Why Panama?, Panama City, Panama

I recently went to Panamá to study Spanish at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School. Some Americans might ask why not Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Spain as these are popular places to visit for United States citizens.

Of course, they all have draws, but having visited each country previously, I was pleasantly surprised by Panamá. Below I’ve listed some wonderful conveniences about Panamá City.

Panamá is an easy to reach international destination. The Tocumen International Airport serves 31 countries with affordable non-stop flights, many from the USA. The airport is easy to navigate and is only a $25 Uber ride from town. Easy access to Panamá City along with favorable expat laws, gives the city a very international feel.

Due to the influence of the USA during the construction of the Panamá Canal, Panamá uses the US dollar. The exchange rate for the US Dollar to Panamanian Balboa is literally 1 to 1. After taxing my brain in four hours of Spanish class a day, the last thing I wanted to do was calculate my lunch costs.

With the exception of two rural areas, the water in Panamá is safe to drink! It doesn’t matter whether you are at a hotel, a restaurant or a homestay. It was nice to know I could eat the vegetables, brush my teeth, and have drinks with ice without getting sick! I can’t imagine attending Spanish school only to be sidelined with digestive problems. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).

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Guide Name: Why Panama?
Guide Location: Panama » Panama City
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Elizabeth Bankhead
Read it on Author's Website: https://etbtravelphotography.com/2020/02/02/why-panama/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:

Parque Natural Metropolitano de Panamá
Casco Antiguo Spanish School
the Causeway
the Cinta Costera

Insider Tips for Panama City, Panama

Panama - The City and The Canal

Panama City has an important location on the narrow isthmus between Central and South America. Its position is strongly linked to both its history and its modern-day prosperity. Panama City today is modern and stylish, but with a slow-paced, Central American vibe.

The Churches of Casco Viejo

I spent much of my free time strolling the streets of the Old Town. I loved taking in the different scenes which range from ruins to restored buildings and everything else in between. Unlike many places in Europe, the churches are free to visit.

The Plazas of Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the old quarter in Panama City and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hip and eclectic area features many restaurants, bars, shops, churches, and plazas.

Panama City beyond Historic Center

To state the obvious, you can only see so much of a place when time is limited. While in Panama City on a layover that spanned two nights and one full day, we managed to set foot in three major locations of interest. Casco Antiguo and the archaeological site of Panama Viejo featured in the World Heritage post. The other sight on our itinerary was the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.

Two and Half Days in Panama City

I found the wonderful Latin America culture coupled with some American conveniences such as safe drinking water, easy and cheap Uber rides, excellent food, and US currency. To me, this was perfect!