Panama Information for tours, visits, relo & general info

Alert: Expected Demonstrations in Panama Sept 3, 2016

2016-09-01T22:02:00.002-05:00

Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Panama: Protest Notification

September 1, 2016

The U.S. Embassy in Panama alerts U.S. citizens that large protests, organized by anti- and pro-government members, are expected to take place in Caracas, Venezuela and in cities throughout the region, including Panama City.

Marches and demonstrations are expected to take place on the Cinta Costera in Panama City on Saturday, September 3.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

For further information:

· See the Department of State's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.

· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

· Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

New canal locks

2016-08-09T07:15:00.006-05:00

New canal locks

1400 feet long, 230 feet wide

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) Tuesday afternoon seminar

2016-07-22T18:24:00.001-05:00

Tuesday seminar July 26th, 2016 at the Earl S. Tupper Conference Center, Ancon:

Announcing the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) Tuesday afternoon seminar July 26th, 2016 at 4:00 pm in the Earl S. Tupper auditorium:
Speaker: Trevor Caughlin, School of Forest Resources & Conservation, University of Florida
Title: Spatial models to promote forest landscape restoration in Panama’s Azuero Peninsula
Abstract: Restoring forest to hundreds of millions of hectares of degraded land has become a centerpiece of international plans to sequester carbon and conserve biodiversity. Forest landscape restoration will require scaling up ecological knowledge of secondary succession from small-scale field studies to predict forest recovery rates in heterogeneous landscapes. We demonstrate spatial models for reforestation that link ecological field data with satellite imagery to predict barriers to forest succession at the landscape scale. Translating quantitative forecasts into spatially-targeted interventions for restoration will support target goals of reforesting millions of hectares of degraded land and help mitigate global climate change.

Eco/Nature/Birds/Fish Sites in Panama

2016-07-13T16:47:00.003-05:00

Eco/Nature/Birds/Fish Sites:

Barro Colorado Island: Gatun Lake, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute,see:

http://www.stri.si.edu/english/visit_us/barro_colorado/index.php

Canopy Tower Bird watching: near Gamboa, see:

http://www.canopytower.com/error.lasso

Eco Tours:

http://panamatraveltours.com/about_us.html

El Valle Butterfly House: www.butterflyhavenpanama.com

Embera Village, see:

http://www.emberavillagetours.com

Gamboa Rain Forrest Resort: see:

http://www.gamboaresort.com/

Gamboa Ivan’s B&B:Birding Lodge (Bird Watching), see:

http://www.gamboaecotours.com/birding_tour.html

Panama Railroad, Though not eco itself, you will see a lot by ridingthe train. see:

http://www.panarail.com/home.html

Playa Venao: Azuero Peninsular, El Sitio beach & surf resort,see:

http://elsitiopv.com/

Smithsonian TropicalResearch Institute, Ancon, see:

http://www.stri.si.edu/

Taboga Island: Located just south of the Pacific entrance to thecanal, about a 35 minute launch ride to the island from the Amador causeway.See: http://www.tabogaislandpanama.com/ &http://www.taboga.panamanow.com/

Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge

: Bocas del Toro, see:

http://www.tranquilobay.com/home.htm

Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay,World class Marlin fishing: http://www.tropicstar.com/?source=navyleague

Whale Watching:

www.WhaleWatchingPanama.com

Some Panama organizations, good places to network

2016-07-12T21:02:00.002-05:00

Some Panama organizations, good places to network:

American Society of Panama: http://www.amsoc.org/

Balboa Elks Lodge, La Boca Road: http://www.elks.org/lodges/contactus.cfm? Lodge # 1414

Canadian ExPats in Panama: http://www.internations.org/expats/members/panama/canadians

InterNations: See https://www.internations.org/

Panama Historical Society (No website), email: panamahistorical@gmail.com

U.S. Navy League in Panama: http://navyleaguepanama.org/

Panama Hotels & B&Bs in the Panama City & Old Canal Zone area

2016-07-11T23:12:00.002-05:00

Panama Hotels & B&Bs in the Panama City & Old Canal Zone area:
Albrook Inn: Old U.S. Air Force base in the Visiting Offices' Quarters http://albrookinn.com (should have a car to stay here & be familiarwith the area)
Balboa Inn B&B:Balboa thorwald@thebalboainn.com 314-1520
http://www.thebalboainn.com/index.php
Inn on the Canal B&B: LaBoca/Balboa, franzWald@cwp.net.pa 314-0112
www.InnOnTheCanal.com
Esplenador Hotel, Banking District, http://www.esplendorpanama.com/site/home/en/the_hotel
Av. Samuel Lewis y Calle Gerardo Ortega ( NULL)
RESERVATION +507 209-9696
Front Desk 507 209-9600 reservas@esplendorpanama.com
**Hotel Las Vegas: El Cangrejo
hotel@lasvegaspanama.com 507-300-2020
www.lasvegaspanama.com
**Hotel Marbella: El Cangrejo, see http://www.hmarbella.com/welcome.php 263-2220
**Hotel Milan: El Cangrejo, see http://www.frommers.com/destinations/panamacity/H56896.html hotelmilan@cwpanama.net263-6130 Fax 263-7723
Panama Vacation Quarters, Ancon Hill aka Quarry Heights site of the old U.S.military Southern Command. See: http://www.panamavacationquarters.com/rates.html
**Torres de Alba ApartmentHotel, El Cangrejo see: http://www.torresdealba.com.pa/english.htm email: alba@sinfo.net
Veneto Wyndham Grand Hotel& Casino, El Cangrejo Tel #340-8888, reservation 340-8686 website: www.vwgrand.com
**My favorites in Panama City, El Cangrego area, convenient to good shopping, casino, restaurants/cafes,supermarket, drug stores, etc.

Panama organizations

2016-06-05T21:06:00.003-05:00

Some Panama organizations:

U.S. Navy League in Panama: http://navyleaguepanama.org/

American Society of Panama: http://www.amsoc.org/

Balboa Elks Lodge, La Boca Road: http://www.elks.org/lodges/contactus.cfm? Lodge # 1414

Canadian ExPats in Panama: http://www.internations.org/expats/members/panama/canadians

InterNations: See https://www.internations.org/

Panama Historical Society (No website), email: panamahistorical@gmail.com

Rain & flooding in Panama

2016-05-26T11:41:00.004-05:00

Rain & flooding in Panama close Tocumen airport for 30 minutes, see:

http://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama/downpours-bring-floods-close-tocumen

Alert from the U.S. Embassy in Panama

2016-05-25T19:58:00.004-05:00

From the U.S. Embassy in Panama:

The U.S. Embassy in Panama alerts U.S. citizens that protestors have completely closed via Transistmica near the University of Panama in Panama City.  Clashes between protestors and police are reported. Expect heavy traffic delays in the area.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.  Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Cantus Panama presents Panama, Musical Crossroads

2016-05-17T12:21:00.002-05:00

From email:

Cantus Panama presents Panama, Musical Crossroads on Sunday May 22 at 3

pm and Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 4 pm.

Please join us for a musical journey through time featuring music that

explores the many cultures that have come to Panama. Our program includes

music from 16th century Spain, folksongs from many countries, and popular

songs from Panama and the Caribbean, and promises to keep you moving with

the exciting rhythms and harmonies that are captured by this music.

The Sunday, May 22 performance will be held at St. Lukes Cathedral on Ancon

Hill and the Sunday, May 29 performance will be at the Biomuseo on the

Amador Causeway. Suggested donation is $10, tickets available at the door.

Please mark your calendars and tell your friends!

U.S. Navy League meeting in Panama

2016-04-22T17:04:00.002-05:00

From the Panama Navy League:

Hello,

We are happy to have Mark Minier join us again to share more about his experience in Iraq and a little on the former Soviet Union. Please take a moment to review his bio and I think you can guess the slideshow will be even better than last time.

Mark is a biochemist and Vice President with PureLine Treatment Systems based in Houston, Texas. He has more than 28 years’ experience in various areas of biological event response and chlorine dioxide applications for biological and chemical control.

He is currently working on numerous domestic and international projects including Panama with Pureline involving:

Drinking water
Wastewater, and industrial water treatment
Food and beverage treatment
Medical waste treatment
Biological event planning and response

Recent biodefense project experience includes:

Chief Biosafety Officer and Director of Laboratory Operations for Anthrax Investigation and Remediation in Washington, D.C. and Trenton, NJ
Chief Biosafety Officer and Technical Director for Suspect Biological Materials Investigation and Remediation, New York, New York
Biosafety Officer and Laboratory Director for Iraqi Survey Group, WMD Inspection, Baghdad, Iraq
Biosafety Lead Biological Safety Officer for Weapons Proliferation Prevention Program and for Biological Threat Reduction Programs (Defense Threat Reduction Agency contract) Moscow, Russia
Lead Biosafety Officer CTR/CIS (Defense Threat Reduction Agency contract), Odessa, Ukraine; Kiev, Ukraine.
He serves as senior biochemist for large scale facility decontamination projects and provides technical and regulatory agency support.

Please plan on joining us for an insightful evening.

Date: May 10
Time: 7pm
Le Meridien Hotel
$30 including glass of wine

Please let us know your attendance by noon on the 9th.

Kind regards,

Hunter Schultz
President
Navy League Panama Foundation
navy.league.panama@gmail.com

U.S. Embassy Patio Sale

2016-04-12T08:08:00.000-05:00

U.S. Embassy:

On Saturday, 16 April, the US  Embassy is holding a Patio Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds upper parking lot.

They already have the 30 tables assigned so feel free to browse around and maybe you'll find that gem, or thing, you've been looking for. 

The event is open to the public. 

American Society of Panama Art Auction

2016-04-01T14:34:00.002-05:00

American Society of Panama Art Auction

presents

Dazzling, original artworks ... on sale
For a limited time period only, we are offering for sale the unsold artwork from our 2015 Grand Panama Gala and Art Auction.

We are excited to display the remaining 9 pieces of unsold Artworks from the Amsoc Art Auction at Xuvia Restaurant & Bar in Costa Del Este.

For reserve prices and descriptions of the artworks, download the PDF now or visit Xuvia Restaurant & Bar where all the artworks are being displayed.

All proceeds from the paintings will go directly to Amsoc and will help support our charities.

For all inquiries and interest in purchasing artwork please contact:

Scott Crystal at: american.society.panama@gmail.com

Panama U.S. Navy League

2016-03-30T08:27:00.000-05:00

Panama U.S. Navy League:

Trust all of you had a peaceful Semana Santa and avoided the traffic jam on Sunday.

Please come out to the French Market at City of Knowledge this weekend as Vision of Hope's students will be creating their jewelry in support of our scholarship fund on Saturday. Vernon Wilson will be there on Sunday so either day, offers some terrific finds. Thanks again to Carlos Weil for his support.

Our next dinner is April 5th when Ricardo Koyner, producer and owner of Duncan Estate and some of the finest coffees from Panama including Kotowa. will be joining us for a special event. As you know, Kotowa is one of Panama's leading brands of coffee and we look forward to learning more about the subject.

Suffice to say, those of us who love our coffee will certainly enjoy the evening even more!

Date: April 5, 2016

Time: 7pm

Place: Hotel Le Meridien

Price: $30 including glass of wine.

Please RSVP by return email by noon on Monday the 4th.

On Saturday, April 9, 2016, Navy League Panama will again take part in the American Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, to be held on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy located in Clayton.

Kind regards,

Hunter Schultz

President

Navy League Panama Foundation

navy.league.panama@gmail.com,

10% Discount on all of our Whale and Dolphin Wisdom Retreats in Panama

2016-03-11T16:57:00.001-06:00

From:  anne@whalewatchingpanama.com

10% Discount on all of our Whale and Dolphin Wisdom Retreats in Panama until March 31!

Do you need a break from life's constant demands and busy schedules? Are your mind and body calling out for healing? Is your heart telling you there's something more? Are you ready to rediscover the real you?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then imagine 5 magical days immersed in the energies of the Humpback Whales and Dolphins experiencing an intimate and transformational connection with these very special beings! Connecting with these wondrous spirits can be a profoundly moving, deeply healing and life-altering experience for many people. We invite you to join us on this heart-opening adventure that will touch your very soul to the core."

If you book your Panama Whale and Dolphin Wisdom Retreat with a deposit by March 31, you will receive a 10% discount on the total price of the retreat!

a: Friday, February 5, 2016 starts the annual Carnival celebration in Panama.

2016-02-03T20:09:00.002-06:00

From the U.S. Embassy in Panama:

Friday, February 5, 2016 starts the annual Carnival celebration in Panama. This event is observed in Panama City and many towns throughout the country. While it is intended to be a fun celebration, it can also result in road closures and increased opportunity for crime. The American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Panama would like to draw your attention to the following information:

Currently available information indicates that The Government of Panama plans to close down the Cinta Costera from 1:00pm Friday, February 5th until Wednesday February 10th. More information is available fromwww.visitpanama.gov or local media outlets. The PNP will establish checkpoints on the main entrances to the Carnival area. In addition, SINAPROC, PNP, SENAFRONT, and SENAN are deploying units all over the country, including beach areas and cities such as Las Tables, Penonomé, Aguadulce, La Villa de los Santos, and Santiago.

Remember as you travel to and from the event, traffic is likely to be heavy and rerouted.

Avoid drawing attention to yourself and thereby increasing your chances of becoming a target for crime:
· Do not wear expensive jewelry or hand-carry cameras.
· Avoid displaying large amounts of money. Keep cash in separate locations on your person.
· We recommend not carrying large bags, purses, etc.
· Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
· Use sunscreen.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site athttp://travel.state.gov/ Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

Amador Causeway expansion is expected to be completed in May.

2016-02-03T20:08:00.004-06:00

Amador Causeway expansion is expected to be completed in May.

Causeway video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=FtQxGe_Y1eU&app=desktop

Panama Jazz fest Jan 11 - 16

2016-01-10T16:33:00.002-06:00

See: http://www.newsroompanama.com/entertainment/live/a-jazz-festival-homecoming?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newsroompanama+%28Newsroom+Panama%29

Also see: http://jazzfestival2016.com/events/jazz-festivals-in-january/panama-jazz-festival/

U.S. Embassy Alert

2016-01-06T11:50:00.001-06:00

From the U.S. Embassy in Panama:

Martyrs’ Day is a Panamanian holiday, which commemorates the January 9, 1964 riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The incident is considered to be a significant factor in the U.S. decision to transfer control of the Canal Zone to Panama through the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama City advises all U.S. citizens in Panama that Martyrs’ Day will be observed this year on Saturday, January 9, 2016. The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to possible street closures and traffic congestion due to scheduled marches and other events around Panama City. All U.S. citizens are reminded of the sensitivity of this day and urged to remain diligent in your personal security.

American Society of Panama Christmas event

2015-11-24T12:16:00.001-06:00

American Society of Panama Christmas event, for additional info contact american.society.panama@gmail.com

Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis

Time: 7:30 – 11: 00 p. m.

Donation:

Members $45.00 Non-members $55.00

Welcome Complimentary Wine

Cash Bar, Door Prizes, Dancing and much more!

Valet Parking

Menu: Santa’s Rock
Barra Fría / Cold Station
Ensalada de Pasta, Salmón Ahumado y Maracuyá
Coctel de Camarones al Chipotle con Aguacate
Fiambres y Quesos Importados con Frutas Secas
Ceviche de Corvina con Manzana Verde
Ensalada de Papas Panameña con Vegetales

Barra Caliente / Main Entrees
Pavo Asado en Salsa de Fresas y Oporto
Pierna de Jamón Ahumada con Salsa de Ostras, Cardamomo y Anís
Medallones de Res con Trio de Hongos
Arroz con Almendras, Curry y Coco
Plátano en Tentación-Guayaba y Queso Fresco
Bollos de la Abuela

Postres / Desserts
Tres Leches
Dulce de Frutas
Mocaccino Flan
Galletas de Navidad
Pan de Moña Artesanal con Almendras
Valet parking

InterNations Event in Panama City

2015-11-24T11:43:00.000-06:00

Check http://www.internations.org/ for details:

InterNations Panama City Official November Event @ La Fragata

Wed 25 Nov 19:30 - 23:30
La Fragata Panama
Av. Samuel Lewis con calle 59 y 60,
Panama City, Panama
Entrance Fee
Albatross Member Free
Basic Member $10
Please log in and click accept to enter for $10
Not signed up for event $15
Feel free to bring your international friends,
but please invite them to register for InterNations first.
✓ Welcome Drink
✓ Special Menu

U.S. Embassy visit to David 12-9-15

2015-11-23T17:05:00.001-06:00

From email:

The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Panama would like to inform U.S. citizens in Western Panama that we will be visiting David, Chiriqui on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 to provide consular services to U.S. citizens.

We will be at the Hotel Ciudad de David in David, Chiriqui from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. We will offer the following services:

- Applications for U.S. passports (these services will be processed in Panama)

- Passport Renewal (adults and minors)

- Adding Pages to Passports (requires surrendering passport)

- Lost or Stolen Passports

- Notarizations

- Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status (please bring from I-407 and Permanent Resident Card)

- Voting Registration (Please print and complete the form at: http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://registertovote.org/index.html)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

1. Please bring legible photocopies of all documents to be submitted.

2. Please bring the exact cash amount to pay for the service.

3. Please bring completed forms. Please access the following link for information on fees, and forms you need to download, complete and bring: http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://panama.usembassy.gov/service.html

A representative from the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) will be offering the following services:

- Medicare enrollment/cancellation (copy of current passport or cedula will be required)

- Application for SS replacement cards (copy of current US Passport)

- Application for new SS card for children under age 12 (copy of US Passport for one of the parents, the child’s copia integra and passport)

- Change of address/residence (copy of current passport or cedula will be required)

- General inquiries

A representative from our Regional Security Office will be on hand to answer security questions.

Please note: No visa services will be provided. Services will be provided on first come - first serve basis.

Thank you for your assistance. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

American Citizen Services

U.S. Embassy Panama

Hotels/Motels/B&B in the Panama Beaches area west of Panama City

2015-11-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

Hotels/Motels/B&B in the Beaches area including Azuero Peninsular :

Casita Margarita B&B, Pedasí: www.pedasihotel.com email peashooter@gmail.com phone 995-2898 The owners are from Pennsylvania, U.S.

Coronado Bay Condos & Golf:

Liz Larroquette

Sales Coronado Bay & Coronado Golf

Tel. 345-3900

Cel. 6981-1717

Email: lizl@empresasbern.com

www.movetocoronadopanama.com

DeCameron Resort, Playa Blanca-Farallón just west of the Rio Hato airport

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298431-d301154-Reviews-Royal_Decameron_Beach_Resort_Golf_Casino-Farallon_Playa_Blanca.html

Gaviota, Coronado

http://www.hotelgaviotapanama.com/index-1.html

Royalton Hotel, PlayaBlanca,

http://www.latinexplore.com/services/s2962_royalton-hotel-playa-blanca More info, see: http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_17/issue_04/economy_13.html

Playa Venao-El SitioResort & Surf Club Azuero Peninsular (about 34 k past Pedasí) 6.5 hour drive west of Panama City,site of annual surf competition Email

elsitiopv@gmail.comPhone (597)-832-1010

Rio Mar Surf & SkateCamp, Owned by canal tug captain AlanBarnes, Email:

riomarsurf@hotmail.com Web info: http://www.riomarsurf.com/ Phones:345-4010 or Cell 6675-2526

Santa Clara:

Sheraton Resort: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3693&language=en_US

XS Memories: http://xsmemories.com/ Phone: (011-507) 993-3096 XS is a restaurante/club/motel on the north side of the Pan Am hwy across from the old casino just before the Rio Hato airport,owned & operated by a retired Marine (now decreased R.I.P.) & his wife Sheila. XS is now operated by Sheila.