About Panama

Everything you need to know

About Dynamo Travel

Dynamo Travel Panama is a family-run travel agency based in Panama City, capital of the Republic of Panama. Since their beginnings in tourism, over 18 years ago, founder Gustavo Zevallos has been on a mission to showcase the country’s most popular and awe-inspiring attractions, while celebrating the unpretentious warmth you’ll encounter once here. At DTP, we have a natural disposition to incorporate the authentic charm of Panama into all that we do and the expertise and knowledge of the land that will safely take you to any corner of our country. Our aim is to make your experience in Panama, unforgettable.

The agency works with a nation-wide network of multilingual providers including the best specialized tour guides in all of Panama –whether you are into wildlife observation or discovering historical treasures. We also work with numerous lodging facilities in or near world-class tourist attractions –be they tropical gems, lush rainforests or our modern metropolis. The country is so small yet diverse, that a single hotel can serve as a hub to get to the most contrasting and amazing experiences!

We have a client base comprised of individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds, as well as business and academic organizations which have chosen Panama as their travel destination. Our tours are dynamic experiences tailored to your taste where you set the rhythm and we provide the stage. We have extensive experience with visitors from Canada and the United States, our Central and South American neighbors, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and France among many other places. Check out their comments in our Testimonials section

DTP strives to keep every aspect of your trip above your expectations and will be more than willing to entertain any special request to make your visit to Panama a memorable one.

About Panama

PANAMA: MUCH MORE THAN A CANAL

Panama is world-famous for its 48-mile Canal that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. Each year, over a million people visit the Canal and are able to witness this engineering marvel at work. Panama is very proud to have this magnificent creation operating 365 days a year, enabling the world’s cargo to be shipped efficiently and safely to new destinations.

Three million years ago, the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea and changed the world forever. It divided an ocean and joined two continents together, triggering one of the most important natural evolution events in the history of the world. Today, this narrow land bridge in Central America is home to more species of birds and trees than the whole of North America. We invite you to discover its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and endless tourist activities, right at your fingertips.

Some of these activities include rainforest tours, surfing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, camping, birdwatching, white water rafting, zipline tours, and more. In Panama City, you can enjoy world-class dining, nightlife, casinos and shopping! Panama has attracted some of the world’s most famous brands to set up shop here, including Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Hermes, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, and countless others. Tourists from all over the world come to Panama and experience a modern, beautiful city with all the amenities one would expect from a world-famous business and tourism hub.

Eastern Standard Time (EST), GMT – 5

GEOGRAPHY

The Republic of Panama is a large isthmus strip with a total area of 75,517 km² and 2,210 km² of surface waters, for a total territory encompassing 78,200 km². The country is located in Central America at 7° 11′ longitude and 9° 37′ north latitude.

 

BOUNDARIES

Panama is politically divided into 10 provinces and 5 indigenous territories. To the north, it borders with the Caribbean Sea and to the south, the Pacific Ocean. Panama shares its borders with the Republic of Colombia to the east and with the Republic of Costa Rica to the west. Its borders measure 555 km in total, 225 km of which are on the Colombian side and 330 km on the Costa Rican side, and its coastline is 2,490 km long.

Panama is divided into 10 provinces, 75 districts, 621 municipalities and the following 5 indigenous reserves: Guna Yala, Ngäbé-Bugle, Emberá-Wounaán, Madungandí y Wargandí.

TERRAIN

Most of the Panamanian territory consists of lowlands (70%). The majority of Panama’s population lives in these warm low-lying lands. This category includes the southern lowlands and plains, the hills and plains of the Central Isthmus, the eastern depressions and the northern plains and lowlands. The remaining 30% of the Panamanian territory is highlands. These lands are composed of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. In this category we can find the Barú Volcano, the Central mountain range, the Northern Eastern Arch, the Southern Eastern Arch, Southern Massif and Volcanic Chain.

GEOGRAPHY

The Republic of Panama is a large isthmus strip with a total area of 75,517 km² and 2,210 km² of surface waters, for a total territory encompassing 78,200 km². The country is located in Central America at 7° 11′ longitude and 9° 37′ north latitude.

 

DEMOGRAPHICS

Although there is great ethnic diversity, most of the population is of mestizo origins: descendants of Indian, African and Spanish heritages.

The population density is evident along the coastal region of the Gulf of Panama, particularly on the Azuero Peninsula and in the metropolitan areas of Panama City and Colón. A high degree of urban development in recent years has attracted a growing urban population, which currently represents 59% of the total population of the country. The fertility rate is one of the lowest in Central America, with an average of 2.6 children per woman.

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Population

CULTURE

Panama owns a cultural diversity that makes it unique in the region. One of the biggest contributors to the richness of its culture is the constant presence of visitors from all parts of the world. The origin of this singular cultural mix is, without a doubt, the “crossroads” nature of the country. In addition, the intense connection Panama has with the sea makes it very similar to an island in the Caribbean.

As a point of contact and a crossing site, this small strip of land is considered a true melting pot of races. With over 3 and a half million inhabitants, its population is composed of 67% mestizos (Amerindian and European) and mulatos (white and black), 14% blacks, 10% whites, 6% Amerindian (indigenous people) and 3% from varied ethnic origins. This mixture is particularly rich because, although it comes from a wide array of cultural origins and very diverse traditions, it has been stimulated by the atmosphere of tolerance and harmony that has always reigned in the territory.                                         

La Pollera is the name used in Latin America and Spain for a type of skirt and dress that is known for its elaborate decorations. The skirts are made of different materials, such as cotton or wool, and are often colorfully decorated using various techniques, among which embroidery and lacing with floral designs are commonly employed.

It is believed that the Pollera skirt is derived from a Spanish dress from the 16th or 17th century. It was passed down to women in the middle and lower classes as a simpler and easier version in which to carry out their daily chores or attend their regional celebrations. In many Latin American countries, it is currently used as a folk costume. While in some countries the name refers to just the skirt part, in Panama the entire dress is called a Pollera.

ECONOMY & FINANCE

Panama’s economy is one of the most stable in America. The main economic activities are finances, tourism and logistics, which represent 75% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). From 2003 to 2009 the GDP doubled, propelled by high foreign and domestic investment, coupled with the tourism and logistics industries. According to the Bank, the IMF and the UN, the country has the highest per capita income in Central America, which is about $13,090; it is also the largest exporter and importer at the regional level, according to ECLAC. The GDP has enjoyed a sustained growth for more than twenty years in a row (1989). The country is classified in the category of investment grade by the credit rating companies Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.

RETIRING IN PANAMA

WHY PANAMA?
One of the world’s lowest costs of living for foreigners
Convenient use of the U.S. dollar as currency
The best retiree benefit program in the world

Panama features world-class attractions, a vibrant Miami-style city, exotic tropical rainforests, beautiful mountain refuges with perfect weather, first-rate golfing, diving, fishing, and islands and beaches on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. With all this and more, you will never get bored!

  • A foreign investor and retiree-friendly government.
  • The fastest growing economy in the Americas.
  • A quick (2-5 hour) non-stop flight away from major North American cities.
  • Panamanians are peaceful, friendly, and fun-loving.
  • Modern infrastructure and transportation system.
  • Inexpensive, top-notch health services and medical care.
  • The best shopping in Latin America.
  • High speed internet and telecommunication services.
  • Convenient international banking and a strong financial services sector.
  • Variety of residential areas from which to choose.

Numerous U.S. publications have called Panama one of the best places in the world to retire and there are many reasons why