Panama City has plenty of must-see landmarks and things to do, but getting to visit them all in one trip can be a challenge. Whether it’s a taste of old world Panama in Casco, or a day spent at the majestic Miraflores Locks, there truly is something for every taste and every budget. So, when you plan your next trip to Panama City, it’s important to know what’s in store for you, and where you should go to get the most out of your time spent there. Here’s a quick list of five of the best must-see landmarks in and around Panama City:

1. Casco Viejo:

No trip to Panama is complete without a trip to Casco, and as far as must-see landmarks, this has to top the list. Casco is an old, Spanish Colonial-style neighborhood with some of the most antique and interesting architecture around. It’s also the city’s busiest tourist area with top boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants adorning nearly every street in this quaint, walk-able neighborhood. If you’re not staying there, it’s a quick and inexpensive ride from downtown and the financial district.

2. The Biomuseo (Bio Museum):

Panama’s Biomuseo is one of its newest landmark attractions, and already it’s a must-see. This Frank Gehry-designed museum showcases the natural biodiversity of the region through interactive exhibits and educational tours. The museum is located on the Amador Causway, which is minutes from the center of the city, and a nice area to walk around before and after your museum trip.

3. Ancon Hill:

The iconic Ancon Hill is not only a must-see landmark, but also one of Panama City’s most visible. The hill rests at the eastern edge of the Panama Canal, and can be seen from nearly all parts of the city; especially visible is it’s enormous Panamanian flag that rests at the top. Ancon is also a natural treasure, containing the world’s only rainforest land within the city limits of a national capital. It’s a fun place to hike, observe local wildlife, and get unparalleled views of Panama City’s famous skyline.

4. Miraflores Locks:

The Panama Canal is the country’s biggest tourist attraction, and the Miraflores Locks are its most popular, must-see point of interest. This is where you can see the magic of Canal engineering lift megaships up through water lock gates and transport them from ocean to ocean. There is also a great museum and observation deck, which highlight the experience. It’s easy to get to by taxi, or drive if you’ve got a car. This is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a can’t miss when you’re in town.

5. Panama Viejo:

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is actually the oldest settlement in Panama City. It’s a few miles east of downtown, where you will find well-preserved colonial-era ruins, and a walk-able look into the historic site. There are guided tours available and a large area to explore on your own, including a stunning observation tower, which resides in the center of the historical landmark site.

While this list should keep you busy, there are also plenty of other great must-see landmarks in the city. To get a full list of the best tips and activities for visiting or relocating to Panama, check out our FREE downloadable guide!

The post Check out these can’t-miss famous sites in Panama City! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

Panama is a country full of diversity at every angle, and that is certainly the case when it comes to food. Panamanians have a rich gastronomical tradition that spans centuries of influence from all over the world. They also have a burgeoning restaurant scene in the country that mixes old styles with new ones, and practically everything in between. If you want real, delicious, home-cooked Panamanian food, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from, whether in the city, countryside, mountains, or beach area. So in the essence of efficiency, and narrowing it down for newcomers (and long-time Panama expats), we’ve pick five of our favorite “must-eat” foods to try in Panama. Buen provecho!

Sancocho:

While the idea of what essentially is chicken soup may not be at the top of your list when visiting or living in a tropical country, we highly recommend you try sancocho. Why? Because it’s as authentic of a staple in Latin America as rice and beans, and Panama’s version is truly representative of the country’s tastes, and local ingredients. Sancocho is a soup that is packed with veggies, boiled potatoes, Caribbean-style spices, and of course, a full piece of chicken for flavor. It’s hearty, full of distinct flavors, and available at pretty much any Panamanian’s house, or at any local restaurant. It’s also very economical, with large bowls typically costing around $3-$4.

Ceviche:

While ceviche is certainly not exclusive to just Panama, the Panamanian version is well known in the region, and considered to be the best in Central America. This is because Panama has access to great, fresh fish, as well as citrus and other veggies, which are the staple ingredients of ceviche. You can get some of the best ceviche in the world at the “Mercado de Mariscos” outdoor fish market in Panama City, and it will only cost you about $2.50 for a heaping cup. Ceviche is also very healthy, and drinking the citrus juice at the bottom of the cup is considered an aphrodisiac, as well as a healthy finish to your meal.

Carimañola:

Like most Caribbean, and Pacific tropical countries, Panamanians love their fried food. And one of the best fried dishes around is the Carimañola. These are handmade, stuffed yucca balls with either meat or cheese inside, breaded, and deep fried to a crispy perfection. They are so packed with flavor, and so moist on the inside, they’ll remind you of dumplings with a thicker shell. Plus, the yucca really holds well, making them less messy than you would think, and absorbing lots of flavor from both the batter, as well as the filling. Try these as an appetizer, or a snack with beers during happy hour!

Tamales:

Traditionally a holiday dish, you can get fantastic tamales in Panama all year round if you like. A tamal is made of corn meal dough, stuffed with a variety of things including beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, or a combination of any of the above. But the real joy of tamales is how they’re cooked, and how they’re served. This classic Panamanian dish is cooked inside a big banana leaf, which steams it, keeps the inside nice and moist, and adds to the flavor retention. Tamales are filling, full of diverse flavors, and best served piping hot over the holidays with friends.

Now go out and start tasting all of this great Panamanian food!

The post Foodies rejoice! Here are some amazing local Panama treats to try! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

November is almost here, and that means it’s party time for Panama. Well, to be honest, it means much more than that, but the mood is certainly festive on the isthmus, and it’s a great time to celebrate national pride with the Panamanians. Panama celebrates five national holidays, spread out during the month of November, collectively known as the “Fiestas Patrias”, or “Patriotic Parties (holidays).” The fiestas patrias are November 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, and 28th.

Each holiday represents a different battle or independence from colonialism, and each are celebrated with lots of national pride and fanfare. Now, this doesn’t mean that the whole month is one big holiday, however with so many falling in such little time, many Panamanians like to take the majority of their vacations during this month. There’s lots to do all over the country, and a lot to absorb, especially if you’re a tourist or a newer expat. To help you navigate all these celebrations, here are four things we think you should know, while celebrating here in Panama.

1. Most non-essential businesses are closed.

During the November holidays, most small and large businesses close on each date, and often for a day or two after, especially if it falls next to a weekend. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to run errands, but it’s a well earned and necessary break for most workers in the country. If you’re in a tourist area, you’ll see plenty of bars and restaurants open, and the country’s big supermarket chains stay open as well. We recommend that if you have any official, important errands or tasks, you get them out of the way before or after November, or at least during the holiday dates themselves.

2. Go check out a national parade.

The best part, and most well know part of the fiestas patrias are the parade marches. These parades go on in pretty much every town and city in the country, and showcase patriotic pride through costumes, traditional dancing, police/military fanfare, and traditional marching drums. People practice for these parades all year, and it’s a huge sign of pride for both high school/college drum marching groups, as well as more professional, private ones. Don’t miss out on this!

3. Everyone heads to the beach and countryside.

During the holidays, most Panamanians that have the resources to, will leave the city. This means that Panama’s beaches, mountain towns, and touristy country areas will be packed with visitors. A trip to the beach during the holidays can be a lot of fun, but if you’re not into partying and lots of noise, we recommend a more quiet escape, or staying in the city. The city is relatively empty during this time, which is a nice break from noise and traffic, but if you want to really experience the party flavor, you should definitely head into the interior of the country.

4. Be aware of price gouging.

One unfortunate aspect of the month of fiestas patrias is that with so much demand on domestic tourism, parties, food, and transportation, prices across the board seem to go up a bit. That’s fine, and totally understandable from a business perspective, however make sure the price isn’t too much higher than it should be. Always ask a local or long-time expat if the price you’re getting charged for something is about right. Hotels will be full, as will buses, and even domestic flights, and there are many that will capitalize on this and offer much higher (but not worth it) price alternatives. All in all, it should be fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Enjoy!

The post 4 Ways to Manage “Fiestas Patrias” in Panama in November appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

People who are planning on relocating to Panama, or even just visiting there, have lots of different tastes when it comes to what to do and how to spend their time. Of course, Panama is largely known for its economy, nature and wildlife areas, beaches (and beach resorts), and banking, but those who live here also know it for its magnificent art and culture. If you’re a fan of the arts, and appreciate new cultures and ways of expressing them, then there’s a lot in store for you here in Panama. Here’s where to start, if you’ve recently moved here or just plan on visiting.

What constitutes art and culture in Panama?

Yes, the term “art” is as ambiguous as the term “culture”, but in this case, the reference is referring to visual art (paintings, cinema, sculptures, etc.), architecture, music, and dance, done by locals in a way that represents Panamanian culture now and throughout history. In this sense, Panama’s artistic riches can be found throughout the country, from the city to the hills of Chiriqui and everywhere in between. Panama’s most cherished art, when it comes to preservation and popularity, tends to be indigenous art, as it is truly unique to the country, and honors Panama’s indigenous roots. Colonial art is more prevalent in Panama City, but still an important historic reminder of the Spanish influence in the founding of modern Panama, and the country’s early roots to independence.

Another great period of art and cultural expression in Panama is the early Canal period, where modern Panama was really formed, and the culture cemented. You’ll see lot of Canal-inspired art all up and down the Canal Zone area, especially in Panama City and Colon, as well as many of the towns up and down the Caribbean coast. Along with these periods comes all different types of art, too. You’ll find that the architecture around the country is representative of each period, each with its own story. Music, paintings, and statues/monuments too. To take in Panama’s different styles of art is to understand all the different eras of Panama.

Where to find the most interesting, inspiring art

This is totally subjective, as all art is valued differently depending on your individual tastes. If you want to start somewhere, however, you’ll find the most variety of representative art in Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighborhood. In Casco, you will find a number of art galleries spread out among the local shops, as well as cafes and restaurants showcasing local artists on their walls. You’ll also see artists painting outside on sunny days, too. But that’s just the beginning. Casco also has the city’s most vibrant live music scene with the world-famous Danilo’s Jazz Club, as well as various international and local artists that come to play the pubs and clubs in the area. On top of that, Casco itself is a work of art, housing the country’s most historic buildings, with architecture that dates from 500+ years ago to today. The buildings themselves are art, from the inside on out.

Panama’s art and culture is alive and well all over the country these days. The fun part is exploring enough of the country to find it.

The post Art and Culture in Panama: A short guide for expats and visitors appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

Panama City has plenty of must-see landmarks and things to do, but getting to visit them all in one trip can be a challenge. Whether it’s a taste of old world Panama in Casco, or a day spent at the majestic Miraflores Locks, there truly is something for every taste and every budget. So, when you plan your next trip to Panama City, it’s important to know what’s in store for you, and where you should go to get the most out of your time spent there. Here’s a quick list of five of the best must-see landmarks in and around Panama City:

1. Casco Viejo:

No trip to Panama is complete without a trip to Casco, and as far as must-see landmarks, this has to top the list. Casco is an old, Spanish Colonial-style neighborhood with some of the most antique and interesting architecture around. It’s also the city’s busiest tourist area with top boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants adorning nearly every street in this quaint, walk-able neighborhood. If you’re not staying there, it’s a quick and inexpensive ride from downtown and the financial district.

2. The Biomuseo (Bio Museum):

Panama’s Biomuseo is one of its newest landmark attractions, and already it’s a must-see. This Frank Gehry-designed museum showcases the natural biodiversity of the region through interactive exhibits and educational tours. The museum is located on the Amador Causway, which is minutes from the center of the city, and a nice area to walk around before and after your museum trip.

3. Ancon Hill:

The iconic Ancon Hill is not only a must-see landmark, but also one of Panama City’s most visible. The hill rests at the eastern edge of the Panama Canal, and can be seen from nearly all parts of the city; especially visible is it’s enormous Panamanian flag that rests at the top. Ancon is also a natural treasure, containing the world’s only rainforest land within the city limits of a national capital. It’s a fun place to hike, observe local wildlife, and get unparalleled views of Panama City’s famous skyline.

4. Miraflores Locks:

The Panama Canal is the country’s biggest tourist attraction, and the Miraflores Locks are its most popular, must-see point of interest. This is where you can see the magic of Canal engineering lift megaships up through water lock gates and transport them from ocean to ocean. There is also a great museum and observation deck, which highlight the experience. It’s easy to get to by taxi, or drive if you’ve got a car. This is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a can’t miss when you’re in town.

5. Panama Viejo:

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is actually the oldest settlement in Panama City. It’s a few miles east of downtown, where you will find well-preserved colonial-era ruins, and a walk-able look into the historic site. There are guided tours available and a large area to explore on your own, including a stunning observation tower, which resides in the center of the historical landmark site.

While this list should keep you busy, there are also plenty of other great must-see landmarks in the city. To get a full list of the best tips and activities for visiting or relocating to Panama, check out our FREE downloadable guide!

The post Check out these can’t-miss local landmarks in Panama City! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

Whether you’re in Panama City to visit or live here full-time, getting to know the place requires more than just the typical daily routine. Sure, you’ll have a great time no matter what’s on your schedule, but if you really want to connect with Panama City on a deeper level, you’ll have to get to know its culture. This means more than just getting a local bite to eat (though as you’ll see, that will be part of it), or having friends and colleagues who are Panamanian. It’s about digging into the fabric that makes the city great, learning about their history, embracing their present, and discovering what makes the culture run. Want to know where to start? Here’s how.

Get to know the basics of Panama City.

Panama City has had growth unlike any other comparable city in the region over the past ten or so years. Because of this, the city has experienced a lot of layered cultural shifts. Much of these shifts are economic, with many others coming from a bigger foreign labor force, more international investment, and a sort of globalization of the modern services sector. All of these are great, but can often keep people from learning more about the deep cultural roots of the city. To get to those roots, it’s best to start by exploring Panama’s oldest barrios.

El Chorillo:

Take a tour of one of Panama’s most iconic, if not controversial neighborhoods, El Chorillo. El Chorillo is a densely populated urban neighborhood at the southern corner of Panama City. It runs alongside Casco Viejo (the historic old city), and stretches from the bay to the base of Ancon Hill. Locals will tell you to be careful walking around here, so we recommend taking a tour. Local in PTY is a great option for this, and they take you on a cultural journey getting to meet locals, hear stories of the past, eat traditional street food, and even volunteer with kids.

Casco Viejo:

Although more upscale and tourist-centric than El Chorillo, Casco still has many deep cultural connections to Panama City that are worth checking out. You can see 1st hand the multi-million dollar public redevelopment projects that keep the colonial style and charm of the city well maintained. You can explore indigenous art galleries, iconic churches, and hear local street musicians in the parks and plazas. It is highly walkable, and has great local food options as well.

Take a Salsa Class in a Casino:

Yes, it sounds a bit different, but this is truly a Panama City classic. Salsa is king in Panama, and for decades, locals have dressed up with their partners (or solo, even) and headed to one of many local casinos that offer both salsa classes and “salsa nights.” Casinos are typically used because of their large space capability for entertainment (as well as lights/sound systems), and other entertainment amenities like food, games, and quick service bars. Don’t worry if you’re not a gambler, though. Many of these salsa practitioners simply go for the dancing and listening to live music. We recommend taking a class first, which are usually offered at casinos during the weekdays, and cost very little ($15-$20).

Eat Fresh Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos:

Just trying a local dish doesn’t quite immerse you into a culture. However, eating at this local market, smelling the smells, hearing the sounds, and chatting with some of Panama City’s unique characters certainly does. Simply put, there’s no place quite like the Mercado de Mariscos in Panama, and that’s why it’s the perfect place to indulge the senses, and feel like a true Panameno in the process. The market is at the end of the Cinta Costera, just before the entrance of Casco on the bay.

The ceviche is sold by about two-dozen vendors, all vying for your attention from the moment you walk near. It’s anywhere from $2.50-$8.00 depending on the size, with the cheapest cups holding enough food to satiate a mid-day appetite, or a pre-dinner app. You will hear loud salsa and “plena” music coming from many of the booths, see fisherman come in and out of the docks, and may strike up a conversation with an off-duty fisherman or taxi driver. It’s as unique of an experience as you can have in the city, and a part of the culture that’s unforgettable.

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Panama is a country full of diversity at every angle, and that is certainly the case when it comes to food. Panamanians have a rich gastronomical tradition that spans centuries of influence from all over the world. They also have a burgeoning restaurant scene in the country that mixes old styles with new ones, and practically everything in between. If you want real, delicious, home-cooked Panamanian food, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from, whether in the city, countryside, mountains, or beach area. So in the essence of efficiency, and narrowing it down for newcomers (and long-time Panama expats), we’ve pick five of our favorite “must-eat” foods to try in Panama. Buen provecho!

Sancocho:

While the idea of what essentially is chicken soup may not be at the top of your list when visiting or living in a tropical country, we highly recommend you try sancocho. Why? Because it’s as authentic of a staple in Latin America as rice and beans, and Panama’s version is truly representative of the country’s tastes, and local ingredients. Sancocho is a soup that is packed with veggies, boiled potatoes, Caribbean-style spices, and of course, a full piece of chicken for flavor. It’s hearty, full of distinct flavors, and available at pretty much any Panamanian’s house, or at any local restaurant. It’s also very economical, with large bowls typically costing around $3-$4.

Ceviche:

While ceviche is certainly not exclusive to just Panama, the Panamanian version is well known in the region, and considered to be the best in Central America. This is because Panama has access to great, fresh fish, as well as citrus and other veggies, which are the staple ingredients of ceviche. You can get some of the best ceviche in the world at the “Mercado de Mariscos” outdoor fish market in Panama City, and it will only cost you about $2.50 for a heaping cup. Ceviche is also very healthy, and drinking the citrus juice at the bottom of the cup is considered an aphrodisiac, as well as a healthy finish to your meal.

Carimañola:

Like most Caribbean, and Pacific tropical countries, Panamanians love their fried food. And one of the best fried dishes around is the Carimañola. These are handmade, stuffed yucca balls with either meat or cheese inside, breaded, and deep fried to a crispy perfection. They are so packed with flavor, and so moist on the inside, they’ll remind you of dumplings with a thicker shell. Plus, the yucca really holds well, making them less messy than you would think, and absorbing lots of flavor from both the batter, as well as the filling. Try these as an appetizer, or a snack with beers during happy hour!

Tamales:

Traditionally a holiday dish, you can get fantastic tamales in Panama all year round if you like. A tamal is made of corn meal dough, stuffed with a variety of things including beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, or a combination of any of the above. But the real joy of tamales is how they’re cooked, and how they’re served. This classic Panamanian dish is cooked inside a big banana leaf, which steams it, keeps the inside nice and moist, and adds to the flavor retention. Tamales are filling, full of diverse flavors, and best served piping hot over the holidays with friends.

Now go out and start tasting all of this great Panamanian food!

The post Foodie? You’ll want to try these 4 delicious Panama foods! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

We’re full-swing into Summer here in Panama, and that means it’s festival season! If you’re visiting Panama, or live here year round, you’re going to have lots on your plate in February and March. One of the most popular festivals in Panama, especially for music lovers, is the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival. It’s a can’t miss cultural experience that brings together some of the great international artists, as well as the expat community, and Panama’s music community together. The festival runs from February 21st, to February 24th, 2019. It takes place mostly at the amphitheater in Valle Escondido, a large resort and golf community development, right in the heart of Boquete. There are also various events throughout town, as well as open mic nights at local bars, and even parades.

How to get to Boquete for the Jazz and Blues Festival

If you’re traveling to Boquete just for the Jazz and Blues Festival, you’re going to have to be patient. Many people head to this small mountain town from all over Panama (and internationally), so flights and buses will be full, and may be sold out at certain times. That being said, it’s not tough to get there from Panama City, or any of Panama City’s airports. You can fly to David (about a 35-minute drive from Boquete) from both Tocumen and Albrook International Airports, with about 40-45 minute flight times. Tickets are around $90 each way, but the cheaper ones tend to sell out the quickest, so be prepared for fare increases if you purchase last minute.

If you want to take the bus, you can get express and local buses from Panama City to David for about $15 each way, with buses leaving every hour from Albrook. The trip takes about 6-7 hours, and you can catch a taxi ($40) or smaller bus ($2) from David right to Boquete, in about 35-45 minutes. If you do decide to take the bus, make sure to bring a sweater, as the A/C tends to be very cold, and can even be uncomfortable on long-haul rides.

Where to stay in Boquete

For a town of such small size, Boquete has a surprising amount of options when it comes to lodging. There are a few hostels in town that offer very economic dorm bed options, as well as number of mid to high-priced hotels and cabanas. If you have a relatively high budget ($150 per night and up), we recommend staying at the hotel at the event sight itself, Valle Escondido. Valle Escondido is where the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival is hosted, and all performances are within earshot of the luxury hotel rooms and adjoining villas. If you want to stay in town, and still be walking distance, the Downtown Suites offers mid-priced rooms that are very centrally located, and convenient for both the festival, and walking around town.

For last minute options, your best bet is to look just outside of the center of town. Boquete has lots of great lodging options a short drive away, and if you have a car, getting to and from the festival area should be no issue at all.

The post Get excited for another edition of the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival, 2019! appeared first on POLS Attorneys.

As we reach the month of November (national holidays), Christmas, and then New Year’s, the end of the year marks a festive, busy time for most people in Panama. This year, the celebrations will carry on right into January with the 2019 World Youth Day (WYD), hosted by Panama and the Catholic Church. The World Youth Day, also known as “JMJ” (Jornada Mundial de la Juventud) in Spanish, will be held between January 22nd and January 27th, with the culmination of the celebration being a visit by the Pope. The WYD events will largely take place in Panama City’s historic center, Casco Viejo, with a number of symposiums and talks occurring off site leading up to the event and during the event itself.

What is the World Youth Day (in their words)?

“In 1984, over 300,000 young people from around the world responded to the invitation of His Holiness John Paul II for an International Jubilee of youth on Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s square. It was at this gathering that the Holy Father entrusted to the youth what is now known as the World Youth Day Cross, to be carried throughout the world as a symbol of the love of Christ for humanity. The following Palm Sunday, coinciding with the United Nation’s International Year of the Youth, Our Holy Father took the opportunity to welcome the youth of the world to Rome again. Later, announcing the institution of World Youth Day on December 20, 1985, and the first official WYD was held in 1986.

The following year brought about a new tradition when the second event and first international WYD took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Every Palm Sunday has since been designated as a World Youth Day, alternately celebrated at the diocesan and international levels. There have been 12 International World Youth Day celebrations, where the youth continue to answer the invitation of the Holy Father in staggering numbers and carry home the message received there to be Christ’s light to the world. While these events are organized by the clergy and laity of the Catholic Church, youth of all faiths are invited to attend and encounter Christ, making this gathering truly universal.”

What to expect if you live in Panama or are visiting Panama during this time?

Nearly a quarter-million Catholic pilgrims, foreign dignitaries, and event staff are expected to visit Panama during the period of the WYD, as well as the month of January as a whole. To facilitate that this runs smoothly, Panama has laid out many preparations. For starters, all of Casco Viejo will be a controlled entry/exit point, with only a few routes open to traffic, and police checkpoints for pedestrians and cars throughout. Outside of Casco Viejo, many roads will be closed during the event, either specifically during active event hours or for the entirety of the 5 days. This will cause immense traffic for those living in the center of Panama, and create restrictions for both motorists and pedestrians in and around the effective area.

Outside of Panama City, there shouldn’t be much negative effect from the WYD as far as travel and movement restrictions. In fact, with so many people coming to Panama cor the congress, there will certainly be boost in domestic tourism from people who decide to stay longer in Panama. As we’re still about three months out, new details are coming in by the week. We’ll keep you updated as we receive them.

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