LET US HELP YOU ENJOY PANAMA WITH THIS PANAMA NATIONAL GUIDE

Panama, Republic of

Formal Name: Republic of Panama (La República de Panamá).

Short Form: Panamá.

Term for Citizens: Panamanian(s).

Country Capital: Panama City (Panamá).

Size: Approximately 77,082 square kilometers.

Topography: Dominant feature of landform is central spine of highlands forming continental divide. Highest elevations near borders with Costa Rica and Colombia. Lowest elevations at waist of country where it is crossed by Panama Canal. The Panama Canal bisects the country. Most of population concentrated on Pacific side of divide southwestward from Panama City.

Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year round; pleasanter conditions prevailing in highlands and on Pacific side of continental divide. Seasons determined by rainfall rather than by changes in temperature. Prolonged rainy season between May and December; short dry season between December and April in parts of Pacific slope and for shorter periods on Atlantic slope of divide.

PANAMA LIFESTYLE & NATIONAL

NATIONAL PARKS

For information on visiting Panama's national parks, contact the ANAM (National Environment Authority) in Panama City. Tel: (507) 229-7885 www.anam.gob.pa

Metropolitan Natural Park
This protected tropical forest is located within the city limits.

Soberania National Park
A short drive from the city, home to a Harpy Eagle exhibit and the world famous Pipeline Road.

Chagres National Park
Part of the Panama Canal Watershed where you can enjoy mountains, waterfalls and tropical forests.

Camino de Cruces National Park
Connects Metropolitan Park and Soberania National Park, part of the original transisthmian crossing used by the Spanish.

Portobelo National Park
Protecting the forests and Spanish Ruins on the Caribbean coast.

Altos de Campana National Park
On the road to the Pacific Beaches with cool temperatures and panoramic views.

La Amistad International Park*
Straddling the Panama/Costa Rica border with one of the oldest highland tropical forests in Central America.

Baru Volcano National Park
Located in Chiriqui, Baru is the highest point in Panama - 3,475 meters above sea level.

Bastimentos Island Marine National Park
Panama's first marine park covers a large part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

Coiba Island National Park*
A new addition to the National Park list, protecting the abundant sea life that surrounds this jewel.

Cerro Hoya National Park
Located one of the least explored regions in the country at the end of the Azuero peninsula.

Sarigua National Park
Also in the Azuero, with a "desert" climate and archeological treasures.

Darien National Park*
This park protects virgin tropical forests and 3 indigenous tribes.

Punta Patino Natural Reserve
A private nature preserve, a sanctuary for a complex marine ecosystem, tropical forests and swamps.

Barro Colorado Natural Monument
Located in Lake Gatun, within the Panama Canal and managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

* denotes UNESCO World Heritage Sites

TRAVEL GUIDE

PANAMA HOTELS OUTSIDE PANAMA CITY

Gamboa Rainforest Resort
314 9000
Parque Nacional Soberanía
ww.gamboareresort.com

Avalon Gran Panama
Via Transitmica, Las Cumbres.
www.avalonvacations.com

HOTELS IN CONTADORA ISLAND

Punta Galeon Resort
250-4134
www.ountaaaleon.com

Hotel Contadora
250-4033
www.hotelcontadora.com

HOTELS IN COLON

New Washington
441-7133
Ave. Bolivar, Calle 1.
nwh@sinfo.net

Melia Panama
470-1100
Residencial Espinar
www.solmelia.com

Maryland
441-5309
Ave. Sta. Isabel.
mervlandcwoanama. net

Carlton
441-7923
Ave. Melendez and Calle 10.
hcarlton@cwoanama.net

HOTELS IN CHITRE

Los Guayacanes
996-9758
Ave. Circunvalacion

Hotel Versalles
996-4422
Paseo Enrique Geenzier

Hotel Hong Kong
996-4483
Via Los Santos

Rex
996-2408
Calle Meliton Martin