World News

Table of contents:

General information

The webinar “A Land Beyond Expectations”

Where is Panama located?

When to go to Panama?

The city of Panama

What to do in Panama?

The islands to visit

7 days in Panama

Contact Air Europa

Contact PROMTUR Panama

The Republic of Panama is a presidential democracy. It comprises 10 provinces and 5 indigenous regions. Panama covers a total area of 75,517 square kilometers and has a population of about 4.17 million people. The official language is Spanish.

However, you’ll have no trouble communicating in English, which is widely spoken. In Panama, purchases can be paid for with the United States dollar, locally referred to as the Balboa.

The Republic of Panama is situated to the southeast of the isthmus linking Central America to South America.

To the north lies the Atlantic Ocean and to the south the Pacific Ocean. To the east and west lie Colombia and Costa Rica.

During your trip to Panama, you will have the opportunity to discover several points of interest and to experience unusual experiences.

● Discover the Panama Canal and its basin: where the Pacific meets the Caribbean

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. It is 79.6 km long. Its depth is 13 meters with an average width of 152 meters. Each year, about 14,000 ships pass through it.

The original idea for the canal dates back to the 16th century, in the era of Charles V. Nearly 300 years later, a private international company took charge of the project. Within this organization, Ferdinand de Lesseps—the entrepreneur who led the Suez Canal project—was involved. He sought to replicate the same achievement. However, his trip to New York revealed the American political opposition to foreign intervention in the Americas. Consequently, in 1880, the Universal Inter-Oceanic Canal Company was founded.

The illustrious Gustave Eiffel contributed to the project after some technical difficulties. Yet Lesseps’ troubles did not end, as he faced fraud charges and was convicted, bringing an end to the French attempt, which was taken up, with Eiffel’s plans for the lock systems, by the United States. Ultimately, the canal project was completed in 1914. Over the years, the canal zone has become very lively due to the numerous cruise ships.

● Savor the luxurious Geisha coffee

Traveling in Panama also means having the chance to taste an extraordinary delicacy: Geisha coffee. Coffee Review has given it a score of 98/100. Although Geisha is grown in nearby countries such as Brazil and Colombia, Panama’s Geisha remains unmatched due to the exceptional climate of its natural production site (at the foot of Volcán Barú, in the Chiriquí province). This coveted beverage is the most expensive coffee in the world. You may pay up to $2.25 per gram. Are you tempted to invest in this taste?

● The heritage riches

A trip to Panama would be incomplete without exploring the country’s numerous treasures! A visit to Panama Viejo is a must during your stay. Founded by Pedro Arias Dávila in the early 16th century, the old town where the railway was built at the end of the 19th century is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of several religious buildings remain to testify to its former glory.

The country’s history can also be seen in Portobelo, which is part of the World Heritage. Revealed during Christopher Columbus’s explorations, it houses remarkable buildings, such as the San Juan de Dios church and the Convent of the Mercedarian Fathers. We should also mention the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo, dating back to the 17th century.

● The Chiriquí Province

In the Gulf of Chiriquí, you can visit numerous islands. This will be a wonderful opportunity to explore marine life and to enjoy a day of relaxation on a paradisiacal beach. The more active travelers can go trekking and hiking.

● Hiking at Volcán Barú

Do not miss one of Panama’s greatest wonders: Volcán Barú in the Chiriquí province. Barú is part of the Talamanca mountain range and represents the highest point in Panama, standing at 3,474 meters above sea level. It last erupted in 1,550. If you’re an adventurous spirit, I recommend joining a guided trek that typically starts in the village of Volcán. This experience will stay etched in your memory forever!

The island beauty of this small country is most visible through its numerous islands. They offer spectacular natural scenery and luxurious beaches to relax all day long.

● The San Blas Archipelago

This archipelago comprises 365 islands and is best known as the territory of the Gunas. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about their way of life and habitats. Access is possible by plane or by road from Panama City. Treat yourself to a beach day with your snorkeling gear to admire the richness of underwater life.

● The Pearl Archipelago

Las Perlas is a jewel off the Pacific coast, consisting of 200 islets and islands. The largest island is Isla del Rey, ideal for hiking. Your route will reveal splendid waterfalls and hidden caves. We should also mention San José Island and Contadora Island, both well worth a visit. In this archipelago, from July to September you may witness an astonishing spectacle animated by whales. These majestic creatures populate the area for the birth of their young.

● The Bocas del Toro Archipelago

In the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago stands out for its joyful and euphoric atmosphere. Water taxis are your best option for getting around the Bocas del Toro islands. The landscape is a sublime fresco combining white-sand beaches, tropical jungle, and stilt houses. Do not miss the Bastimentos National Marine Park, covering an area of 13,000 hectares.

Day 1 : Arrival in Panama

• Overnight at a hotel in Panama City, in the modern city center or in a hotel in the historic Casco Antiguo district.

Day 2 : Tour of Panama City and the Miraflores Locks

• Visit of Panama Viejo (optional depending on your fatigue; still feasible as driving distances in Panama City are short)

• Visit of Casco Antiguo, the colonial district

• Visit of the Miraflores Locks

From the Miraflores Locks, continue your canal-zone tour by heading to the Gamboa Resort: on arrival, take the “night boat safari tour” excursion in the Panama Canal basin (a must-see)

Day 3 : Gamboa Resort

• Excursion 1: cable car ride

• Excursion 2: sloth sanctuary visit

NB: remember to book your excursions in advance

Departure to Albrook-Gelabert Airport: Panama-Bocas del Toro flight

Arrival in Bocas del Toro and overnight on Isla Colón (many hotels to choose from) – Do not miss listening to calypso music in a restaurant-bar on the island.

Days 4 to 6 : Depart by boat for Bastimentos National Park nature reserve

Stay in an eco-lodge, options: Al Natural or Eclypse del Mar

Day 7 : Flight Bocas del Toro – Panama – France (D+1)

All flights to France with European carriers depart at night.

Air Europa serves Panama (PTY) four times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

Air Europa is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, made up of 19 airlines that have worked together for 19 years as a vast global network serving more than 630 million passengers annually.

The Air Europa fleet is one of the most modern on the continent. It comprises 47 aircraft with an average age of less than 4 years. The company is a leader in environmental conservation processes. In 2018, the German environmental organization Atmosfair named Air Europa the most efficient European airline in its network.

Helpdesk :

+33 (0) 142650800

Reservations Email :

Email: [email protected]

Commercial Department :

Email : [email protected]

Group Service :

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Reservations :

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Opening hours for reservations

9h00/17h00

Website :

www.aireuropa.com

PROMTUR Panama is the destination marketing organization (DMO) whose primary function is the international promotion and marketing of Panama. PROMTUR has the legal status of a non-governmental organization and includes among its members, in addition to the Minister of Tourism, professionals from the tourism sector such as hoteliers and travel agencies.

Luciana Kramer

Leisure Sales Manager

Office: (507) 6780-6439

[email protected]