Preview of Chapter Two

The Nuts and Bolts of Travel In Panama

Planes, Helicopters, Yachts, Hotels, Cell Phones, Rental Cars

When I first arrived in Panama’s Tocumen International airport, “dazed and confused” was probably the best way
to describe my state of mind.

You can probably relate to the sensation you feel when you arrive in a foreign airport after ingesting a dose of airplane food. You feel groggy, foggy and ready for a shower.

After two four hour flights, a four hour layover, plus an agonizing wait for immigration and baggage, my main interest at this point is getting to my hotel.

Panama’s Tocumen International airport is actually quite small by most standards. This means every person who arrives comes out the same door where crowds of people wait holding signs, waving, hugging, kissing, clamoring about, or jostling to find their client. I’ve been to rock concerts with more room to breathe.

It was quite a shock to my system to have to wade into a crowd of strangers with all my luggage and push my way through the crowd without really knowing where I was going.

Suddenly Spanish is the only language I hear.

The airport exit is only a few steps away which almost makes it seem too easy. Strangers start yelling “taxi” and try to grab my bags and drag me to their preferred taxi. I end up following one of the guys to a taxi and load my luggage into what I hope is a legitimate taxi.

Above: The view from a flight into Panama’s domestic airport.

After a little more experience, I now know to ask for a “collectivo” which cuts my taxi fare to a third of the price and takes only a few minutes more. This is how Latin businessmen and other solo business travelers do it.

Or, better yet, I call one of the taxi driver’s I have met over the years and they come to pick me up, making the initial transition that much easier. Arriving in Panama without knowing a good taxi driver is like arriving in a shark infested tank with an open wound. Your taxi driver is probably the most important ally you have in the early stages of your Panama exploration.

Above: Kite surfing has become popular in Punta Chame, one of the whitest sand beaches in Panama

In Chapter Two of the Panama 101 – E-Book, we provide a list of hotels that offer excellent value and service, as well as phone numbers for a couple of my favorite taxi drivers. We explain the best way to get a Panama cell phone without having to sign up for a one year plan. We also list reliable companies who provide helicopter, yacht or charter plane services for the more exotic excursionist.