CURRENCY
The Balboa, on par and used interchangeably with the U.S. dollar. Panamá's own coins match U.S.coins in size and value, and are thus acceptable in casino slot machines.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the language.
CIVIC CLUB
- Lions Club
- Kiwanis Club
- Rotary Club
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
- January 1st: New Year
- January 9th: National day
- Tuesday Carnival
- Good Friday
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- November 3rd: National Day
- November 5th: National Day
- November 10th: National Day
- November 28th: National Day
- December 8th: Moter's Day
- December 25th: Christmas Day
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(During these days the school will be closed, but We WILL REPLACE YOUR CLASSES ANOTHER DAY. We work during all the year,
We DON'T CLOSE the school on DECEMBER, 2006).
Entry regulations. Valid passport, visa or tourist card which can be obtained through your airline or at Tocumen International Airport for $5.00. The tourist card is good for ninety days, renewable in Panama for two additional months. - Ticket to leave Panama/ or documents to enter another country.
- Proof of economic solvency.
Tourist who stay in Panama longer 90 days must obtain Paz y Salvo from the Finance Ministry and a Exit Permit (Permiso de Salida) from Immigration before departure.
Panama City, because of its geographical location, is full of cultural and ethnic contrasts. Panama offers the student an attractive diversity, from the colonial city to a modern city of skyscrapers; from the densest jungle in the world to the archipelago with one of the purest indigenous cultures left in the hemisphere- the Kunas. And Panama is much more than this. It is the robust salsa danced by its people, the human warmth of the Panamanian who confronts his difficulties with the rhythm of his happy "tamborito", a folk rhythm. Inside of this tropical happiness, we also find a world of international commerce and finance where you can find merchandise from all parts of the world at bargain prices year round.
Panama City can be divided into three different areas:
OLD PANAMA
Old Panama was the center for Spanish exploration and expansion in the direction of Central and South America as well as the center of commercial transactions between the Spanish colonies of the Pacific and the Spain and the Caribbean. The ruins of the Cathedral of Piedra, the Monasteries, the custom houses and stone bridges are found in Old Panama.
COLONIAL PANAMA
Colonial Panama was constructed with a fortress wall to prevent the attacks of pirates during the colonial era. Some of the houses have been converted into restaurant, and have retained the charm of the Spanish colonial epoch. Other sites of interest include museums, a restored cathedral and the "Arco Chato"- a marvel of architectural technology of the time.
MODERN PANAMA
Modern Panama is composed of modern buildings and a International Banking Center. In this area, we can include the Panama Canal, one of the most outstanding architectural feats of the contemporary world and a point of strategic importance between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Panama is also folklore, customs and traditions, which are faithfully represented by the central provinces of the country. Notable in Panamanian folklore are the dances, the music of the accordion and of the violin.
Panama is also a shopper's paradise. Most stores open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m seven days a week, though some close on Sundays. Many drugstores and supermarkets with multiple outlets are open 24 hours a day, and there are shopping centers grouping various stores with restaurants, banks, car rental, theaters, casinos,and other services.
Since the population of Panama is cosmopolitan, there are restaurants to cater to everyone - Spanish, Argentine, Italian, Peruvian, Korea, Indian, Mexican, Arabian, Kosher and many more specializing in the national styles of preparing meat, poultry, pasta, sea foods, vegetables and desserts. Panama's own cuisine is rich with condiments, specializing in soups, dishes cooked in oil, and vegetables dishes. The national dish is "Sancocho".
In Panama there are many historical culture museum. The most important is the Museum of the Panamanian Man, the Historical Museum, the Colonial Religious Art Museum, the Natural Science Museum, the Afro- Antillian Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the in-house Museum of the National Bank of Panama.
SAN BLAS ISLANDS
The home of the Kuna Indians who preserve their traditions and legends, their beliefs and myths, their Gods. Their language is rich and extensive. They practice monogamy and adultery is a crime. They engage in fishing and agriculture, they grow corn, rice, cocoa, yucca and coconut which is their main food.
The San Blas Archipelago has approximately 100 unnamed Keys, 113 with names and nearly 30 islands almost all coralliferous. It may take a whole year to tour one of his formations.
The San Blas adventure may be a sorjourn in an inhabited island to enjoy fishing, diving, its crystal like waters, getting sun-burned, or simply stretch out in a hammac rocked by breeze.
METROPOLITANO NATIONAL PARK & AMADOR BEACH
Natural Metropolitan Park is one the few dry parks within the metropolitan area of Latin America. Has an interpretative trail called The Mono Titi (TiTi Monkey). Its very convenient for birds observation. It is possible also to observe Titi monkey, the armadillo, the green iguana, the deer and the three-fingered sloth.
Amador Beach is a one and one half mile long man-made causeway. On Culebra Island there is a scientifical research institute and marine biological canter. This site also offers different opportunities to run, do bicycle riding, skate, stroll, swimming, exercise and fishing.
BEACHES PANAMA
The Pacific beaches. Choice of glistening white sand or sparkling black sand. Vast acrees of it. For swimming from, surfing from, running or jogging on.(Focus Panamá).
Contadora Island
About 37 miles in the Bay of Panama and called "heaven" by many people, because its a place where one can really get away from it all. (Turisguía).
Playa Coronado
An attractive beach resort with condominiums, supermarket, golf course, restaurant and other facilities.
SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK
Has an interpretative trail called the Gamboa Pond, also the road to the pipeline, very convenient for birds observation. Fauna: The "Gato Solo", peccary, the White Tail Deer, among the most representatives.
Flora: a wide variety of vines, naked indian, guicums and others.
TABOGA ISLAND
An exotic colonial landmark and picturesque resort, dated from the days of the "conquistadores". Also know as "The Island of Flowers" where you can fin cool and blue waters inviting to swimming, water skiing, fishing and diving.
BOCAS DEL TORO
In a land already rich in colorful cultural and biological diversity, one isolated area stands out. On the remote northwest coast of Panama the archipelago of Bocas del Toro features an uniquely Panamanian melange of the old and the new, exotic people and terrain that can be encapsulated in one word - charming. The magic that is "Bocas" is not missed. (Focus Panamá).
EL VALLE
An excellent mountain resort in the province of Cocle and about 62 miles away from Panama City, with sites worth visiting. This paradisiacal place raises 600 meters over the sea level, with a cool and pleasant climate. Here the famous golden frogs and the squared trees can be seen, unique in the world.
