Being rich in diversity, gringos tend to not feel like they are in a foreign country while living in Panama. The numerous American shopping brands and fast foods around with the international vibe of the country make them forget that they are living outside of their countries. Although it feels like home to live in Panama, never forget one thing that you are a guest.
Since you are the guest, then you should be the one who adjust yourself with Panamanian culture. You cant expect them to adjust with what you already had and you should try to be a good guest although sometimes you may fail. The most important thing to understand the culture in Panama is to learn how you should behave among the native so you aren’t judged as an ungrateful guest.
Understanding the Culture of Panama before Entering
Panama’s Perception of Time
While most american’s are used to be on time in every situation due to the tight time that they have, Panamanian are different. If you are invited to a dinner party and the whole members of it come late even one or two hours after the dinner, you should be calm and quite because this is a common thing.
They don’t strict to any schedule because what they focus more is not about when you will come, but the fact that everyone is gathering around and maintaining a good relationship through the event. So it is fine for them to extend the dinner time for two hours if necessary just to have everyone joining in there.
Understanding the Culture of Panama before Entering
Panama’s Social Norms
Although Panamas are having a high tolerance in different lifestyles and religions, there are some social norms you need to follow to make you engage easily with the natives. Most people in Panama have a neat appearance when they walk out. Men with shorts and sandals are considered too casual. Also, men should not go out shirtless as it is very uncommon.
When people meet, they are very friendly to each other. Men shake hands if they meet and sometimes they also hug if they have a close relationship. The same thing also happens between women in Panama when they meet. However, touching someone while he or she is doing a conversation tends to be impolite as Panamanian has a good values others’ personal space.
Giving titles when greeting is also necessary as they tend to add Don before a surname for men and Dona for women. This is just like Gringos are greeting people with Sir or Mrs. Although it sounds too formal, this is how the people behave to respect each other.
Panama’s culture in society is also different from the US as Panamanian tend to be very close to their relatives. They even love to travel around together with the whole family rather than a romantic holiday as a couple.
Moreover, many Panamanian are even still living under the same roof after they are getting married. It is very normal to have multiple generations living in the same house.
Being tropical all year round, Panama has become destinations for many people who want to enjoy an attractive nature on sunny days. It is a host for many fascinating cities that worth a getaway. Being a gringo in Panama perhaps knows little about this country. Here, some amazing cities that you need to stop by.
4 Amazing Cities in Panama Worth Visit
Penonome
As a capital city of Cocle Province, Penonome is famous for its picturesque small village called El Valle de Anton. This old village is surrounded by ancient volcanic caldera and makes it the oldest volcanic site occupied by people. The locals use a bicycle for transportation and like to hike and swim. Nature becomes the main attraction of this village where there is an orchid conservatory with thousands of plant species or an amphibian rescue station with hundreds of species. Otherwise, go to the closest forest to know about interesting bird species or just stroll around El Valle valleys to admire a striking set of waterfalls and if lucky meet the rare golden frogs.
David
Another amazing city is David which happens to be the capital city of Chiriqui Province. This city has some wonderful attractions such as Volcan Baru, the highest peak in Panama. It is a perfect location to enjoy sunrise and sunset as you can see amazing views of CostaRica and both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. There is also Gulf lies along the Pacific coastline where its marine parks become home to of hectares coral reefs. There also lies Coiba National Park where you can spot humpback whale from May to November.
4 Amazing Cities in Panama Worth Visit
Santiago
Santiago, the capital city of Veraguas Province is where a tranquil fishing village called Santa Catalina is located. However, this what makes gringos adore this place the most. It is not only home to fantastic beaches but also famous surfing and diving locations. This place is a dream for many surfers because it has the most impressive waves in Panama. Besides well known for its snorkeling and diving spots, Santiago also has nice white sand beaches where you can see fishermen pull up their boats and unload their catch before going back to Choiba. Not to mention idyllic landscapes and warm locals or a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy horseback riding.
Panama City
As the largest city and provincial capital, it offers many interesting places when you want to enjoy modernity. Lavish bola gelinding resorts, shopping malls, and flashy skyscrapers can be easily found here. Although people may like to use a taxi to go somewhere, it’s worth walking on cobblestone streets and enjoying colonial buildings and historic sections, Casco Viejo in the middle of a modern city. Admiring the contrasting view of modern and colonial buildings can be done conveniently as the city is friendly for pedestrians.
Panama hosts numerous fantastic beaches with coastline face directly to Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Both wavy and calm beaches can be discovered here. Just know what kind of atmosphere you want, there is always a beach to visit in Panama. Here, a few lists of beautiful beaches in Panama worth stopover by gringos.
San Blas Islands’ beaches
Looking for a quiet escape, San Blas Islands offers remote white sandy beaches with azure water along with small islands where palm trees waving in the wind. It is a perfect choice for you who want to temporarily disconnect from the busy world. However, never expect something luxurious here although you can use a private yacht to sightsee this island along the way. Get prepared as you will get rustic accommodation provided by Kuna people, the owner of this island. They will serve you three meals a day and transport to explore pretty beaches and other magical places around the island.
4 Beautiful Beaches for Your Getaway in Panama
Starfish Beach
Like its name, the beach has azure water and become the home of many starfish where you can easily find them. Located in the backside of Isla colon making this beach safe from ocean waves so that it becomes a nice destination for a family with small children. Gringos often enjoy this small beach by laze on it, swimming, kayaking, or renting floating chair for sunbath. If you want to challenge your adrenaline, you can try to go wakeboarding. After doing those activities, go to the back of the beach to find local restaurants where you can enjoy tasty foods and waving palm trees under the breeze.
Red Frog Beach
This incredible beach is located in the Bocas Del Toro region. Its interesting name was taken from the name of a small frog that lives in the Isla Bastimentos. Although it is well-known among visitors, the beach is quite large and has small waves so it is perfect for gringos who want to enjoy swimming. Or if you don’t want to get into the water, then just lying under an umbrella or on the chairs for sunbathing. They are available for rent at low prices. If you don’t want to spend money on that just spread your towel under the lining of palm trees. It is easy to find restaurants near the beach if you are craving food.
4 Beautiful Beaches for Your Getaway in Panama
Isla Coiba Beach
Wanna take a break from your busy days? Isla Coiba is a perfect destination. This pristine beach has an uninhabited jungle and a small island with its white sand just offshore. Some parts of this beach have tranquil waters while others are commonly visited by surfers to enjoy its large waves. Gringos who want to enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving can put Isla Coiba beach into their list.
Bottom line
Panama has many beautiful beaches that can give you a wonderful http://178.128.216.33 experience. Starting from tranquil beaches for little escape to challenging beaches where you can boost the adrenaline by doing various perplexing water activities can be found here.
Famous for its metropolitan cities and beautiful nature, there are many interesting things to do whenever you are in Panama. Gringos who want to enjoy adventure will always find a place to go. Here, some of the best adventures in Panama that shouldn’t be missed by Gringos.
Galloping through tree canopy at El Valle and Boquete
Boost your adrenaline by joining treetops canopy adventure in Panama. In this adventure, you have to climb high and reaching the treetop platform and are equipped with a harness. Then, you will be ready to zip through using a crane that fastened to a cable. Along the way, you will get a memorable experience by observing wildlife with its interesting species of birds from a different point of this forest. This canopy ride can be enjoyed in El Valle and Boquete.
The Greatest Adventure Options in Panama
Trekking at Camino Real path
Camino Real is very popular in Panama. It is a cobblestone path that was previously used to transport gold from Pacific to Caribbean Sea. This is the best location for gringos who want to test how strong their legs are. People often finish finishing this path within 3 days, starting with exploring Chagres River using a canoe, staying overnight at Embera Indian Village, and end up admiring a jungle which becomes a home for various bird species. Along the path, you will stay in the tents at night. Then, you will be returned passing the railroad to know how its construction supporting coastal access.
Surfing in Bocas del Toro
Panama has abundant surfing spots where gringos can train their surfing skills. Pacific coastline is very popular among visitors, particularly at Santa Catalina where it at the same time people also can enjoy its beautiful natural view and judi deposit pulsa. However, Bocas del Toro offers everything that surfers need as the waves here are various. You can find beach areas that have friendly waves for beginner to challenging Hawaiian waves for expert surfers. Moreover, Bocas has clear blue water you can admire the reef from its surface. This location is also packed with lodging, restaurants, and many nightlife places to go.
Kayaking at Kuna Yala
Even though diving is a prohibited activity in this place, you can enjoy Kuna Yala with other interesting activities such as kayaking. Gringos will get an amazing experience exploring mangrove swamps and the beauty of a small island that is well-known among visitors. In the middle of the kayaking journey, you can join a cultural tour when stop by traditional Kuna communities. Gringos are often taking part in this kayaking tour by employing local guides. People outside Panama that join this tour need to have permission from the Kuna community chief and the local guide helps you to do with it.
Sum up
Gringos can enjoy the beauty of Panama differently by joining the adventure available here. Look for the information about the adventure service you want to join.
