Panama Travel: Vacation of Superlatives
Oh how nice is Panama! The Panama Canal and the Tiger Duck. Two things that have been associated with this small country since childhood. Shall we tell you two more things? Enjoying the sunrise from the highest mountain in the country during a trip to Panama is spectacular. From the Barú volcano, the small country lies at your feet. The island paradises of San Blas and Bocas del Toro are just as fantastic. Except for coconut palms and the sound of the sea, there is simply nothing here that prevents you from dreaming. So what are you waiting for?
Once across Panama, please
If you are planning a varied trip to Panama, a tour of the small country is just the thing. In Panama City, tradition meets modernity – a unique contrast. Active vacation in nature ? Drive to the wild west of the country and you will be amazed at the possibilities. Or have you ever thought about election observation ? Between July and October, more than 2000 humpback whales migrate from the cold polar seas to the warm regions of the tropics to mate and give birth to their calves. Are you looking for relaxation and want to relax and unwind? Where better to do it on one of Panama’s dream beaches. Caribbean or Pacific? You decide what you like, or best of all, you just do both! There is so much to discover and experience in the land of contrasts !
Travel information in brief
Travel time
If you are planning a trip to Panama across the country, you should consider the months of December to March. This time is the most expensive travel time, but the rainy season prevails in the remaining months. Nevertheless, these months should not be completely ruled out. There is often only a shower in the afternoon and the rest of the day can be used for excursions.
Visa and entry
With a passport that is still valid for 6 months, German citizens can enter Panama for up to 90 days without a visa. Longer stays should be discussed with the Panamanian embassy in good time. Children can enter Panama with their photo ID card. However, it is usually not sufficient to enter it in the parents’ passport. Please note the provisions of the Federal Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de.
Vaccinations
If you are traveling to Panama from a yellow fever area, you must have valid vaccination protection. This does not apply to entry from Germany. The Foreign Office recommends vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A when traveling to Panama, and against hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid for stays longer than 4 weeks. Panama has a year-round malaria risk.
Currency and money
The balboa is the official currency of Panama. However, prices are given in US dollars and Balboa. Since there are only banknotes in US dollars, this is an official means of payment. For a trip to Panama it is advisable to bring a basic set of US dollars and a valid credit card with you. Be careful not to get 50 and 100 banknotes as these are often not accepted in shops and restaurants.
Panama – Just the thing for everyone who loves variety
Even in Panama City itself there are so many things to do that could easily fill a whole week. Just outside are the ruins of Panama Viejo, the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the American continent. In the city itself, various museums attract visitors to learn something about the country and its people. And if you want to get an insight into the traditional way of life of the Emberá Indians, just drive a short distance out of town towards Soberanía National Park. There, in the rainforest, travelers are welcomed in a friendly manner by the villagers and treated to local dishes.
Even active vacationers can really let off steam during their Panama trip. Be it surfing in the waves of the Pacific Ocean off Santa Catalina or in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean. On the other hand, you can ride on horseback in the Chiriquí Mountains around the mountain village of Boquete, visit small coffee fincas or let off steam rafting on the mountain river. And then there are the many sandy beaches, some of which are kilometers long, where you can relax, unwind and have a good time. Popular beaches can be found on the Pacific coast and on the Caribbean islands – either where there is a lot to offer or where, apart from your own hotel, hardly anything disturbs the beach idyll.
