It would be very hard for anyone today to imagine what the Panama Canal Zone was like in its heyday, which would have been in the 1940s and 50s. It was after the Suez Crisis of 1956 when Egypt took control of its Canal that the whole question of sovereignty over the Panama Canal and the Canal Zone began to change: you could say the whole process of decolonization in the developing world which was strongly backed by the U.S. after WWII, put an end to America’s oldest colony. But while the Canal Zone was in existence it can’t be denied that it was the most stunning commune ever built: the planning of the Canal Zone was like something straight Read more

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