximately 70 meters long, with a rounded quarter moon shape, pierced by two openings through one end, and rises 55 meters at the highest point. On the southern side, sheltered from the northeastern trade winds, there is a small sandy beach below a higher level area. Bushes and other vegetation cover the summit, and there is a small clump of coconut palms at the low end. A designated bird sanctuary, Isla Pajaros, also has brown booby (Sula leucogaster etesiaca), the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis), the frigate (Fregata magnificens) and many types of gulls and terns.
 
 
 
 
 




Boat used for Panama Canal transit




The Isla Morada...A Ship With Much History

The Isla Morada is surrounded by a fascinating history, long before transporting tourists across the Panama Canal. It was designed as a luxury megayacht for Boston millionaires. It was Built by Lawley & Sons, the company Cox & Stevens. All in wood, was built in the shipyards of the East Coast of the United States, and began sailing in 1912 with the name Santana. It had five luxury bedrooms, a lavish dining room, a library and was home to a crew of seven sailors. Among its owners was a very special one, the most famous gangster in history, the legendary Al Capone.

In the years of World War II it was requisitioned by the United States Navy, later to be acquired by a sailor who lived in Florida, which re-christened with the name of Isla Morada. It arrived in Panama in 1960 and served as a hotel ship anchored off Piñas Bay during the construction of the Tropic Star Lodge, the world famous sport fishing resort.
With capacity for 100 people, complete sets of Signs and Lighting, Help Communication System, Navigation lights properly installed and operational, and Fire Systems First Aid Kit. The conditions of the hull, machinery and electrical installations are periodically reviewed and are appropriate for making the spacecraft trajectories.

The ship has the following life-saving appliances:
  • 6 bags with capacity for 132 lifeguards people.
  • Life jackets for 165 people.
Its dimensions are:
  • Length (L): 96.00 mts.
  • Beam (width): 19:00 mts.
  • Depth (draft): 5.00 mts.
  • Gross tonnage: 94.00 tons



The second boat we have is the Fantasia del Mar with a capacity for up to 434 people.

It was built in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, E.U.A. by Eastern Shipbuilding Corp.

The Fantasia del Mar has the following life-saving appliances:
  • 22 bags jackets with a total capacity of 440 people
  • Life Jackets for 440 people
Its dimensions are:
  • Length (L): 35.66 mts.
  • Beam (width): 8.69 mts.
  • Depth (draft): 3.23 mts.
  • Gross Tonnage: 465.14 tons

The third and last boat  is the Tuira II with a capacity for up to 492 passengers with 2 spacious floors.

It was built in the USA by Willey Manufacturing Co.

The ship has the following life-saving appliances:
  • 26 bags with capacity for 572 Lifeguard people
  • Life Jackets for 600 people
Its dimensions are:
  • Length: 35.80 mts.
  • Beam: 10.02 meters.
  • Depth: 3.26 mts.
  • Gross Tonnage: 227.00 tons





Main Plaza of Old Panama

Tour Suggested
 

 
 
The main plaza in Old Panama occupies an important place in the history of Latin American urban planning as one of oldest such space.
The quadrangle of Old Panama´s main plaza is small and slightly trapezoidal in shape. Records indicate that in 1671 it measured approximately 69 x 57 meters, a very modest size in comparison to the huge plaza subsequently laid out in Mexico and the Andean region. The archaeological excavation conducted a decade ago suggest the the original plaza was even smaller as the block on the north side, corresponding to the so-called Terrin houses, was reduced in size in the early 17th century  , thus providing 500 m2 of additional open space .
The plaza is presided over by the cathedral tower, located more or less at the center of the east side. Right of the cathedral stad the ruins of the old cabildo or council, a small building that had a two stored arade. the terrin house also had an arcade .  On the west side was a row of wooden house,  while the south side, where the prision is thought to have been located, is buried  beneath a modern building 

Map of Casco Antiguo


Tour Suggested

Old Panama: King's Bridge


The King's Bridge ( Puente del Rey) has legendary fame in Panama , comparable only to the cathedral tower in Old Panama. It is not only the best preserved bridge from the colonial period in the country but it also represents the spot where the Royal Road commenced, along which passed the mythical riches of Peru in route to Portobelo.
 
For a hundred years there was a wooden bridge over the River Abajo- the north terminus of Old Panama but in 1619 building works commenced on the present day stone structure , which has a single semicircular arch with exquisite worked ashlaring. No one knows when the bridge was completed, but apparently construction works lasted for years .

Tour Suggested
 
 

Visit Needle Island

This is a paradise island with a beach, surrounded by crystalline emerald, turquoise, blue and white waters. Ideal for a sunny day.

Isla Aguja is part of Carti’s archipelago.

It is located 10 minutes away from the parking lots in Carti and from the car terminal in Barsukun.

Isla Aguja is an area where marine life is protected.

Island services:

  • Freshwater tanks, showers
  • Unisex toilets
  • Solar based electricity
  • Restaurant


 

 

Enjoy de Rainforest at Soberania National Park

Soberania National Park is located within Colon Province and Panama Province. It is about 40 minutes from Colon, and 20 minutes from Panama City. Established as a national park in 1980, the park covers 55,000 acres (220 km2) The Charges River flows across the national park at the town of Gamboa.
 
There is a park headquarters with rooms for meetings and audiovisual presentations, a store, orchid site, and natural trails. In Aguas Claras there is a checkpoint and a forest ranger facility. There are three natural trails: the Charco, the Camino de Plataciones and Camino de Cruces. In the protected area there is a camping area. There 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds, 79 reptiles, 55 amphibious and 36 species of fresh water fish, so the park is an important wildlife refuge.
 
The jewels of the park are Trail el Charco in Gamboa and the bird observation sites along Pipeline Road ( Camino del Oleoducto). The Camino de Cruces also crosses the park. This was the road that the Spanish used to transport gold overland from the Pacific to their ships in the Caribbean. Part of the paved section has been restored.
The annual mean temperature is 28º C the Caribbean slopes of the park. Rugged undulating hills and steep slops prevail, with a maximum height at Cerro Calabaza (85 meters above sea level).
The Park is made up of humid forest with its impressive trees like, cotton tree (ceiba), cuipo (Cavanillesia platanifolia), mahogany and guayacan (Tabebuia guayacan). The forest contains lots of lianas, epifitas and orchids and the royal palm tress, fruit trees nance (Brysonima crassifolia), and wild plums.
Birds are particularly noteworthy here. On its best known trail, the Pipeline Road, the Audubon Society has for 19 years held consecutive world records in the annual census it organizes. 525 species of birds were recorded on just one day in 1996. Among the outstanding ones are the endangered crested eagle, the spectacular rofous-ventaul, ground- cuckoo, and colorful tragons like violaceous tragon, motmots, toucans, trogons, flycatchers, antbirds, woodpeckers, tanagers, and hawks. Among the rare bird species in the park are yellow-eared toucanets, crimson-bellied woodpeckers, sirystes, and rarely seen harpy eagles
Among the mammals you will fid jaguar, the white-tailed deer, ñeques, raccoons and herds of wild pigs. Various species of monkeys occupy the forest canopy, including the small mono titi , the evasive jujana , white-faced capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, Geoffroy's tamarins, two-toed sloths, three-toed sloths, anteaters, coatis, and agoutis. Green iguanas are also found in the park
Reptiles such as the babilus, the warty snake, amphibians such as the common toad or the salamander and fresh water fishes like the sabalo, pipon or the barbudo are to be found here









 

Portobelo National Park

Portobelo National Park is located within Colon Province. It is made up of 86,000 acres, 20% of which are marine areas. It protects both coral reef communities and coastal forest. This coastline includes important stretches of coral reefs, mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons and beautiful beaches, where every year four species of marine turtle, including the threatened hawksbill, come to nest. Within the park is one of the more beautiful natural harbors of all Caribbean, the bay of Portobelo. The fortifications that are conserved surrounding the cove were named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1980. This means that the bay of Portobelo has been included on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Committee, whose goal is to preserve sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humankind.
 
 

The Centennial Bridge

The Centennial Bridge is one of only two major bridge crossings over the Panama Canal. The other major crossing being the Bridge of the Americas. Two small service bridges stretch across the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks and Gatun Locks; however these crossings can only be used when the lock gates are closed. The Centennial Bridge opened in 2004 and was constructed to alleviate the traffic on the Bridge of the Americas and replace it as the route of the Pan-American Highway.

The bridge was named for Panama's centennial, which occurred on November 3, 2003. The Centennial Bridge crosses the Panama Canal at the Gaillard Cut near the Pedro Migual locks and is about 10 miles north of the Bridge of the Americas.

Tour Suggested







List of Island in the Caribbean Sea of Panama


Tour Suggested








  • Bocas del Toro Archipelago: a quick flight from Panama City is the best way to arrive at this unique, Caribbean-style archipelago. This could be Panama's most famous tourism destination. Fabulous snorkeling, laid back vibe and unique water taxi community all make Bocas a site worth seeing.

  • Isla Escudo de Veraguas

  • Galeta Island

  • Isla Cabra

  • Isla Mamey

  • Isla Grande: an island off the coast of Portobello offers incredible snorkeling, coral reef and calm waters. There are also some surf breaks

  • Guna Yala Islands: the famous Guna run islands are one of Panama's most recognizable locations. Culturally rich, the thatched hut mini-hotels are unchanged by time. Tourists love this destination for the adventure of living as the Gunas live: simply, and in an island paradise




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    Coiba Island Tourist Attraction

     

    BOOK IT NOW

    White Sand Beaches and Crystal Blue Waters

    After an exciting day on the water, we encourage you to take a stroll on the many islands white sand beaches, or take our kayaks out in search of bottlenose dolphins and flying fish. The islands in this area boast on of the richest varieties of bird life in the world. Take a guided tour through the jungle on Coiba Island in search of leaf cutter ants, exotic insects, and the occasional sloth. You may even see howling monkeys or hear their call during the end of the day. Whatever activities you choose, your experience in Panama will be one you will not forget.

    Cruising

    Cruising in and out of the islands that separate the open ocean from inside waters on the west side of Panama is truly something spectacular. This is a place with white sand beaches and clear blue water, where fishermen still paddle out in hand carved canoes to their fishing grounds. This area is protected by the Coiba National Park and the Cerra Hoya National Park. Both parks are a refuge to birds, a variety of animals, reptiles, native flora and fauna, reef, and, of course, fish. Immerse yourself in the tropical experience and take a step back in time. This is the Lost Coast.

    Surfing

    Surfing is a must for beginners and experts. It is rare to find quality waves without anyone on them. Let our experienced guides take you to the right wave for you. With over 10 waves that we go to frequently, and an additional 14 locations that depend on swell size, wind and tides, there is sure to be one wave that is ideal for you. Our guides will be able to instruct you on the best way to surf each spot and can also teach beginners. You can combine surfing with other activities in one day. The opportunity to combine different activities is what Lost Coast Excursions is all about - the next activity is just a short boat ride away. 

    Snorkeling

    Snorkeling in the park is something that should not be missed. You will see a rich variety of tropical fish, small reef sharks, beautiful corals and at times manta rays. Snorkeling with the whale sharks is also something that is possible given the right conditions. We have snorkeling equipment on the boats, ready for you. 

    Jungle Tours

    In the Coiba National Park there is a spectacular jungle tour that is available to you at any time. You can do a half hour tour or does a full day hike through Coiba Island. Coiba Island has a multitude of indigenous species of plant life, animal life, reptiles, and bird life that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. The Smithsonian has a research center in the park that allows them to study these unique species. Please bring closed toed shoes if you would like to do this tour.

    Ocean Fishing

    The waters of Coiba National Park offer some of the best fishing in the world. During your trip, we will target cubera snapper and roosterfish, and will have opportunities at blue marlin, black marlin, and yellow fin tuna.

    Inshore Fishing

    With the use of a jet sled we can travel up rivers and fish estuaries with ease, so that you can cast flies or lures for all types of inshore species. Snook, roosterfish, snapper, and bonito are all a blast on light tackle.

    Whale and Dolphin Watching

    Blue whales, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Whale Sharks, and many kinds of dolphin can be and are often spotted in the park. We encourage you to bring your camera on all outings!

    Beach Tours

    Any of the white sand beaches you see can be yours! The cabanas have a white sand beach out the front door. We can also visit Isla de Oro and other perfect white sand beaches if you would like. Bring an umbrella, the snorkeling gear and beverages and make it a day to remember.

    Local Village Tour

    We will pass by several small fishing communities that have no road access. Entering these small settlements is like stepping back in time. Witness groups of men hand carve their fishing canoes from whole logs. See people fish from the bank of a river with bamboo poles or casting line. Life in these villages revolves around the catch of the day.

    Bird Viewing

    These areas have a unique variety of bird life that can be viewed from the ocean or on jungle tours. Panama has over 10 birds that are endemic to Panama. Take advantage of your opportunity to see the rare Coiba Spinetail, which is not found anywhere else in the world.


    The adventure tour is a unique opportunity to take advantage of all that Coiba National Park has to offer.

    Flower of the Holy Spirit


    For those who do not know, this flower is called the Flower of the Holy Spirit and is the national flower of Panama.  It blooms between july and October. You can find it near rivers and streams in a very humid environment. It is white (ivory) and seems to have a little dove in its center.

    During Anton Valle Tour you can see one of these exotic flowers  BOOK NOW

    Penal Colony of Isla Coiba Tour



    Mention Isla Coiba to the average Panamanian and treasured marine park and abundant ecosystem are probably not the image that pops into their mind.  For modern day citizens of Panama, stories of imprisonment, torture and death are more like to come to mind.
    Coiba Island was Panama’s version of Devil’s Island.  From 1919 to 2004, the penal colony on Isla Coiba was home to the country’s most dangerous criminals as well as home to many who found themselves on the wrong side of the political struggle.  At its peak, The Coiba Island Prison housed 3000 inmates in about 30 camps spread around the islands.
    “Los Desaparecidos” was the name given to the hundreds or even thousands who disappeared in Panama under dictators Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega, never to be seen again.  It is believed that many of these unfortunate individuals either ended up in unmarked graves near the Coiba’s penal colony or to have been dismembered and fed to the abundant shark population in its surrounding waters. 
    After the fall of the dictatorship, Coiba resumed its role as a criminal prison camp rather than political prison.  In its final days, prisoners were the run of the mill thieves, murders and rapists serving their debt to society by farming and ranching the island to provide for their own existence.
    The prison is now closed.  The prisoners have been relocated to other facilities and anything of value has been removed from the site.  The remaining structure is slowly being reclaimed by jungle and the marine air.  Its crumbling buildings and simply marked graves serve as the only memorial to Coiba’s dark history.

    The fear of the prison and its inhabitants inadvertently resulted in preservation of the largest untouched rain forests in the Americas.  Because of the deterrent of the penal colony, about 80% of the islands forest remains virgin and unmolested.  A true silver lining in one of man’s most horrible moments.  Of course, with the prison gone and the supervising staff woefully under funded, Coiba’s next challenge is fending off poachers preying on the abundant wildlife of the park.

    The Black Race Proudly Celebration



    May, month of the black ethnicity, is enthusiastically celebrated by black civic and folkloric groups in Colón who take advantage of the time to present their culture, contributions to the nation's history, way of thinking, music and, above all, their famous cuisine

    Painted Hat



    In our country, men in the countryside use a type of hat commonly known as the "sombrero pintao" , or painted hat. They are usually made using natural fibers from plants such as rush, a type of reed, bellota, a type of miniature palm frond or pita, similar in appearance to the aloe vera plant, which are suitable for our climate. The dark color for the stripes is obtained from the chisná plant, whose leaves are boiled along with the fibers to be dyed. This whole process is carried out by hand, using techniques passed down from generation to generation.

    The quality of these hats is defined by the number of times the fiber had to go around to make the hat, so the simplest hats have 15 or less rounds and very fine hats with 16 to 24 rounds, which are much more expensive. For example, a painted hat with 16 rounds can cost from about 150 to 500 dollars.

    In the rural countryside other types of hats are made using different materials, such as the white hat in the central provinces, the reed or cream colored hat in Veraguas, Los Santos and Coclé and the hat from the spinning palm, in northern Santa Fe de Veraguas.

    The hats are divided according to how they are colored, or painted. The Mosquito style has many black spots on the braids. The Blanco, also known as the "ñopito" hat is totally white, and according to the taste of the buyer, may have a small black coloring on one side of the crown. The Junco is very durable, named so because it is made naturally with rush fiber. The Pintao is one of the most popular, named not because it is made in the town of La Pintada, but because it is decorated with a combination of white and black colors.

    The hat known as Pepita de Guate is woven by inserting the black bellota fiber in between the white bellota strands.

    The Talco style is similar to the "pintao," but the difference is that the former has a double row of black decorative fibers instead of one. The so-called Tumba Hombre, perhaps referring to the swirling women's skirt that dizzied men, has a combination of round black spots on the base, crown and brim.
    In addition to these, there are other types of hats, such as the Reatilla, Talco Plumilla and Talco Encontrado.

    These hats have managed to become an important part of typical dress for male Panamanians. Our women also use them, for example when wearing the common dress of the pollera Montuna, as well as when they get dressed up to attend the cantaderas, festive singing and performing parades.
    There are no protocol parameters for its use, as it can be used both as a garment for a gala occasion, and also for daily use, without disrupting the custom or folk pattern for use of the traditional hat.
    The way to wear the hat and fold its brims reveals a cultural expression, as well as the mood of its user, according to the following peculiarities:

    1. Fold the front and back brims of the hat: a characteristic made famous as the Pedra style of wearing the hat, which attributes the wearer to being a successful person at a stage of splendor and pleasure in his life, and also synomynous with masculine charm and fighting skills.

    2. Fold only the back brim of the hat: its wearer is considered an intellectual person with vast knowledge in a certain area of science or knowledge.

    3. Fold only the front brim of the hat: indicates that he who wears this style is a ladies' man, ready to conquer a woman.

    3. No fold on the hat brim: no particular interpretation is ascribed to this style, which is used during outdoor work to protect from sunlight.

    4. No fold, with the front part of the hat tilted forward: the person wearing it is feeling low, dismayed, distressed, and is very commonly used by those in grieving.

    Visit Coiba: Granito de Oro Island

    panama-coiba-island-isla-beach-playa

    A small islet off the northeastern coast of Isla Coiba named Granito de Oro has emerged as one of the most popular stops for visitors interested in snorkeling the abundant waters of Coiba National Park and picnicking on one of the most pristine beaches in the world.

    Its steep volcanic outcropping forms a structure which holds the beautiful white sand in place and creates a reef structure which shelters a large variety of beautiful marine life. It is the aquarium of Coiba, offering easy access to eels, turtles and large schools of fish.

    Granito de Oro offers the casual snorkeler a diversity and volume of marine life that many avid scuba divers spend their lives trying to see. The waters surrounding it have been called one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world

    Guided Fishing at the Panama Canal



    Fishermen are always impressed by the abundance and variety of fish in Gatun Lake at the Panama Canal. This lake is home to species such as peacock bass, tarpon, snook, and many others. Since these fish are so plentiful, there are no limits or restrictions.

    One of our fishing guides will take you and your party on a private guided tour of the lake and show you the best spots.

    Surrounded by the peace and tranquility of lush tropical forests, this is a great tour for friends, families, or individuals to enjoy the bounties of nature that Lake Gatun Panama offers.


    International Access Code to Phone Panama

    How to dial Panama Tourism & Travel ?  

    International Access Code to Phone Panama

    To Dial internationally, you must first dial your country's special code to access international phone lines. Each country has a specific code. It doesn't matter where you are dialing around the world, to get "out" of your country you must first dial your country's international access code.

    For example,

    To call from the USA or Canada to Panama Tourism & Travel dial 011 first:
    011 (507) 6694-11-09

    How to Dial from inside Panama

    From inside Panama you can call us by dialing 6694-11-09 only.

    List of International Access Codes to dial any international phone number

    For your convenience, here is a list of countries and their international access codes.

    Country Name
    IDD International Prefix
    Afghanistan
    00
    Albania
    00
    Algeria
    00**
    American Samoa
    011
    Andorra
    00
    Angola
    00
    Anguilla
    011
    Antarctica
    Antigua
    011
    Argentina
    00
    Armenia
    00
    Aruba
    00
    Ascension
    00
    Australia
    0011 (Voice calls)
    0015 (Fax calls - Telstra)
    0018 (Telstra special rates)
    0019 (Fax calls - Singtel Optus)
    Australian External Territories
    00
    Austria
    00
    Azerbaijan
    00
    Bahamas
    011
    Bahrain
    00
    Bangladesh
    00
    Barbados
    011
    Barbuda
    011
    Belarus
    8**10 ( written as 8~10)
    Belgium
    00
    Belize
    00
    Benin
    00
    Bermuda
    011
    Bhutan
    00
    Bolivia
    0010 (ENTEL)
    0011
    (AES COMMUNICATIONS BOLIVIA)
    0012
    (TELEDATA)
    0013
    (BOLIVIATEL)
    Bosnia & Herzegovina
    00
    Botswana
    00
    Brazil
    0014 (Brasil Telecom)
    0015 (Telefonica)
    0021 (Embratel)
    0023 (Intelig)
    0031 (Telemar)
    British Virgin Islands
    011
    Brunei Darussalam
    00
    Bulgaria
    00
    Burkina Faso
    00
    Burundi
    00
    Cambodia
    001
    Cameroon
    00
    Canada
    011
    Cape Verde Islands
    0
    Cayman Islands
    011
    Central African Republic
    00
    Chad
    15
    Chatham Island (New Zealand)
    00
    Chile
    00
    China (PRC)
    00
    Christmas Island
    0011 (Telstra)
    Cocos-Keeling Islands
    0011
    Colombia
    Comoros
    00
    Congo
    00
    Congo, Dem. Rep. of (former Zaire)
    00
    Cook Islands
    00
    Costa Rica
    00
    Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
    00
    Croatia
    00
    Cuba
    119
    Cuba (Guantanamo Bay)
    00
    Curaçao
    00
    Cyprus
    00
    Czech Republic
    00
    95200 (Discount carrier)
    Denmark
    00
    Diego Garcia
    00
    Djibouti
    00
    Dominica
    011
    Dominican Republic
    011
    East Timor
    00
    Easter Island
    00
    Ecuador
    00
    Egypt
    00
    El Salvador
    00
    144+00 Telefonica
    Ellipso (Mobile Satellite service)
    00
    EMSAT (Mobile Satellite service)
    Equatorial Guinea
    00
    Eritrea
    00
    Estonia
    00
    Ethiopia
    00
    Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
    00
    Faroe Islands
    00
    Fiji Islands
    00
    Finland
    00, 990, 994, 999
    France
    00 (France Telecom)
    40 (TELE 2),
    50 (OMNICOM)
    70 (LE 7 CEGETEL),
    90 (9 TELECOM)
    French Antilles
    00
    French Guiana
    00
    French Polynesia
    00
    Gabonese Republic
    00
    Gambia
    00
    Georgia
    8**10 (written as 8~10)
    Germany
    00
    Ghana
    00
    Gibraltar
    00
    Global Mobile Satellite System (GMSS)
    00
    Globalstar (Mobile Satellite Service)
    00
    Greece
    00
    Greenland
    00
    Grenada
    011
    Guadeloupe
    00
    Guam
    011
    Guantanamo Bay
    00
    Guatemala
    00
    130+00 Telefonica
    147-00 Telgua
    Guinea-Bissau
    00
    Guinea
    00
    Guyana
    001
    Haiti
    00
    Honduras
    00
    Hong Kong
    001-- PCCW0080 -- Hutchison
    009 -- New World
    Hungary
    00
    ICO Global (Mobile Satellite Service)
    00
    Iceland
    00
    India
    00
    Indonesia
    001,007
    017 Voice Over Internet (VOIP)
    Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean - East)
    00
    Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean - West)
    00
    Inmarsat (Indian Ocean)
    00
    Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean)
    00
    Inmarsat SNAC
    Note: Inmarsat plans to shift all other codes to this Single Network Access Code by 2009.
    00
    International Freephone Service
    N/A
    International Shared Cost Service (ISCS)
    Iran
    00
    Iraq
    00
    Ireland
    00
    048 to Northern Ireland (this special arrangement is much cheaper than dialing through the UK using country code 44)
    Iridium (Mobile Satellite service)
    00
    Israel
    00 (default selected carrier, not available from public phones);
    012 (Golden Lines); 013 (Barak LTD); or 014 (Bezeq LTD)
    Italy
    00
    Jamaica
    011
    Japan
    001 (KDD)
    010 (MYLINE/MYLINE PLUS)
    0061 (Cable & Wireless IDC)
    0041 (Japan Telecom)
    Jordan
    00
    Kazakhstan
    8**10 ( written as 8~10)
    Kenya
    000
    006 to Uganda
    007 to Tanzania
    Kiribati
    00
    Korea (North)
    00
    Korea (South)
    001, 002
    00700 (Speed/ SKTelecom mobiles)
    Kuwait
    00
    Kyrgyz Republic
    00
    Laos
    00
    Latvia
    00
    Lebanon
    00
    (To dial Syria From Lebanon, you may use "02-xx-number", where xx is the area code in Syria.)
    Lesotho
    00
    Liberia
    00
    Libya
    00
    Liechtenstein
    00
    Lithuania
    00
    Luxembourg
    00
    Macao
    00
    Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Rep of.)
    00
    Madagascar
    00
    Malawi
    00
    Malaysia
    00
    Maldives
    00
    Mali Republic
    00
    Malta
    00
    Marshall Islands
    011
    Martinique
    00
    Mauritania
    00
    Mauritius
    020
    Mayotte Island
    00
    Mexico
    00
    Micronesia, (Federal States of)
    011
    Midway Island
    011
    Moldova
    00
    Monaco
    00
    Mongolia
    001
    Montenegro
    99
    Montserrat
    011
    Morocco
    00**
    Mozambique
    00
    Myanmar
    00
    Namibia
    00
    Nauru
    00
    Nepal
    00
    Netherlands
    00
    Netherlands Antilles
    00
    Nevis
    011
    New Caledonia
    00
    New Zealand
    00
    Nicaragua
    00
    Niger
    00
    Nigeria
    009
    Niue
    00
    Norfolk Island
    00
    Northern Marianas Islands
    (Saipan, Rota, & Tinian)
    011
    Norway
    00
    Oman
    00
    Pakistan
    00
    Palau
    011
    Palestinian Settlements
    00
    Panama
    00 Cable & Wireless
    088+00 Telecarrier
    055+00 Clarocom
    Papua New Guinea
    05
    Paraguay
    002
    Peru
    00
    Philippines
    00
    Poland
    0**0
    Portugal
    00
    882 Rubicon/BT "GeoVerse"
    Puerto Rico
    011
    Qatar
    00
    Réunion Island
    00
    Romania
    00 022 to Moldova (this special arrangement is much cheaper than dialing through Moldova using country code 373)
    Russia
    8**10 ( may be changing to 00)
    Rwandese Republic
    00
    St. Helena
    00
    St. Kitts/Nevis
    011
    St. Lucia
    011
    St. Pierre & Miquelon
    00
    St. Vincent & Grenadines
    011
    Samoa
    0
    San Marino
    00
    São Tomé and Principe
    00
    Saudi Arabia
    00
    Senegal
    00
    Serbia
    99
    Seychelles Republic
    00
    Sierra Leone
    00
    Singapore
    001 - Singtel IDD
    002 - MobileOne IDD
    008 - Starhub IDD
    012 - Singtel FaxPlus (Fax over IP)
    013 - Singtel BudgetCall
    (Voice recommended only/Fax possible)
    018 - Starhub I-Call
    (Voice over IP)
    019 - Singtel V019
    (Voice over IP)
    Slovak Republic
    00
    Slovenia
    00
    Solomon Islands
    00
    Somali Democratic Republic
    00
    South Africa
    00
    Spain
    00
    Sri Lanka
    00
    Sudan
    00
    Suriname
    00
    Swaziland
    00
    Sweden
    00
    Switzerland
    00
    Syria
    00
    (To dial Lebanon from Syria, you may also use ""06-xx-number"", where xx is the area code in Lebanon.)
    Taiwan
    002
    Tajikistan
    8**10 (written as 8~10)
    Tanzania
    000
    000, 005 to Kenya
    006 to Uganda
    Thailand
    001 (to call Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar from Thailand, dial 007-60 +Area Code)008, 009 Voice Over Internet (VOIP)
    Thuraya (Mobile Satellite service)
    Timor Leste
    Togolese Republic
    00
    Tokelau
    00
    Tonga Islands
    00
    Trinidad & Tobago
    011
    Tunisia
    00
    Turkey
    00
    Turkmenistan
    8**10 ( written as 8~10)
    Turks and Caicos Islands
    011
    Tuvalu
    00
    Uganda
    000
    000, 005 to Kenya
    007 to Tanzania
    Ukraine
    8**10 ( written as 8~10)
    United Arab Emirates
    00
    United Kingdom
    00 (including ISDN)
    United States of America
    011
    US Virgin Islands
    011
    Universal Personal Telecommunications (UPT)
    Uruguay
    00
    Uzbekistan
    8**10 (written as 8~10)
    Vanuatu
    00
    Vatican City
    00
    Venezuela
    00
    Vietnam
    00
    Wake Island
    00
    Wallis and Futuna Islands
    19**
    Yemen
    00
    Zambia
    00
    Zanzibar
    000
    Zimbabwe
    00