Beginner's Guide to Panama http://beginnersguide.com/panama/ Panama en Copyright 2007 Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:09:01 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.35 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Chiriqui Province The Chiriqui Province in West Panama is on the border of Costa Rica. Chiriqui Province offers a wide variety of attractions including highland and beach destinations, Indian cultures, idyllic retirement communities, world class rafting, kayaking, birding and hiking.

A-frame Swedish style houses adorn the landscape of Chiriqui Province leaving behind remnants and evidence of the Europeans who came to Panama to work on the canal and railroad projects and found themselves at home in the pristine highlands of Chiriqui.

The slopes of Volcan Baru, Panama’s highest peak and only Volcano are covered in a rich, black and fertile soil that has made Chiriqui’s highlands the agricultural lifeline for the rest of Panama. Everything from potatoes, sweet oranges, exotic flowers, strawberries and of course the highland coffee that has recently been inducted to the international coffee arena, seems to grow in a colorful cornucopia.

The Volcan Baru lies in the center of the province bordered on either side by the small towns of Boquete to the east and Cerro Punta to the west.

The capital of the Chiriqui Province, David, is the crossroads for those traveling through and within Chiriqui. Inexpensive flights from Panama, Bocas del Toro and Costa Rica arrive at the tiny airport making it a cost and time effective way to travel to Chiriqui. Chiriqui Province is a treasure find for the nature lover with so much activity, culture and enchanting villages.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-major-cities-and-regions/chiriqui-province.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-major-cities-and-regions/chiriqui-province.php Panama Major Cities and Regions Thu, 25 May 2006 21:31:28 +0000 Colon Province Less than 2 hours by car, on a good highway, from Panama City, is the extraordinary Colon Province. On the Atlantic Caribbean Sea, this province has a wide variety of attractions, from beautiful beaches and islands, fascinating historical sites, the larges Free Trade Zone outside Hong Kong, a state of the art cruise port, world-class bird watching, diving and snorkeling and a spectacular 5 star hotel and convention center on the Panama Canal.

The Caribbean province of Colon has seen some colorful history. From the Spanish, harried by scavenging pirates, to the 19th century gold rush 49ers from the east coast of the United States, to the 20th century construction of the Panama Canal. The Colon Province tempts its visitors with their turquoise waters, palm fringed bays, tropical flowers and forested hills. While seeing the sights you can also scuba dive, snorkel, or just spend a day or two relaxing on the island of Isla Grande.


Resources:

WWW.PANAMATOURS.COM
WWW.PANAMAINFO.COM
WWW.PANCANAL.COM

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-major-cities-and-regions/colon-province.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-major-cities-and-regions/colon-province.php Panama Major Cities and Regions Thu, 25 May 2006 21:32:06 +0000 Panama Pre 20th Century History The earliest known inhabitants of Panama were the Cuevas and the Coclé cultures, but disease and the sword of the Spanish devastated their numbers when they arrived in the 16th century. After several assaults along the country's Caribbean shore, the Spanish established a settlement, Nombre de Dios, at the mouth of the Río Chagres on the Caribbean coast in 1510. Panama's Pacific coast later became the springboard for invasions of Peru, and the wealth generated by these raids was carried overland from the Pacific port of Panama City to Nombre de Dios. The transport of wealth attracted pirates, and by the 18th century the Caribbean was so dangerous that Spanish ships began bypassing Panama and sailing directly from Peru around Cape Horn to reach Europe.

Panama went into decline, and became a province of Colombia when the South American nation received its independence in 1821. In 1846, Colombia signed a treaty permitting the USA to construct a railway across the cape and to defend it with military force. The idea of a canal across the isthmus had been broached even in the 16th century, but a French attempt to build one in 1880 resulted in the death of 22,000 workers from malaria and yellow fever and bankruptcy for everyone involved. A Frenchman who stood to gain handsomely from a US buyout of the French rights to build a canal was named envoy extraordinary by Washington, and he negotiated and signed a canal treaty with the USA, despite the objections of the Colombian government. The financial and strategic interests of the US momentarily coincided with the sentiments of Panama's revolutionaries, and a revolutionary junta declared Panama independent on November 3, 1903, with the overt support of the USA.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/panama-pre-20th-century-history.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/panama-pre-20th-century-history.php Panama Overview and History Thu, 25 May 2006 21:32:52 +0000 Panama Canal History The Isthmus of Panama has been utilized as a transit route anytime man wanted to migrate up and down the American continent. A sea level canal crossing the Isthmus has been a dream ever since Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513.

In 1534, Charles V, the King of Spain, ordered the first studies for the formation of a canal channel for the Isthmus. Even though this idea never transpired, the Spaniards built roads paved with stone that were used to transport, by mules, tons of gold and silver coming from Peru, bound for Spain.

In 1880, a French company directed by Ferdinand de Lesseps, the builder of the Suez Canal, began the construction of the Panama Canal. De Lesseps was forced to abandon the project after seven years of fighting diseases and the insurmountable problems of the jungle terrain.

In 1903, the province of Panama declared its independence from Colombia and immediately signed the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty that authorized the United States to start construction of the Panama Canal in 1904. The canal was completed and began operation on August 15, 1914 when the U.S. cargo ship Ancon made a historic first transit while the war raged in Europe.

The Panama Canal is located in the narrowest part of the American continent and the lowest region of the Panamanian isthmus and is still considered one of the most amazing engineering marvels of the world. The Panama Canal provides easy and reliable crossings from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back for more than 750 thousand vessels. Ships all of the world are built to fit the three sets of double locks that are part of the 50 mile long water way.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/panama-canal-history.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/panama-canal-history.php Panama Overview and History Thu, 25 May 2006 21:34:28 +0000 Panama's Modern History The canal treaty granted the United States rights in perpetuity over land on both sides of the canal and a broad right of intervention in Panamanian affairs. The treaty led to friction between the two countries for decades, partly because it was clearly favorable to the United States at the expense of Panama and partly because Colombia refused to acknowledge Panama's independence until 1921 when the USA finally paid Colombia 25 million dollars in compensation. The USA began to build the canal in 1904, and 10 years later, the first ship negotiated the engineering marvel. The US intervened in Panama's affairs repeatedly up until 1936, when it relinquished its right to use troops outside the Canal Zone. The two countries continued to argue over the canal contract until a new treaty was signed in 1977. Panama formally regained control of the canal in 1999 at a ceremony attended by Mexico's president, Spain's king and former US president Jimmy Carter, but not by any senior US officials.

General Manuel Noriega took control of the country in 1984. A former head of Panama's secret police and a CIA operative, Noriega’s principal concerns during the 1980s were murdering political opponents, quashing democracy, drug trafficking and money laundering, activities which eventually attracted US sanctions and the freezing of Panamanian assets. When the winning candidate of the 1989 presidential election was beaten on national TV and the election declared null and void, Noriega's administration became an international embarrassment. Noriega appointed himself head of government on December 15, 1989 and announced that Panama was at war with the United States. The following day the Pentagon claimed Panamanian soldiers killed an unarmed US soldier dressed in civilian clothes. The Panamanian version of events was that the soldier was not only armed but that he had shot and injured three civilians before running a roadblock.

The US called in 26,000 troops for Operation Just Cause. The intention of the invasion was to bring Noriega to justice and create a democracy, but instead left more than 2000 civilians dead and thousands more homeless.

Noriega escaped capture by US troops for six days by claiming asylum in the Vatican embassy. US forces surrounded the embassy and compelled the Vatican to release him. Noriega was sent to the US, where he was convicted on money laundering charges and is currently serving a 40-year prison sentence in Florida.

The legitimate winner of the 1989 presidential election, Guillermo Endara, was sworn in as president. But Endara proved to be an ineffective leader whose policies cut jobs and cost his administration the popularity it initially enjoyed. In the 1994 elections, the fairest in recent Panamanian history, Ernesto Pérez Balladares came into office. Under his direction, the Panamanian government implemented a program of privatization and focused on infrastructure improvements, health care and education. Pérez Balladares was not allowed to run for a second term, and in September 1999 Mireya Moscoso, the widow of popular former president Arnulfo Arias, Panama's first female leader and head of the conservative Arnulfista Party (PA), took office.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/panamas-modern-history.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/panamas-modern-history.php Panama Overview and History Thu, 25 May 2006 21:35:22 +0000 Historical Sites in Panama The Metropolitan Cathedral in Casco Viejo, is without a doubt the most meaningful structure, and best reflects the Spanish presence due to the buildings dimensions and age. The construction of this building lasted more than 108 years. In front of the cathedral is a large plaza that the community reunited on November 3, 1903 in order to declare its separation from Columbia. It was at that moment that the Republic of Panama was born, with much jubilation. Surrounding the plaza is the Municipal Palace that was occupied by the French when they began construction of the Panama Canal. This building is being completely remodeled to house a museum that will depict the construction, function, importance and future of the canal.

Other churches and parks or plazas exist, such as the park dedicated to Liberador Simon Bolivar, the Church of San Fransisco, National Theater, Hotel Colonial and Bolivar College, which illustrate details to those visiting the historic area.


Resources:
WWW.PANAMAINFO.COM
WWW.INFOPLEASE.COM
WWW.EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/historical-sites-in-panama.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-overview-and-history/historical-sites-in-panama.php Panama Overview and History Thu, 25 May 2006 21:36:15 +0000 Panama Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Overview One of the favorite pastimes of Panamanians and visitors is enjoying the Caribbean and Pacific Beaches. Both coasts have beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, white sand, coral reefs and coconut palm trees. These qualities make places such as Bocas del Toro, Portobelo and the San Blas islands in the Caribbean ideal vacation spots for sun-seekers and scuba divers.

On the other side and only a few minutes drive from Panama City, you can find 50 miles of Pacific Beaches stretching from Punta Chame to Farallon offering resort hotels, sport facilities, and restaurants for your enjoyment. Sailing enthusiasts can also have their fun in those quiet waters and visit the flower-island of Taboga or the enchanting Pearl Archipelago.

Panama is the ideal country for the closest contact to a rainforest. It's the only Latin America capital surrounded by rainforest less than ten minutes away from its center and with an easy access to three National Parks. Panama offers you Nationals Parks, declared Biosphere Reserve and Mankind Heritage. Panama’s Rainforest have the richest variety of flora and fauna around the world in the Darien National Park, where more than 10,000 species of plants and 1000 species of birds live together.


You can walk and enjoy the Rainforest of the Barú Volcano National Park, and International Park La Amistad in Chiriqui Province Highlands.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary-overview.php Panama Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 25 May 2006 21:36:56 +0000 Panama Vacation - Day 1 Itinerary Even the seasoned Kayaker will be pleasantly surprised to discover the beauty of Gatun Lake. This important waterway, in combination with the lust forest that surrounds it, makes this kayaking adventure exceptional. Your journey will begin by traveling to Gamboa in the Soberania National Park. You will board a fast boat and head north in the Panama Canal to Monkey Island near the middle of Gatun Lake. Along the way you will have an opportunity to see large ships as they pass through the isthmus. Wildlife is abundant and chances are great for catch a glimpse of monkeys, Snail Kites and Ospreys. The lake also has a few manatees and on occasion sightings of large crocodiles sunning themselves on banks adds to this extraordinary quest.

Gatun Lake forms a major component of the Panama Canal. The lake, including the flooded arm extending up the Chagres River makes up 20 miles of the raised part of the waterway. The lake is important as a reservoir of water for the operation of the canal locks. Each time a ship transits the canal, 53 million gallons of water is passed from the lake into the sea, with over 14,000 vessel transits per year. Since rainfall is seasonal in Panama the lake acts as a water store, allowing the canal to continue operation through the dry season.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacation-day-1-itinerary.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacation-day-1-itinerary.php Panama Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 25 May 2006 21:38:26 +0000 Panama Vacation - Day 2 Itinerary Embark in a dugout canoe and cruise up the Pequeni River in the Chagres National Park to a community of the Embera Puru Indians. This spectacular adventure will offer you an opportunity to see a developing community co-existing within the watershed of the Panama Canal. During your visit you can have a typical Embera lunch, which you will burn off when the Embera Indians invite you to dance. You won’t need any rhythm just a sense of adventure. The children in the community always have smiles on their face and at the end of your day you will be welcomed to paint your body as the Embera do, with a natural fruit dye called Jagua that last approximately 10 to 14 days. You will also have the opportunity to view Embera handicrafts. Many visits find it difficult to leave this tropical paradise without feeling that they're in on a secret the rest of the traveling world has yet to discover.

The Chagres River and Lake Alajuel are the first places that you have to visit when you get to the park. The Chagres River is perfect for rafting. Lake Alajuela is great for fishing and watersport activities like waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing and swimming. You can camp almost anywhere in this park and enjoy bird watching or just spend the night in a tropical forest.

There is a lot of interesting history in the park because the Spanish conquerors had two routes they used as a way of carrying the gold and sliver from their colonies in South American. In the Cerro Azul region, specifically on top of Cerro Jefe, you will have a spectacular view of the Panama Canal and on a clear day you can see the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacation-day-2-itinerary.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacation-day-2-itinerary.php Panama Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 25 May 2006 21:39:05 +0000 Panama Vacation - Day 3 Itinerary Panama is well known for the Canal and many visitors would like to see more than just the locks. Some take a partial or full canal transit. You can travel to Amador causeway on the pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and from there you head to Balboa to the Administration building of the Panama Canal. You will then travel along the railroad passing by former military bases Albrook Airfield and Fort Clayton before arriving at the first set of locks. You may see vessels as they transit through Miraflores Locks. There is an exceptional viewing Center that will help you understand this engineering marvel. After about 2 hours you then head north passing Pedro Miguel Locks, the smallest of all three locks to Gamboa. Gamboa, which is in the center of the 55,000-acre Soberania Park, on the banks of the Rio Chagres. Unlike most visitors who only peer at the canal from the locks, you can take a fast boat through the Panama Canal and through Gatun Lake. You can navigate your way up the waterway passing jungle islands and vessels making your way to Gatun Locks.

The Waterway Orientation Service, operated by the Panama Canal Commission, welcomes visitors at the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the Isthmus. A special spectator area provides a vantage point for viewing transiting ships. At the visitors center, a topographical model and pictures provide you with more information about the operation of the Canal. Bilingual guides are also available with all the details, information and statistics of the Canal.

At the Gatun Locks, on the Atlantic side, there is also a pavilion but no guides are available. Other places of historical interest around the Canal on the Pacific are Stevens Circle, the port of Balboa, the Crafts Plaza in front of the Balboa Theater, the Administration Building with its beautiful high dome ceiling and mural paintings depicting the digging of Gaillard Cut at Gold Hill and the Summit Botanical Garden where these is an interesting display of animals found in the surrounding rainforest, and trees and plants are identified with small signs. The garden also offers picnic and playground areas.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacation-day-3-itinerary.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/panama-vacation-day-3-itinerary.php Panama Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 25 May 2006 21:39:45 +0000 Practical Information For Your Panama Vacation Panama has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity, with an average temperature around 80 – 90 degrees. The rainy season is from May to November and the summers are from December to April. The rainfall is of a tropical nature, falling for 1 to 2 hours in the afternoon.
Citizens from the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia are not required to have a visa for a stay up to 90 days.

Protection against Malaria, Typhoid, Infectious Hepatitis and Polio is recommended and you should consult a travel clinic for the latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria.

When packing, remember to pack for essentially hot conditions. Lightweight clothing is essential though a warm sweater is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands. Waterproofing is essential. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of the year. Long trousers and long sleeved shirts are recommended on jungle walks. Lightweight trail and walking boots for jungle walks and comfortable shoes and sandals are a must. Don’t forget a sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, umbrella and a water bottle. Binoculars are very useful for bird and animal spotting. Snorkel kits and masks can be rented locally.


Resources:
WWW.PANAMATOURS.COM
WWW.LONELYPLANET.COM

WWW.PANCANAL.COM

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/practical-information-for-your-panama-vacation.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/panama-vacations-a-one-to-3-day-itinerary/practical-information-for-your-panama-vacation.php Panama Vacations: A One to 3 Day Itinerary Thu, 25 May 2006 21:40:55 +0000 Panama Overview and History panahist.jpg

Panama Pre 20th Century History

Panama Canal History

Panama's Modern History

Historical Sites in Panama

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-overview-and-history.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-overview-and-history.php Newbie's Picks Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:02:04 +0000 Panama - The People and Culture panacult.jpg

Panama - The People and Culture Overview

Spanish Presence in Panama

Panama's Ethnic Cultures

Effects Of The California Gold Rush on Panama

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-the-people-and-culture.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-the-people-and-culture.php Newbie's Picks Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:04:52 +0000 Panama - Major Cities and Regions panacity.jpg

Panama - Major Cities and Regions Overview

Bocas Del Toro

Boquete

Casco Viejo

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-major-cities-and-regions.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-major-cities-and-regions.php Newbie's Picks Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:05:53 +0000 Panama Activities and Attractions panaattr.jpg

Panama Activities and Attractions Overview

Bird watching In Panama

The Panama Canal

Panama Historical Tours

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-activities-and-attractions.php http://beginnersguide.com/panama/newbies-picks/panama-activities-and-attractions.php Newbie's Picks Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:09:01 +0000