Panama

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Efficient express bus services go to most towns from Panama city. Most of these regular services have air-conditioning but are otherwise often in poor condition.

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Panama is bordering both the Caribbean Sean and the Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. covers a total area of 75,417 square kilometres and has a coastline of 2,490 kilometres.

The climate in Panama is tropical with high temperatures and humidity and not much seasonal variations.

There are 5 sites in Panama listed on the World Heritage List. You can view the listed properties here: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pa). Panama’s listed properties include:

Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama.  Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo. Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection

Carnival de Las Tablas is the most famous cultural even in Panama, which takes place every year in March. Traditional folk songs and dances are performed and creates a lively and colourful celebration, which symbolizes harmony and togetherness.

The most important cultural event in Panama is the Fiestas Patrias which celebrates the country’s separation from Colombia in 1903 as well as the nation’s Flag Day, making it a particularly patriotic event.

The Panama Jazz Festival is a one of the most important Jazz festivals in the world. It takes place in Panama City every January.

Panama History: The Conquest, The Spanish Colony, The War Years, The Society and Its Environment, Ethnic Groups, The Economy, Government
by Uzo Marvin

Modern Panama: From Occupation to Crossroads of the Americas
by Michael L. Conniff and Gene E. Bigler

The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
by David McCullough

Panama cuisine is influenced by its diverse population. In Panama City, you will find something from every corner of the world, including French, Japanese, Italian, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Chinese food. In regional areas, traditional Panamanian cuisine is a mix of Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, and Spanish cooking influences incorporating a variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Most Panamanian restaurants are casual — diners, beachfront cafes, and roadside fondas (food stands). Panamanian cuisine is based around coconut rice (rice made with coconut milk) and beans, and fried green plantains called patacones. A lot of Panamanian food is fried. Even breakfast is a selection of fried meats and breads. Panamanian food is neither spicy nor heavily seasoned; in fact, salt is often the only seasoning used in many staple dishes. Panama’s most famous drink is seco, a sugar-cane-distilled alcohol produced in Herrera and commonly served with milk and ice. Beer is Panama’s most popular alcoholic drink, and there is a wide variety of national brands – all light pale lagers. Panama is known for its high-quality coffee.

As of writing, smartraveller.gov.au advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling through Panama. Crime is a significant problem in some of Panama’s major cities, so keep your valaubles close and pay attention to your personal security.

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply in Panama runs at 110V and 60Hz. Panama uses the Type A and Type B electric plug types, so make sure you have the right travel adaptor with you.