A Quick Guide to

PanamaWHAT

TO PACK

WHAT TO DO

LANGUAGE AND

WEATHER

The Isthmus of Panama has been inhabited by humans for the past 10,000 years. Home to many indigenous groups, Panama played a major role in the trade route extending from Peru to Mexico before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Today, many of the largest towns and monuments built by the indigenous people of Panama have been swallowed up by the jungles, though archeologists continue to search for rumored lost cities.

In 1501, an expedition lead by Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas reached the shores of Panama. Three years later, the first mate of this voyage, Vasco Núñez Balboa, scaled the Continental Divide on the isthmus and became the first European to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean.Panama City was founded in 1519 and quickly established itself as an important Spanish settlement for further exploration

of South America until Sir Henry Morgan, a Welsh pirate, burnt the city to the ground in 1671. The ruins of the old city still stand as Panama Viejo. Present-day Panama city sits just West of the original site.

Panama gained independence from Spanish rule in 1821. The country became part of Gran Colombia, a united Latin American nation comprised of what is now known as Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.

Backed by the United States, Panama revolted and gained its independence from Gran Colombia in 1903. Work quickly began on the Panama Canal, a 48-mile wide canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Completed in 1914, the canal was operated by the United States until 1999 when Panama assumed full control of the canal . Canal tolls, tourism and banking are crucial to the Panamian economy today.

QUICK GUIDE TO PANAMANIAN HISTORY

A Quick Guide to Panama

QUICK GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA Home to diverse landscapes and indigenous cultures, Panama is an exotic tropical destination that

welcomes explorers seeking to experience adventure and cultural exchanges. Here’s a look at the top five things you can do on your visit to Panama.

Scuba Dive Coral ReefsDiscover the natural wonders of Panama by scuba diving tropical Caribbean waters in Bocas del Toro. This archipelago of islands has some of the best scuba diving in the Northern hemisphere, and divers frequently spot diverse under

water ecology including moon jelly fish, parrot fish, nurse sharks and magical bioluminescence.

Experience Indigenous CulturesPanama is home to a diverse number of indigenous groups. In fact, 5% of the country’s population belongs to one of eight native groups. Expand your cultural awareness by interacting with indigenous people through volunteering or

ecotourism.

Aid in Sea Turtle ConservationFive different turtle species nest on the beaches of Panama – the Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green, Olive Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles. Unfortunately, many of these sea turtle species are being threatened. At the San San Pond Sak wetlands, you can aid in conservation projects alongside locals. Projects include performing night patrols, building

habitats and collecting data.

Go on a Sea Kayaking ExpeditionAnother great way to explore the islands of Panama, particularly in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, is on a sea kayaking expedition. While sea kayaking you’ll cover a lot of territory and get up-close to unique wildlife and plant life

while getting in a workout at the same time!

Wakeboard Wakeboard is a thrilling water sport that involves riding the wake of a calm body of water while trailing a boat. The calm, warm waters on the Caribbean coast of Panama are an ideal spot to give this sport a try, whether you are a

beginner or have more advanced skills and are learning to “jump the wake.”

Good news – you can do all these activities on a course with Outward Bound Costa Rica! Visit www.OutwardBoundCostaRica.org for information on our summer, semester and group programs in Panama.

QUICK GUIDE TO WEATHER South of the continental divide in Panama there are two distinct seasons – dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from December through April and the rainy season lasts from May through November. On the Caribbean side of the country it rains sporadically all year.

Temperatures in Panama fluctuate with the seasons. In the lowlands, rainy season temperatures are hot and steamy and in the dry season it is very humid. In the mountains of Panama it gets cool at night year round. Temperatures in Bocas del Toro range from 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year round, and temperatures in the capital Panama City range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

QUICK GUIDE TO PACKING Because temperatures in Panama tend to be high, you shoud pack light weight clothes that provide a lot of breathing room. If you are going to the mountains you may need a pair of pants and a light sweatshirt in the evenings. Bring hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes to explore more rigorous landscapes and flip flops for walking around small towns or visiting the beach on hot days. If you are visiting during rainy season you should bring a rain jacket, but make sure it is light because temperatures will likely still

be steamy.

Panamanians tend to dress casually, so you will not be out of place wearing casual clothes while doing activities during the day. However, if you plan to dine out in the evening, especially in more touristy areas or in Panama City, dressy casual clothes, such as a dress or jeans and a nice top, are more appropriate.

QUICK GUIDE TO SPANISH PHRASES Though many indigineous groups speak their own languages, Spanish is the official language of Panama. While many Panamanians, especially those in Panama City or major tourist destinations, speak English, knowing a little Spanish can go a long way. Not only will using Spanish help you communicate more efficiently, it will also show locals that you respect their language and culture. Of course, learning a language is a process that takes many years, but here is a quick guide to top phrases you should know before you visit Panama:

Buenos días – Good morning Buenas tardes – Good afternoon Buenas noches – Good evening Sí – Yes No – No Permiso – Excuse me (when trying to pass someone)Disculpe – excuse me (when you need someone’s attention) Me gustaría – I would likeHasta luego – Good bye ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom Salve – Street slang for tip Entonces laope! – Slang greeting, or “hey, dude!”

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