Typical Cost when you Tour Panama

So, how much does it cost living or just even touring on Panama? This could be the most trending or important question upon planning a tour on vacation. Because we know that going to a place we’re unfamiliar of is a risky thing to do and we must be very prepared especially when it comes to finances. It’s real hard to run out of money in a foreign land.

In 1914 when the Panama Canal was constructed, the country has been a very important when it comes to international shipping industry. Since then, the country became a famous tourist destination for tourist and retirees due to cheaper American flights. But then, the cost of living in Panama is still higher than that of other countries in America like Nicaragua. 

Here are some of the usual prices that you can get for services offered:

Room accommodations. Throughout Panama, the average budget room rate is around US$10-20 for a single night. On the other hand, if you are looking for a private room, prices start at US$25. For the past few years, several hotels in places in Panama offered room accommodations at a very low price, even less than $10. Renting houses in Boquete for long periods of stay are also popular.

Transportation. Buses and taxi rides come at a reasonable price. In fact, a trip around the country by bus will cost you around $10-20, while overnight ones cost $25. If you are a thrift rider, you’ll just probably travel a day in Panama by around $20-$30. 

Food. Food is indeed one of the major reasons for spending on a trip. As for Panama, restaurants are serving comida corriente or set meals wherever you are for just about $2-$4. This serving usually comprises of rice, chicken and beans. However, if you want a more class cuisine with wine, expect to pay $30-40.

As for a tip, you’ll get the most of your money in Panama if you’re going to share the expense with others. For an instance, a double room is definitely cheaper than that if you’ll have it alone. Excursions and hikes are also cheaper for groups. Another is to make sure that the room you have rented does not have hot water showers. The climate in Panama is usually hot that’s why hot waters are of no use. Besides, it’ll just cost you extra price.

Image credits: destination360.com

The Panama Canal Expansion Project

The Panama Canal Expansion Project (also called the Third Set of Locks Project) will double the capacity of the Panama Canal by 2015 through creating a new lane of traffic and allowing more and larger ship to transit.

The project will build two new locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. Each will have three divisions with water-saving basins. Excavate new channels to the new locks. Widen and deepen existing channels. And raise Gutan Lake’s maximum operating level.

The project is expected to create demand for ports to handle post-Panamax ships. As of November 2012, the U.S. Eastern Seaboard ports of Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia and Miami, Florida, will be ready for these larger ships, although other ports are considering renovations, including dredging, blasting and bridge-raising. 

The construction of the third set of locks project is scheduled to take seven to eight years. The new locks could begin operations between fiscal years 2014 and 2015, approximately 100 years after the canal first opened.

The International maritime industry will benefit directly from the expansion through lower shipping costs, and global consumers will eventually benefit from the greater capacity and efficiency of the said project. 

Navigational channels. According to the plan, a 3.2 kilometer long access channel will be excavatedto connect the New Atlantic locks with existing sea entrance of the canal. To connect the new Pacific-side locks with the existing channels, two new access channels will be built: the north access channel, which will connect the new Pacific-side lock with the Culebra Cut, circumventing Miraflores Lake, and which will be 6.2 km long and the south access channel, which will connect the new lock with the existing sea entrance on the Pacific Ocean, and which will be 1.8 km long.   

Estimated cost. The ACP estimated the cost to construct the third set of locks at US $5.25 billion in 2006. This figure includes design, administrative, construction, testing, environmental mitigation and commissioning costs. It also includes contingencies to cover risks and unforeseen events such as accidents, design changes, price increases and possible delays. 

Environmental impact. According to ACP’s proposal they claim that the project will not permanently harm the environment, communities, primary forests, national parks or forest reserves, relevant patrimonial or archeological sites, agricultural or industrial production areas, or tourist or part areas. The project will not permanently reduce water or air quality. The water capacity of Gutan and Alhajuela Lakes will maximize the water supply program. And it design to use water so efficiency at the locks that no new water reservoirs will be required and no communities need to move.

Image credits: constructiondigital.com