ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Citizens traveling by air to and from the Panama must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or other original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID). U.S. citizens are strongly advised to obtain a U.S. passport before traveling to Panama. Although entry into Panama is currently permitted with proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or a Naturalization Certificate) and official photo identification (such as a driver’s license), travelers have experienced difficulties exiting Panama and re-entering the U.S. when not in possession of a valid U.S. passport.

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION : As Read more

The best time to visit Panama really depends on what you plan to do. If you intend to spend most of your time on the Pacific side, try December or January, when there’s generally little rain and the weather is pleasant. If you’ll be doing any serious hiking, this is also the most comfortable time to do it; the Darién Gap can be crossed only at this time. Bear in mind, however, that hotel prices and airfares are generally higher in the dry season (mid-December to mid-April). For planning purposes, be aware that Panama’s mountains can get very cold at night; be sure to bring warm clothing.

Some of Panama’s colourful festivals draw large crowds. If you like to party, Read more

The Panama Canal rainforests are the most accessible pristine rainforests in the world. Just minutes from Panama City in the former American Canal Zone, now Soberania National Park, they are home to exotic nature and outstanding ecotourism attractions. A veritable treasure of nature, these 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest host 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Recently, a well traveled travel writer told us that she had traveled to the deepest part of the Amazon, but not seen nearly as much nature in the Amazon as she saw in the Panama Canal Rainforest…just 30 minutes from the modern metropolis of Panama City.

A travel article in Los Angeles Times reports Read more

The one noteworthy thing that George W. Bush had to show from his recent trip to several Latin American countries was a rather vague joint statement with Brazilian President Lula da Silva promising cooperation in the development of ethanol and other biofuel technologies. “Biofuels” are those that are grown, which are thus unlike non-renewable petroleum in that the supply is not nearly so finite as that of fossil-based fuels.

The issue takes on added significance in Panama because this country now has an agreement with Brazil by which the latter will aid the establishment of a Panamanian biofuels industry.

The Brazilians have long made large-scale use of ethanol, an alcohol that can be made from corn, sugar cane, wood chips Read more

The San Blas Islands offer two unbeatable attractions: Caribbean islands of stunning beauty and an opportunity to visit the villages of the San Blas Indians to learn about their fascinating culture and way of life. This is Caribbean beauty at its best –the 365 picturesque palm tree covered islands of the San Blas Archipelago are set in indescribably beautiful aqua waters. Here you’ll feel refreshingly “away from it all” – far from modern civilization and close to nature.

The San Blas Islands were selected as one of the top two “best cruising destinations in the world” by Cruising World and Le Monde Voyage magazines. CBS’s Survivor program chose one typically idyllic San Blas island, Sapbeinega for a “reward” party for Read more

If you have only one day free in Panama … or even just a half day… spend it crossing the Panama Canal! It will be well worth it.  Yes it is the number one tourist attraction of the tiny country, and one that has a varied and intersting history, once you scratch the surface.

Panama Canal Cruises has a quick and easy tour setup that only requires a few hours to get a chance to cross the Canal, as well as absorb a bit of history about it.

Our Panama Canal transit tour starts with an early morning pick up at your hotel in Panama City and a 15 minute drive to the Port of Balboa in the Pacific Read more

The Veneto Hotel and Casino is a new 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Via Espana, Panama’s renowned banking and financial district. The Veneto Hotel offers beautifully appointed accommodations, 4 superb restaurants, a full service SPA and a Las Vegas style casino. The casino has over 40,000 square foot of state of the art gaming space. For your recreation there is a large outdoor swimming pool, a modern urban Spa with a gymnasium offering different treatments, massages, facials, hydrotherapy and body treatment techniques that will renew your body and soul.

This hotel is owned and frequented by many Americans and Canadians. Best Poker Room, nice dealers, good rooms, fine entertainment, best sportsbook, and 24 hour a day action. Read more

Giggi Travel is a travel firm owned by George and Marty – American Expats. They are an excellent source for real estate deals, tours, gambling junkets, and golfing/fishing trips.

(Courtesy of www.thepanamareport.com)

We get a lot of questions everyday asking about Panama real estate. Which developers are trustworthy? Where is the next up-and-coming investment hotspot? How should you best invest your, say, $300,000? Because the Panama real estate market is so new, it can be extremely difficult, if not downright frustrating, to find good, reliable information. There exist a bunch of real estate information sites out there but the problem with them all, they’re trying to sell you real estate at the same time. How can you trust someone like that to be honest? more

The with two locations (el Cangrejo near the Veneto Hotel and Casine and on the Causeway) is the home of some delicious Italian style grub. Frequented by many gringos, the ambiance is sufficient, the English by the waitstaff is adequate and the service is a bit faster than in other places in Panama.

Now for the food– Very nicely priced pizzas ($4 to $5), excellent brushetta bread and outstanding Lasagna are worth the trip.

You might want to try mixed meats and cheese for an appetizer – very good. I have no idea why restaurants in the US do not do this. Try Havarti and Romano.

Expect to spend about $7 to $10 each. Make sure you make it here Read more