Tag Archives: Panama City

Does Panama have a good domestic flight network?

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I want to travel the country, but I don’t want to have to rent a car and drive around.

Panama has an excellent network of domestic flights, that can get you to virtually any part of the country cheaply and quickly.  There are more than three domestic airstrips around the country, including on many of the islands on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts such as the Kuna Yala territory and the Las Perlas archipelago.  This makes it very easy to get around by air, as Panama is not a huge territory.  There are several airlines that ply these routes, and the two main airlines that fly domestically are Air Panama and Aeroperlas.  The main hub is the Marcos A. Gelabert airport in the Paitilla neighbourhood of Panama City, also knows as ‘Albrook Airport’.  Not all destinations have daily flights, and some are only seasonal, so you should check ahead to plan your itinerary.  Finally, there are also companies that do charter flights, and many private airstrips around the country as well.

Obarrio – Central Neighborhood – Panama City

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Obarrio is one of Panama City’s most prestigious central neighborhoods, set between El Cangrejo and San Francisco. A  blend of the commercial and residential, it is home to many swanky boutiques, shops and office buildings, as well as luxurious homes and condominiums. Many of Panama’s most high-end real estate projects are being erected in this neighborhood, and designer names are plentiful along Samuel Lewis Avenue. Names like Lalique, Ferrari, Ralph Lauren and Rolls Royce head the the gleaming store fronts.

Obarrio is also part of the city’s prestigious banking district with more than 100 international banks operating within Panama, attracting a elite suite of residents and business tenants.

 

Avenida Balboa

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Balboa Avenue is Panama’s most famous promenade and thoroughfare, stretching along the waterfront between the Casco Viejo (Old Town), the financial district and Punta Paitilla. It is lined with some of the city’s most prestigious projects overlooking the Bay of Panama, with luxury high-rises like Arts Tower, Hilton Hotel & Casino, Yacht Club and many more, shopping malls, restaurants and shops jockeying for position on this impressive roadway.

It has undergone an expansion to relieve traffic congestion by linking some of the city’s major roadways, and beautification of the waterfront, with an additional 35 hectares includes green zones, pedestrian walkways, sport facilities as well as cultural and recreational facilities. The expansion was completed in 2009, Balboa Avenue is one of the major attraction in its own right for residents and tourists alike.

Who is in charge of the Panama Canal?

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Is the Panamanian government in charge of the canal, or is it a private organization? Are any other countries involved?

The Panama Canal is under the control of the Panama government, and administered by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), a semi-autonomous government agency.  The operation of the shipping container ports at either end of the Canal was contracted out to a Hong-Kong based firm, Hutchison Whampoa.  The Canal used to be under US control, but in December 1999 the US relinquished control of this valuable shipping and trade hub, and withdrew their presence from the country.

Costa Del Este Panama City Republic of Panama

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Costa del Este is one of Panama City’s most modern neighborhoods, made up of planned residential communities, office buildings, shopping centers, banks, and an industrial park. Located east of the downtown core, Costa del Este was created by filling in more than 20 million cubic yards along the Bay of Panama in the country’s then-largest construction project. The resulting 310 hectare-project, is one of Panama’s most coveted waterfront neighborhoods, known for its high-end construction and ultra-modern amenities.
Costa del Este has become a showpiece of modern construction and careful planning; exquisitely landscaped, with residences ranging from modest to millionaire, it is a city within a city.Connected to the mainland by a two kilometer-long bridge, Costa del Este is fringed with mangroves on the east, and looks across the curve of the bay to the city lights just ten minutes away. Despite this proximity, Costa del Este is very much a world apart. Planned to the last detail, this ambitious project provides generous public spaces, with several parks (the largest of them 30 hectares, buffering the commercial and high-density residential areas), recreational areas, a central plaza, and a four kilometer-long pier. Most of the infrastructure is buried, leaving the views clean and uncluttered. Gardens run the lengthof the central boulevards, creating a welcoming and genteel atmosphere.

 

Casco Viejo

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Flanking Panama City’s gleaming high-rises and cosmopolitan allure lies the Old Town, or Casco Viejo, which thrived in the 17th century in the heyday of Spanish colonialism in Panama. It sits on the waterfront of the Bay of Panama, and the arc of the city can be seen rising in the distance. Much of the exquisite architecture has fallen to ruins, but restorations are under way breathing new life into the charming and colourful old district. Newly-restored buildings stand shoulder to shoulder to centuries-old ruins, giving the area a surreal and very appealing atmosphere.

Some of Panama City’s chicest cafés and restaurants are within the Casco Viejo, as is the presidential palace, the National Theater, several churches and cathedrals, and small plazas and parks adorned with statues of Panama’s heroes. Many of the renovations are being converted to stylish lofts and studios, art galleries and shops, making this one of Panama City’s most attractive neighborhoods and a popular tourist attraction.

Its latest starring role is as the setting for the newest Bond film, a Quantum of Solace. Panama attracted international attention last year as the film shot on location within the captivating quarters.

The Panamanian government is offering special incentives for the restoration of historical monuments and buildings with the Casco Viejo, including:

  • 10-year income tax exemption on the sale or rental income of properties
  • 30-year real estate tax exemption
  • total exemption on the 2% transfer tax of real estate on the first sale of properties valued above $50,000
  • preferential interest rates on loans
  • total import tax exemption for equipment and materials related to construction and restoration that are not available in Panama

Panama City Panama

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Panama City is the capital of Panama, and by far its biggest and most modern city. Known as the Hub of the Americas, its central location between North and South America, along with the Panama Canal and diverse banking sector, have made it one of the most important business centers in the region.

Perched on water’s edge on the Bay of Panama, its skyline, dominated by high-rise condominiums towers is reminiscent of Miami, Florida. The city has undergone a real estate boom in recent years, with unprecedented construction changing the landscape almost daily.

The city’s infrastructure is modern, offering advanced telecommunications and fiber optics, cutting edge medical facilities and a wealth of amenities reflecting the culturally diverse makeup of this crossroads of the world. 16th century Spanish colonialism, which can be seen in the city’s older architecture, particularly in the Casco Viejo (Old Town). The ruins of the city’s very first site (Panama Viejo), sacked in the 16th century, can also be found adjacent to some of the city’s more affluent residential suburbs. The Metropolitan Park, a 232-hectare swath of protected rainforest deemed the ‘Lungs of the City’, lies just to the west of the city with a rich diversity of birds, monkeys and other natural attractions for visitors.Tourism is also prevalent in Panama City, as travelers come to explore the city’s rich history dating back to the Panama City offers many hotels, restaurants with cuisines from around the world, casinos and a vibrant night life. Shopping is first-rate, with several excellent shopping centers to choose from, and the world’s top designer boutiques all have storefronts in the city.

The banking district in the city’s center is represented by more than 100 banks from around the world, attracting a great deal of international commerce to Panama.

The nearby presence of the Colon Free Zone (the largest free zone in the Americas, and second largest in the world after Hong Kong) and the Panama Canal also ensure the city sees a strong flow of international business and tourism. Panama City is made up of many small, often self-contained neighborhoods:

Altos de Panama Coco del Mar Los Angeles
Altos del Golf Costa del Este Marbella
Balboa Avenue Costa Sur Obarrio
Bay of Panam Dos Mares Paitilla
Bella Vista El Cangrejo Punta Pacifica
Betania El Carmen San Francisco
Calle 50 El Dorado San Gerardo de Mayela
Campo Lindbergh Fuente Alameda/La Alameda Tocumen
Casco Viejo La Cresta Via Argentina
Cerro Viento La Loma Via España

What’s the best way to get to Boquete from Panama City?

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My family and I are flying into the capital, but are looking for the best ways to get to Boquete

The best way to get to Boquete is to go by way of David, the Chiriqui province’s capital.  You can get flights from Panama City (PTY) to David (DAV), or you can rent for the 7-hour drive; but national flights are relatively inexpensive, so you might want to consider flying.  Once in David, you can rent a car or take a shuttle, about 45 minutes to boquete. I highly recommend the Boquete Shuttle service, which runs air-conditioned shuttle vans with free cold beer, wine, soda and water.  For more information, check out www.boqueteshuttle.com.

How can I get a driver’s license in Panama?

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If I have a US driver’s license, is it possible to get a driver’s license in Panama? How complicated is it?

First of all, you can only obtain a Panama driver’s license if you are a resident of Panama.  If you have temporary residency, then your license will be issued for the duration of your residency only.  Tourists cannot get a driver’s license, but a foreign driver’s license is valid for 90 days (same as the tourist visa).  There are 4 main steps: getting your US driver’s license authenticated at the US embassy, $30; having it then authenticated by the Panama Ministry of Foreign Relations $4 (including stamps from the nearby Banco Nacional); getting your blood typed at a laboratory; and bringing all the documentation, including your passport and proof of residency, to the SERTRACEN office (contracted by the Transit Authority), where you will have a hearing and vision test $40, and they will issue your Panama Driver’s license.  The whole process usually takes about 2 days.

What is the flight time from Orlando to Panama City?

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If you are flying direct from Orlando to Panama, the flight time is about 3 hours 25 minutes.  Airlines that fly direct from Orlando to Panama City include Copa Airlines, which has daily direct flights, and Continental Airlines.  On average Copa’s direct flights are usually much cheaper.

Have they set the site for Panama City’s Carnival this year?

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I’ve heard a few different locations have been proposed, and I want to start making travel arrangements

A representative from Calidonia has put in a bid to the Carnival Board, but hasn’t yet made a formal proposal to the national tourism authority, the Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP), which said the route will be decided next Monday, February 1. The representative from Calidonia said its district would be the best route because of its wide streets. If Calidonia does host Carnival this year, the route will go from 34th Street, Avenida Cuba and Justo Arosemena and then end at the Plaza 5 de Mayo. This year’s carnival will be February 13 to the 16. There are celebrations parties all around the country, and the Las Tablas carnival in the Los Santos province are some of the best

Where are some of the best sites for bird watching near Panama City?

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I’m looking forward to doing some birding and would appreciate all recommendations

One of the great things about birding in Panama is that a good amount of sites are relatively close to the Canal Zone, where major birding attractions can be about 1hr from your hotel.  This includes Cerro Azul, a private mountain community about an hour from Panama City; the Bayano lowlands, two hours from Panama City and the westernmost limits for some Darien species; Nusagandi, a preserve managed by the Kuna Indians with rare birds like the green manakin; Old Gamboa Road, a 30-minute drive from Panama City; Pipeline Road, which starts at the end of Gamboa (check out the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center there, run by the Avifauna Foundation); Metropolitan Park, the largest tropical forest park in Central America; and Achiote Road, known for its raptors.

Are there any direct flights from Panama City to Pedasí?

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I know there is an airport there, are there regular flights running to the big city?

Starting February 5th 2010, Aeroperlas Regional will begin operating two flights a week from Panama City’s Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (Albrook airport)  to Pedasí.  The flight is 55 minutes long, and departs at 11:15 Mondays and Fridays.

Trump Tower Looms Large on Panama’s Horizon

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Headline:

Trump Tower Looms Large on Panama’s Horizon

Summary:

As the construction date draws near, www.PanamaReals.com offers clients access to the latest in Donald Trump’s exciting real estate venture, the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower in Panama City.

Release:

With just a month left before breaking ground, Donald Trump’s first signature development in Central America is quickly selling out.  The announcement of the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower created a sensation in May when Mr Trump unveiled the plans for the 2.4 million square foot project, to be located in one of Panama City’s hottest new districts.

Featuring 500 condominium units and 300 hotel units, the 65-story waterfront tower design flares like a fully deployed sail over Punta Pacifica, Panama City, and competition is heating up for what remains of some of the most affordable Trump real estate in the world. Visit TrumpOceanClub.com for a list of remaining units and current prices.

No expense has been spared to maintain the Trump standard of ultimate living.  The luxurious multi-use project is estimated at $220 million, making it the largest real estate investment in Latin America.  Clients will have use of a yacht and fishing club, a full-service spa with Turkish baths, international casino, business center, boutiques, restaurants within the complex, and an exclusive beach club set on an island, a 60-minute ferry ride away.  Details on the project’s amenities can be found at TrumpOceanClub.com

The business magnate’s name is not the only allure – Panama is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for investment, retirement and vacation real estate, matching low-cost living with modern amenities.  Conde Nast, International Living and Modern Maturity have all ranked it among the best places in the world for real estate and retirement.  The health care system is also attracting its fair share of health tourism, offering high-quality medical services at a fraction of North American prices.

Pristine beaches, political and economic stability and a rich incentive program for retirement and foreign investment have made Panama a clear favorite as a setting for this latest Trump venture.