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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There are so many islands in Panama to explore, from Bocas del Toro to the San Blas Islands. In fact, San Blas Islands have over 300 islands and cays/cayes — Panama is truly a beach lover’s paradise. Also, Bocas del Toro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because of this, it’s very easy to find a spectacular beach for relaxation, snorkeling, and more![/vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Like Belize, Peru, and many countries in the region, most of the population in Panama is Mestizo. Mestizo people are a mix of indigenous and Spanish descent.
Panama’s culture is a mixture of indigenous/native Panamanian, African, Chinese, Spanish, and many more. The country even has a diverse group of indigenous cultures, and all of them are autonomous.
For example, the Guna Yala is one of Panama’s five indigenous territories and many live in the San Blas Islands.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1659531714452{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Like its neighbors Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama is a hub for biodiversity. It’s covered almost entirely by rainforest, mountain cloud forests, and mangrove wetlands, there are also hundreds of beaches. Even the capital city has a forest nearby.
Because it’s a hotbed for biodiversity, you’ll find many exotic and diverse animals, including dolphins, howler monkeys, starfish, and sloths.[/vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Panama City has a unique nightlife, from rooftop bars/terraces and bars. To clubs/discos and lounges, Panama (specifically Panama City) is a great place to visit for nightlife options.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1659533183090{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Like other Central and South American countries, Panama is fairly affordable. For instance, Uber is widely used in Panama City and is very cheap. The most I paid for an Uber ride was $19.50 to, and from, Tocumen International Airport. Also, the price for my Airbnb was VERY reasonable and affordable for three people. We only paid $168 per person for three nights/four days.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”covid19-entry”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Please note: This is based on my travels (June 2022), you should check their Tourism Board for updated information.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner simple_background_color=”#f7f2ee” css=”.vc_custom_1688484058530{padding-bottom: 15px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]To enter you must:[/vc_column_text]
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You can get around quickly (and affordably) with Uber. Or, you can also take a taxi, but I avoided this because I didn’t want to negotiate prices.
Uber isn’t available so the only way to get around is via bike or taxi. If you’re looking to island-hop, then you can take water taxis which are very cheap.
There are a few ways to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City (and vice versa). The quickest, and easiest, option is to fly with AirPanama.com at the Albrook International Airport (PAC). It’s important you go to PAC and not Tocumen International Airport (PTY) as Air Panama only flies out of PAC. Because of this, it’s also important to give yourself enough time to transfer between PTY and PAC. I personally gave myself a full day in Panama City before flying to Bocas del Toro.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”currency”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]The official currencies are the balboa and the US dollar. The balboa has a 1:1 exchange rate with the US dollar, so it’s easy for US tourists to convert.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”blog-posts”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Background Every year I celebrate my birthday in another state or country. In fact, I celebrated my birthday in Spain, Colombia, and even Belize for prior birthdays. This year, I went to Panama for six days and split my time between
