According to hyperrestaurant, Panama is a paradise of mountains and water. Fabulously beautiful beaches and countless tropical islands invite you to relax and dream, while a chain of former volcanoes up to 3,500 meters high stretches in the western half of Panama. Separated by the Panama Canal, there are smaller mountain ranges and more species-rich in the eastern halfmore tropical Rainforest.
Panama Landmarks
Panama has just as many attractions as most of the countries of Central America to offer. Especially in the capital of Panama there are many historical buildings from the colonial times to visit. Museum lovers do not miss out either, as there are many museums dedicated to the Indian culture can visit. If you are in the capital of Panama, you should definitely see the Presidential Palace.
The main destination of most Panama tourists is Panama Canal that made the country famous. You can take a boat tour there (which takes about eight hours) to explore the canal.
There are also various attractions on offer for nature lovers. So you should visit one of the larger or smaller national parks to get to know the local flora and fauna. A trip to the Panamanian jungle is also highly recommended. Since going it alone can be dangerous, you should always have a knowledgeable guide with you.
Panama not only has flat land to offer, but also many small islands that are especially interesting for water sports enthusiasts. Here you can ideally pursue various water sports, such as surfing, diving or snorkeling. The indigenous underwater world is particularly important for divers. In Panama there are various reefs with colorful sea residents to explore.
The province of Chiriqui is also worth a visit. Since there is extremely fertile soil here in the volcanic highlands, there is an extremely diverse flora. The province is mainly used for agriculture. To get an idea of the wonderful flora there, it is worth booking a charter flight to get to know the area from above.
For visitors who prefer to escape mass tourism, the Azuero peninsula is an absolute insider tip. There are some still preserved cities from the colonial times to explore and wonderful white sandy beaches where there are hardly any people.
A detour to the imposing fortress of Portibleo is also worthwhile. Some large Spanish cannons can still be seen in the fortress today and many objects of historical value from that time.
By and large, there are many old colonial buildings to be seen across the country. Panama also has interesting flora and fauna that make the country almost a must for every nature lover. Beach holidaymakers also get their money’s worth in Panama.
Best travel time for Panama
If you intend to spend most of your time on the Pacific side, try traveling in December or January when there is generally little rain here and the weather is pleasant. If you want to hike, this is also the most convenient time; the Darién Gap can only be crossed at this time. Please note, however, that the prices of accommodation and flights are usually higher. The mountains in Panama can get very cold at night so bring warm clothes.
Some of Panama’s colorful festivals draw large crowds. If you like celebrations, try attending the Carnival, which takes place on the weekend before Ash Wednesday each year, in Panama City or Las Tablas. Hotel reservations during the Carnival are a must and should be made well in advance.
Panama – important addresses
Tourist office for Central America: Severinstrasse 10 – 12,
50678 Cologne
Telephone: (0221) 931 1093, Fax: (0221) 310 1843
email: amik@tkc.de
However, the tourism office for Central Africa does not answer any personal telephone inquiries.
Instituto Panameno de Turismo : Centro de Convenciones ATLAPA,
Via Israel, Apartado 4421, San Francisco, PA-Panama 5
Telephone: 226 7000 or (1800) 231 0568, Fax: 526 7105
Embassy of Panama in Germany : HE Mr. Dario E. Chiru Ochoa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (since 13.09 2006),
Lützowufer 26, 1st floor (Lützow-Center), 10787 Berlin,
phone: (030) 2260 5811, fax: (030) 2260 5812
email: info@botschaft-panama.de
opening times: Mon – Fri 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. clock
Panama maintains a consulate general in Hamburg (phone: (040) 340218, 343616) as well as honorary consulates in Kiel (phone: (0431) 5199733), Sauerlach (phone: (08104) 9086079, email: haeckel@globe-service.info) and Dresden (Telephone: (0351) 20 54050, mobile: (0172) 345 4275, email: dierkmews@konsulatpanama.de).
Embassy of Panama in Austria : Elisabethstrasse 4/5/4/10,
1010 Vienna
Telephone: (01) 587 2347, Fax: (01) 586 3080
email: mail@empanvienna.co.at
Opening times: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (and by prior arrangement).
Embassy of Germany in Panama : Borusso von Blücher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Calle 53 E, Urbanizacion Marbella, Edificio World Trade Center No. 20, Panamá
Postal address: Embajada de la República Federal de Alemania, Apdo: 0832-0536 World Trade Center, Panamá, Panama.
Telephone: (00507) 263 7733, 263 7991, 264 1147, 263 4677, Fax: (00507) 223 6664
email: info@panama.diplo.de
Germany maintains in David (Telephone: (00507) 775 2528, 775 3697, email : mabson@hotmail.com) and Colon (phone: (00507) 211 9410, 430 2414, mobile: (00507) 6613 0178, email: jdmaritime@cwpanama.net) honorary consulates.
Honorary Consulate General of Austria in Panama : Calle Sevilla Casa F 7b,
Villa de las Fuentes No. 1, PA-Panamá City
Postal address: Apartado 0818, PA-00160 Betina
Telephone: 260 4525, Fax: 260 8839
email: austriacon@cableonda.net
Opening times: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
