Weekend Escape to Panama 3 day Stop Over

Panama City is the perfect Getaway for a short stopover and a weekend Escape. Pack light and escape to a 3-day Stop Over in Panama full of activities. Within 30 minutes from the international airport, you could be relaxing in a boutique hotel in the center of the colonial Casco Antiguo or a top-notch luxurious hotel in the Banking District, close to internationally known restaurants and Jazz Bars. Visit museums, parks, and historical areas all within the Panama City limits, and just slightly beyond these limits, adventure options are endless. Access national parks are known for hiking, birding, biking, kayaking, and cultural encounters or have a day relaxing on the Pacific Coastline or a surfing adventure. Take a train to an area once owned by pirates or transit the engineering masterpiece, the Panama Canal!

Pacific or Atlantic or maybe both?

There are different options if you love the ocean and water sports. You can go surfing in a close beach at the Pacific such as El Palmar and Rio Mar, learn Kite Surfing or go snorkeling in the Atlantic side close to Portobello. Another option is escaping to one of the beautiful islands on the Pearl Archipelago. If on season, the best spots for whale watching.

Panamanian Gastronomy

Panama’s local cuisine infused with fresh local produce, seafood, and other unique ingredients are competing against other great well known culinary destinations in Latin America.  Panama offers a wide choice of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste and budget. From great cuisine and international chefs to real Panamanian food experience.  You need to come and explore the flavors of this unique Central America destination.

International Film Festival (March 26 – April 11, 2020)

If you love cinema and Latin America this is the event for you. Come and experience the International Film Festival of Panama next year.   IFF Panama’s industry program links the experiences of members of the local film industry and that of representatives of the international industry who come to the event, in spaces that feed new possibilities for film production, marketing and distribution. IFF Panama provides tools to strengthen a sector of recognized impact.    Take advantage of the COPA Stopover and discover Panama and amazing Latin American films during the 9th International Film Festival of Panama.

Close National Park and unique biodiversity

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  Soberania National Park

Explore a tropical forest in the heart of Panama City on a tour through the Parque Natural Metropolitano and Ancon Hill. Watch for sloths, birds, monkeys, insects and tree frogs as you hike through the tropical rainforest, and learn the names for Panama’s native plants and animals. Take in sweeping views of the City from the lookout mirador, see flocks of birds erupt from the foliage and experience the tranquility of Panama City’s only wildlife refuge. You can join one of our rainforest adventures and discover why Panama is the Isthmus that changed the world.

Go as a local in Panama

If you want to experience the way of the locals, head to El Mercado del Marisco or stroll in Casco Viejo old colonial town where you will find beautiful shops, , and good restaurants. Our cuisine has received international recognition due to the new generation of young chefs that have raised the quality of our gastronomy by mixing hundreds of years of diversity. Book our gastronomy tour as we are the first tour operator offering this unique experience.

New Hotel in Bocas del Toro: Turtle Beach House

Parrott Suite

Toucan Bathroom

Toucan Suite

Turtle Beach House B&B

The view

Turtle beach house

Turtle Beach House is a four-bedroom,boutique style Bed and Breakfast. Our beach house is a short stroll away from one of Bocas longest stretches of beach – Bluff Beach (which is literally at the end of the garden).This is a municipal reserve and nesting ground for leather back sea turtles and Carey sea turtles. It is also home to some of the best surf in Panama. We are an eco resort with solar power and all of our water is rainwater collection. We aim for a low carbon foot print while maintaining elegant, comfortable surroundings.  Trip Advisor Green Leaders Gold Award for commitment to green practices.

Quality finishes and stylish contemporary Caribbean design are found throughout the breezy, relaxed holiday home. Granite and local wood counter tops adorn the well-appointed, open-plan kitchen with it’s stunning views across the garden and lawn down to the beach. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the comfortable sitting room and covered veranda.

There are four Master bedrooms, all with pillow top king-size or twin beds, soft linens, and decorated with cool, neutral tones.High power ceiling fans and the ocean breeze keep the rooms cool and comfortable. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with shower and hot water. Furthermore, both of the upstairs master bedrooms enjoy wonderful jungle views,downstairs ,the two master bedrooms enjoy views of the beautiful mature garden .

Breakfast is a time to get together to hear about our guest experiences. This is also the time for us  to assist with recommendations and make reservations for  tours and activities  to ensure our guests get the most out of their stay .

For more information contact info@ecocircuitos.com

Article from Transamerica: The Hippest Neighborhood in Central America

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are not allowed to publish this article to promote Panama in our web.  The authors banned us from publication in our blog for violation of copyright.  We thought we were advertising their web and authors.  Anyway, for those interested in reading it, please check their website directly at http://trans-americas.com/blog/2014/07/casco-viejo-panama-city/

 

New Tour in San Felipe: engage with our community

Security on San Felipe streets

Annie Young & Mabel Barría with the kids of San Felipe

EcoTeam learning about the old gangs of San Felipe

Annie Young and team meeting the local guides of San Felipe

Artist and guide working together for San Felipe

walking San Felipe

Learning about the old history

American Trade hotel old stairs

Plaza Herrera

By Marius & Marc

EcoCircuitos staff tour Casco Viejo yesterday to take part in an insightful and poignantly tour organized by “Esperanza San Felipe”. This organization is founded by 5 previous gang members of San Felipe. They have decided to change their lives and thus created this group to bring hope, benefit and income to the community of San Felipe, neighboring Casco Viejo. The revenue of the tours is distributed amongst the community to enhance the living conditions of the people and to provide a better future for the next generation.

With curiosity and excitement we have left Casco Viejo to look for the guides and entered San Felipe. We did not have to search very long since the guys welcomed us very friendly directly behind the border of Casco Viejo to San Felipe. Although the quarter has a dangerous image, during the whole tour we felt safe because of the police appearance and the calmness of the people. The whole atmosphere was just peaceful. We made an appointment for a tour and met our guide a couple of hours later in Plaza Herrera just in front of the American Trade Hotel that was also our first attraction.

Nowadays a place for the rich and upper class, in the past it was used as headquarter for thieves, murderers and gang members. We were absolutely amazed by the dark past of the building and the radiating atmosphere. The only evidence of the dark history is the stairway that shows the graffiti paintings and signs of the former inhabitants.

After passing Manu Tigre, a former fortification, we had the chance to gain a deep insight behind Panama City’s glamourous facade by visiting the housing of the community. It was touchingly but also revealing to see beyond the tourist facade of Panama. Although we felt a little bit uncomfortable entering foreign property, the people were very open-minded and warm towards us.

Especially the street that divides the quarters El Chorrillo and San Felipe offered a lot of narrative material. In past days many gun fights took place although it was considered as a neutral zone between two hostile gangs. For a foreigner it was not possible to walk the street at that time without getting robbed. Today it is a vivid street and the entrance to Cinta Costera 1 as well as a place for backpackers, bikers and fun nightlife.

The end of the tour was a most delicious Panamanian meal with self-made cocktails. During the dinner we got the chance to listen to more exciting stories of people and their past thug live.

Especially for us it was touching since we come from a protected area in Germany. We got the unique chance to engage with local people and going one step further than the common tourist.

By offering this tour EcoCircuitos gives those people the opportunity to help themselves in a sustainable way. There is also big hope in the new president to enhance the living conditions.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 1-800-830-7142.

ExpoTurismo Panama 2014

The Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (CCIAP) and the Panama Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR), with the support of the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) are organizing the fifth (V) edition of the International Tourism Expo, to be held on September 26 and 27, 2014 in the ATLAPA Convention Center in Panama City.

The International Tourism Expo has become the annual meeting place for tourist service providers and wholesalers from more than 20 countries who attend this event seeking new destinations, suppliers, and a variety of products and services to offer.

We invite you to be a part of this very important project that benefits all companies in the tourist industry, since the fair serves as a business replication tool through the high-quality attendees it attracts. By pulling together such a range of different tourism service providers in the fair, we have consolidated numerous benefits that will attract over 130 big-name wholesale companies from abroad who come in search of new products and services from the participating exhibitors at the International Tourism Expo.

Our goal this year is to have the largest number of exhibiting countries so as to offer a wider variety to the wholesale buyers attending the event. The idea is to create a networking dynamic that will benefit as many countries as possible. Since these wholesalers are coming from more than 20 countries in Europe, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, companies such as airlines, tourism ministries, hotels and other lodging establishments would find it beneficial to participate and make contacts with all these people from different source markets gathered in one place whom are potential consumers of the products and services on exhibit.

One of the main benefits of this fair is that we have made a website ​​available to all participants for them to view the profiles of registered purchasers. An application will also allow them to request appointments in advance with those they are interested in meeting during the expo, thus compiling a virtual business agenda. In this way we can ensure that all exhibitors will have guaranteed business meetings. The event will be closed to general public on the first day and open exclusively for wholesalers and exhibitors, in order for them to conduct the scheduled meetings without any interruptions or distractions.

Carnivals in Panama: An Amazing Experience

Music

Carinval in Panama

by Amber Platschorre- Dutch intern

Being for the first time in Latin America I had no idea what to expect of Carnival. I heard before that it is an amazing celebration and people look forward to this the whole year. I have been in Panama now for 3 months and people cannot stop talking about the Carnival. You will hear it on the radio, the taxi drivers will tell you about it and you hear the music everywhere. Since there is a lot of commotion about this celebration I started to wonder how it would be and I have as much looking forward to it as the Panamanians do.

Finally, there was the weekend of Carnival. I could notice it everywhere. Panama-city is very empty and many people go out of the city to celebrate Carnival in other places (interior towns) that are known for the Carnivals. I heard a lot about the places Chitre and Las Tablas because there, the celebrations must be really big. I preferred to go to one of these places to see it myself.

I left Panama City by car around 5 in the morning to make sure we would be ahead of the traffic jams, but lots of people thought of this idea and the roads were crowded early. Once Arrived in Chitre around 10 in the morning the party had been started in the city already. I could hear the people scream: AGUA, AGUA, AGUA. I saw people everywhere, soaking wet and having lots of fun. Panamanians celebrate carnival with lots of water, music, drinks and floats they have been working on the whole year. The city was totally packed and a mess, although this did not influence the atmosphere…

During carnivals the Panamanians party all day long. The party starts at different places in the city during the day. At the end of the day around 5 the music stops and people go for something to eat. Everyone takes a rest and when they are fit enough again they will party during the night. This can be in the streets or in clubs. People are partying everywhere and having an amazing time. I was surprised that the next day people had still lots of energy left to start the party again like they did the day before. I think this party was even better!

For a tourist like me this has been a great experience since Carnivals is very important for the Panamanians. These few days when celebrating carnivals I felt part of their culture. I was partying side by side with the Panamanians and created some amazing memories during these few days.

Kite Board World Cup in Panama

Punta Chame (Panama) – The Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) and the Panamanian event production company Action Alliance announced that the first stop on the 2014 Kiteboard World Cup Tour will be held at Nitro City Resort in Punta Chame, Panama, from February 18 to 23, 2014.

For the first time, the PKRA World Cup of Kiteboarding will take place in Central America. More than 60 of the world’s best freestyle kiteboarders, from nearly 30 different countries, will be coming to compete in this highly anticipated event on the world-class beaches of Punta Chame.

Punta Chame (Panamá) – La Asociación Profesional de Kiteriders, conocida por sus siglas en inglés como la PKRA, y la compañía panameña de producción de eventos, Action Alliance, anunció que la primera Parada del Tour Mundial de Kiteboard 2014 se celebrará en Nitro City Resort en Punta Chame, Panamá, del 18 al 23 de Febrero de 2014.

Esta es la primera vez que la PKRA World Cup of Kiteboarding se ha organizado en América Central y donde más de 60 de los mejores kiteboarders del mundo de estilo libre, provenientes de casi 30 países diferentes, vienen a competir en este evento muy esperado en las playas de clase mundial de Punta Chame.

American Trade Hotel and Hall open in Casco Viejo

American Trade Hotel

Panama Hats in Casco Antiguo

Paseo Esteban Huertas

Casco Antiguo

American Trade Hotel reception

ATH bar

Lobby Floor

Terrace

Pool Terrace

Indoor Terrace

Library

Hotel room Panoramic view

Terrace

American Trade Hotel and Hall just open in Panama City, occupying a lovingly restored landmark building in Casco Viejo. The property stands at the ecological and cultural crossroads of  the Americas, deeply connected to both the historic Old Quarter and the nascent new Panama City – a meeting place for  influencers, creatives and cultures from around the world. The property and surrounding area are steeped in local heritage and culture, while the hotel has been thoroughly outfitted with the contemporary conveniences and modern luxuries today’s traveler requires.    The property is the result of a joint undertaking between Atelier Ace, Panama City-based Conservatorio, and Commune Design. American Trade Hotel is the first independent addition to Atelier Ace’s portfolio, which also includes the distinctive Ace Hotels.

The American Trade Hotel and Hall is a historical luxury property located in Casco Viejo – the old quarter of Panama City – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 1673. The building was built in 1917 as a department store and bank with apartments on the upper floors, the American Trade building was designed by Leonardo Villanueva Meyer, the most prominent twentieth century architect in Panama City. Within walking distance of many historic buildings, fine restaurants, galleries, museums and concert venues, American Trade Hotel is a 50-room exclusive hotel.  (Room rates range from $189 to $609 per night.) Inside the hotel will be a jazz bar, a farm-to-table restaurant and a rooftop pool. Single-source Panamanian coffee will be roasted on-site and served in the lobby cafe. The hotel’s ballroom is housed in a neighboring Art Deco building that was once the Panamanian headquarters of First National City Bank of New York (later Citibank) – which was instrumental in financing the Panama Canal.  We are delighted to announce that EcoCircuitos Panama will have a tour desk at the American Trade hotel from January 2014.   For more information and rates contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com

Fam Trip El Otro lado Boutique hotel in Portobello

Karla, Mariela y Roberto

Our team visited again El Otro Lado Boutique hotel in Portobello and they have a day relaxing and luxury.

El Otro Lado is a private retreat, situated in a privileged refuge of Portobelo Bay, integrating design, culture, nature and luxury in a unique manner to provide guests with authentic experiences that are select and customized.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Panama City, and next to the Portobelo National Park, El Otro Lado is the perfect venue to relax and disconnect while pondering the lush and youthful verdure. With views of the sea, the four tropical eclectic design houses integrate simple details with handcrafted traditions of Panama’s Atlantic coast.
A veritable stream of memorable experiences, El Otro Lado takes you to a dream-like place that is in harmony and balance, yet replete with life’s modern conveniences.This luxury boutique hotel offers a spectacular location in the tropical rainforest, an integrated landscape design in an unspoiled expanse, infinity view swimming pool, tropical eclectic design and indigenous decorative elements.

Panama General Information when travel with EcoCircuitos

Dear Traveler:

On behalf of all us at EcoCircuitos Panama, we wish you a most pleasant experience in Panama. Our goal is to have you enjoy an unforgettable experience in this beautiful and unexplored tropical destination. Here is some important information regarding your forthcoming adventure. Please take a few moments to become familiar with this material.

 Documents:  YOU WILL RECEIVE DOCUMENTS UPON ARRIVAL PANAMA**

Please review them for accuracy and call us if you have any questions.  Hand the vouchers to the hotels and guides each day of services.

What to do after deplaning

Upon arrival at the International Airport, you will need to clear immigration. Remember to have your passport in hand and ready for inspection.  Then, proceed to the luggage claim area, retrieve your bags, and follow the customs officer’s instructions. Upon clearing customs you will exit the restricted area (our greeters and transportation personnel are not allowed inside this area),  you will pass your all your luggage through an x-ray machine.  Then you will proceed to exit the area, once you pass through the exit door you can go either to the right or the left. EcoCircuitos Panama recommends that you go to the right to better locate our staff who will be receiving you with a sign bearing your name with the company’s logo. 

In case you do not locate our staff please approach the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) tourist information stand, our staff will be close to this area.

You will find a large number of Panamanian families greeting arriving friends and relatives, so please make sure you are on the lookout for your official greeter who will have a sign with your name printed on it and a T-Shirt with our EcoCircuitos logo.  The airport of Panama is an international hub so could be very busy.  Please be patient and if you don´t see our staff, call our emergency number at +507 645-01093 or our office in Panama City:  +507 3151488

 Clothing & Packing

City attire: Even though Panama is generally an informal city, we recommend that men wear pants (jeans or cotton pants are OK), and women skirts, pants or Bermuda-length shorts. For the evening meal, men should wear nice slacks and a cotton shirt (sports jacket is optional).  Women will feel comfortable in a nice, casual evening outfit.  Formal attire is used mainly when conducting business. The highland areas can be cold, and a sweater is recommended.  For the lowland jungle areas light, loose-fitting shirts and long pants are essential.  If you plan to hike in the national parks make sure you bring two pairs of boots or hiking shoes, since one pair can be worn while the other dries from the previous day’s use.  Sunglasses and a hat or cap are essential.  If you are planning to go river rafting, make sure you bring rafting sandals or tennis shoes. If your travel plans call for a visit to one of our all-inclusive beach resorts, resort wear is best; casual is the rule. Don’t forget to bring camera batteries and sun block.

If your travel plans call for a short visit to the national parks and/or island retreats, it is highly recommended that you leave your bulky suitcases at your city hotel and carry an overnight case for these excursions. Flying within Panama has a luggage weight limit of 25 pounds (lbs) per person. If you are taking medication always carry it with you rather than putting it in your suitcase.

About Panama

Panama emerged from the oceans 3 million years ago. The significance of linking the landmasses of the two Americas in biological terms explains the incredible bio-diversity.

 Location

Panama is located between Central and South America.  It covers 75,517 square km (29,208 square miles).  Panama is between 50 and 120 miles wide (89km and 192 km) and is bordered by 1,287.7 km (805 miles) of Caribbean coastline and 1,700.6 km (1,062.8 miles) of Pacific coastline.

 Climate

Panama has a humid, tropical climate. Temperatures are around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 25-30 degrees Celsius). Nights are always cooler. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm along the pacific coast and 2,500 mm on the Caribbean side. The highlands enjoy spring-like climate with cool nights.

 Seasons

In this country of lush rainforests, there are only two seasons: Summer (from December to April), when rain is less frequent, and Winter (from May to  November), when showers are common in the evening with occasional mid-day cloud bursts.  Sunny days are the norm.

Time zone

Panama is on Eastern Standard Time (EST), five hours behind GMT.

Panama Time = GMT-5

 Currency

The Panamanian currency is the US dollar. US coins are used alongside Panamanian coins, which look exactly like American coins except for the imprint.  In Panama all major credit cards are accepted.  In the interior areas of the country, such as San Blas and Bocas del Toro, most transactions are in cash.  ATM machines are available in all cities.

 Electricity

120 volt, 60 cycles in all parts of the republic. US electrical items can be used without adapters.

 Water Quality

Water from the tap is safe to drink in all city hotels.  However, bottled water is recommended for travelers.

 Tipping

10% of the total amount of your meal is appropriate.  It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers; however, bellhops are usually tipped $3.00 per person, tour guides $10 – $25 per person per day, and tour van/bus drivers $5 to $10 per person per day.

Tipping your guide in Panama

EcoCircuitos recommends the following guidelines for tipping our guides, drivers and staff in Panama:

• Naturalist guide:  US$15.00 – US$20.00 per person per / day
• Day tour guide:  US$10.00 per person per day
• Transfer driver:  US$2.00 per person
• Tour driver:  US$5.00 per person per day
• Tour boat driver:  US$5.00 per person per day
• Hotel bellman:  US$1.00 per person per piece of luggage

International airport bellmen:  US$1.00 per piece of luggage

 Government

Panama is a constitutional democracy.  A president, elected by popular vote for a five-year term leads the executive branch.  He/she is assisted by two elected vice presidents and an appointed cabinet. Current President, Juan Carlos Varela, elected on 2014.

 Safety tips

Panama has no armed forces.  A national police force, including special tourism police personnel, imposes the law.  For your safety and convenience, we recommend that you exercise caution by avoiding carrying large amounts of cash (ATMs are found throughout the country) or wearing expensive jewelry.  Panama is truly a safe country and violent crime rates are low, however, be careful with pick pockets in the downtown areas of Panama City.

Health Tips and Medical Services & Treatment

Panama City has excellent medical facilities, the larger towns have regional hospitals, and rural areas have clinics. Take a look of your immunization records before you go.   No shots are required, we suggest contacting your physician about your specific health needs.   The government of Panama does not require any vaccinations in order to enter the country. Most medicines are widely available in Panama City and at a similar rate to that in most western countries. Most medicines are sold by the same trademark names used in the U.S.  For emergencies, there are many good private clinics and hospitals throughout the country, but the biggest and best equipped are located in Panama City.  We suggest you to carry an international insurance, not provided by EcoCircuitos, S.A.

Water

Panama has some of the cleanest drinking water in Latin America (if not in the world). Water is safe to drink from the faucet but also purified bottled water is sold in most hotels and supermarkets.  We suggest you to carry your bottle and refill it at the hotels.

Communication

Telephone: Calling cards are required to make international calls from the Schoolhouse. You can buy them at any local store of pharmacy. They usually cost several “units” per minute of talking. If it says 100 minutes, it’s probably good for about 15 minutes of international talk time.

At each site, there will be phones nearby. But in some places, the phones are not immediately accessible, so you may only be able to call home every other day at most.

 Postal Service

An airmail letter from Panama to USA weighing 20g or less requires $0.35 postage (25 cents for a postcard) and takes five to 10 days to arrive.  Most post offices in Panama are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays and from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.

 National Holidays

Mourning Day/January 9. Mardi Gras (Carnavales) is celebrated in February. Good Friday and Easter Sunday (varies).  Labor Day/May 1. Father’s Day/June 16. Founding of Panama City/August 15. Independence Day from Colombia/November 3.  Flag Day/November 4. The Uprising of Los Santos/November 10. Independence Day from Spain/November 28. Mother’s Day/December 8. Christmas/December 25. New Years Day/Jan 1.

  Legal Services

In Panama you are presumed guilty until proven innocent.  If you are accused of a serious crime, you will be taken to jail.  If you are jailed, your Embassy may be able to offer assistance.   While in Panama you are subject to Panamanian laws, not the laws of your home country.  Remember that you are legally required to carry ID at all times, we suggest you carry a photocopy of your passport (leave the original in a safe at your hotel).

 Insects and Insect Repellent

Don’t let the thought of bugs get you down. The right kind of protection and common sense can make your trip worry-free.  When entering the jungle or forests, wear lightweight cotton, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Cover all exposed skin surfaces with insect repellent.

 Exit requirements, Airport Tax and Duty-Free Shopping

There is a $40.00 departure tax (it may increase to $60.00 in 2016) on all passengers of international flights leaving Panama City. This tax is payable at the airline counter or included in the ticket.  An immigration form must be filled out and returned to the immigration officials prior to boarding.  The International Airport in Panama City has excellent duty free shops.

 What to Bring:

• Two of the most important things to bring to Panama are a pair of BINOCULARS and a guidebook (Birds of Panama or Mammals of the Rainforest).  They are a must for getting a closer look at wildlife and are not available for rent in Panama.  We sell these plates on the Panama Office and if you want can be added to your package cost and included in your welcome kit.  $10.00 each
• Two liters of water per person.  You will receive a bottle to refill during the day rather than buying multiple plastic water bottles.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Casual clothing for city traveling
• Shirts should be made of cotton or light synthetic materials; long- and short-sleeved
• Cotton trousers preferable. Light synthetic materials are slower to dry.
• Hiking shorts
• Footwear:  Waterproof lightweight hiking boots, river sandals (e.g., Teva-type sandals), tennis shoes/running shoes.  If you do not bring hiking boots, please make sure you bring TWO pairs of tennis shoes.
• Socks – bring extra pairs in case feet get wet
• Rain gear – poncho, raincoat
• Hat with visor for rain and sun protection
• Plastic water bottle – especially for hikes
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
• Camera and film
• Ziplock plastic bags for spill able toiletries
• Extra prescription glasses and medications
• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes
• Sweater or jacket (a must for the highlands)
• Swimwear
• Collapsible luggage to store extra items left in Panama