Romancing in the Gulf of Chiriqui

Take advantage of the COPA Stopover and explore one of Panama’s best kept secrets: The Gulf of Chiriqui.

Day 01: From Tocumen International Airport, take a flight to the capital of Chiriqui, David. From here, head to the small fishing town of Boca Chica, on the Gulf of Chiriqui. The natural beauty of this place is astounding, and still unknown. Check in to a charming boutique hotel and relax.

Day 02: The Gulf of Chiriqui is known for its amazing wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Certainly, a must is to explore part of this! Accompanied by a local captain, sail out and visit some of the islands, feel the warm tropical breeze and the sand between your toes. Go snorkeling, beach combing and enjoy a romantic picnic lunch.

Day 03: Enjoy a morning at leisure. In the afternoon sail slowly through the mangroves along the tranquil river as you observe a variety of birds and other present wildlife. This unique ecosystem is often under looked, but it’s a key environment for many species, whether they are under the ocean or soaring the skies. Finish off with a drink and appreciate the sunset.

Day 04: Unfortunately, your stay has come to an end. But hopefully, you’ll come back soon to discover more of what Panama has to offer. Check out, and head back to David for your flight back to Panama City.

Contact us for rates and more information. info@ecocircuitos.com

Why should you visit Panama during the rainy season?

By Juliette Darmon

Contrary to what you think, visiting Panama during the rainy season has many advantages.

And first of all, if the rain is scaring you, then you have to know that it’s also raining in dry season as it’s raining 200 days per year in Panama…! And despite the name “rainy season”, it is most of the time raining only one hour per day!

So rain is not an excuse for not visiting this surprising country in rainy season!

Favorable and worthwhile:

The first and not the less, is that travelling during this period is much cheaper than during the dry season. You will so enjoy nicest hotels and places for less expansive, and could spend your money in extras, something you may not afford during the dry season.

Attractive and greener:

For travelers keen on nature, you definitely have to visit Panama during the rainy season, when it is much more eye-catching!

Panama has one of the most spectacular untouched rainforest in the world. And precisely in this period of the year, the nature and rainforest are greener and more authentic. It is one of the most picturesque times of the year!

Furthermore, because of the everyday rain (one hour downpour), Panama is open up to plenty of water-based activities (white water rafting, surf along the Caribbean coast..). Indeed, the rivers and streams are about 23 feet (7meters) higher, meaning that every watering place, like river, creek and lake are navigable.

You will so have the opportunity to explore more of the waterways of Amazonia and discovering more plant and wildlife areas than in the dry season.

More wildlife, less crowded:

As flowers, blooms, tropical fruits and vegetables are more abundant in this season, you will for sure have the chance to cross a lot of monkeys, birds and other wild animals.

Animals don’t really like tourists and they more tend to hide during the dry season, when travelers get too numerous. Take the chance to be fully immersed in Panamanian nature and wildlife by coming in the rainy season!

And less tourists also means less crowded, and so more availabilities and choices in terms of hotels, restaurants, activities and so on…!

KEEP THAT CHANCE! Try the rainy season in Panama!

Flying to Chiriqui Province: Air Panama vs. Copa Airlines

by Jennie C. Trow – Marketing Director

Many of our clients inquire about the differences between flying on Air Panama and Copa Airlines to the Chiriqui Province. Both airlines are dependable and offer good service; however, there are differences between the two.

Air Panama

Air Panama flights depart from the Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, located in Albrook within the city limits of Panama. This is the main airport where majority of domestic flights depart and some international flights to Colombia and Costa Rica. This airport is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Panama City, and could be less traveling time depending on the time of day and where your hotel is located.

On flights to David you are allowed to check in up to 30kg. free of charge and a carry on item that weighs no more than 4kg.

Air Panama flights arrive/ depart to Enrique Malek International Airport, normally there are 3 flights daily flying from Panama City to David and David to Panama City.

Pros: The Albrook airport is smaller and located closer to downtown Panama City. If visitors will be flying to multiple destinations in Panama, this airport is more convenient. Also it is less crowded.

Type of Airplane:  Focar 100 and number of passengers: 100

Type of Airplane:  Boeing 737 – Number of passengers 147

Cons: N/A

Copa Airlines

Copa Airline flights depart from Tocumen International Airport; most likely you will arrive to this airport when you come to Panama. This airport is approximately 20-25 minutes from downtown Panama City. Again this can vary depending on the time of day and where your hotel is located. Copa Airlines has specific lines at the airport for the David, Chiriqui domestic flight.

Visitors who are only flying domestic (Panama – David – Panama) are allowed to check in a total of 20kg of luggage free of charge and carry on 5kg. If a visitor is flying directly on an international flight and then connecting to a flight to David they do not have to worry about their baggage limit as they are entitled to the international baggage limit. This is the same case if you are flying from David and then on to an international destination. However, please double check all this information on Copa’s website or speak directly to an agent.

Visitors arriving from an international destination will have to go through customs and immigration and then make their way to the area for their domestic flight. Visitors traveling domestically will go directly to the domestic flight area after checking in their baggage, they will not have to go into the main part of the international airport.

Copa Airlines flights arrive/ depart to Enrique Malek International Airport, normally there are 3 flights daily flying from Panama City to David and David to Panama City.

Pros: This is a convenient option for international visitors that will travel directly David from their international flight.

Cons: If you are staying in Panama City, you may have to leave earlier than usual to arrive to Tocumen International Airport due to traffic. The international airport in general is further away from downtown Panama City.

Type of Airplane: Embraer 190 ARA – Number of Passengers: 94

Type of Airplane: Embraer 190 ARB – Number of Passengers: 100