The Advantages of Living in Panama

One thing’s for sure.

Panama tops the list of the highly recommended places in the world to live in. primarily it is because of the fact that you can do both business and relaxation with ease. All in all, Panama is a great place to spend the rest of your life and money with. Here are some of the reasons why:

LOW COST OF LIVING

According to a 2012 report, Panama is one among the top ten least costly cities in the world especially for foreigners. Not to mention, it has the best program for retirees in the world. Panamanian government really has concrete programs to attract retiring foreigners in their land. Along with the many discounts and benefits to avail are entertainment, transportation, medical supplies, home loans, and even hotel accommodations. The only thing you need is a certification of $500 monthly income, police report, and a health certificate. 

SECURITY AND SAFETY

In line with other South American countries, Panama has the lowest crime rate in general. Here, you don’t have to worry putting your wallet in your pocket and carrying large amount of dollars. In fact, crime rate has a dramatic decline to about 28%. Moreover, Panama doesn’t experience hurricanes and earthquake than any other countries. So be it with crime or natural calamity, there is no safer place than Panama.

THE PANAMANIAN PEOPLE

The Panamanians are one of the friendliest races in the world. Probably because of their rich history of dealing with foreigners, the country became globalized. Also, they are fun-loving people. Evidences can be traced to their festive celebrations and active nightlife. Lastly, what makes Panamanian people unique is their strong values for elegance and beauty.

NO BORING MOMENT

Being a small nation didn’t limit Panama for being a home to world-class activities and attractions. Anyone can say that this country is so blessed with many beautiful amenities and side trips to do  – hiking in rainforests, beach lounging, mountain trekking, diving, partying and a whole lot more. It is not that hard to experience the wonders of Panama. Here you can also enjoy shopping, high speed internet services, great restaurants with a variety of awesome venues to choose from. 

FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY

Panama has the fastest growing economy in America. In fact, its Gross Domestic Product rises from 7-10% each year from 2009. Significantly, it has one of the most secured financial systems in the world.

All about Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a 48-mile ship canal along Isthmus in Panama that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. This international maritime trade route saves about 1000 miles of travelling the Cape Horn, along the southern tip of South America. The construction of Panama Canal is considered as one among the largest and most crucial engineering projects ever undertaken. 

HISTORY

In 16th century, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, the first European to approach the Pacific, first saw the possibility of building a canal that will connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Before, Panama was part of the country of Columbia but when the later opposed the proposal of the United States in building a canal, a revolution supported by the U.S. led to freedom of Panama in 1903. The Panamanian government gave authority to French Philippe Bunau-Varilla to organize a treaty between United States that allowed for the construction of the canal. 

The Panama Canal was built from 1904 to 1914 though the French first attempted to build it in the 1880s with the cost of about 400 million U.S. dollars. 

THE CANAL SYSTEM

The canal consists of artificial lakes, three sets of locks and several improved and artificial channels. At the time of the canal’s construction, Gatun Lake, formed by the canal is the largest artificial lake in the world. The Alajuela Lake is an additional lake that acts as a reservoir for the canal. 

The locks, (water filled chambers) are the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and the Miraflores locks. These are responsible for raising or lowing ships from one level to another. These are also built in pairs to allow passage of ships in both directions at the same time. 

SOME POINTS OF INTEREST

Disease is the primary obstacle in building the Panama Canal. At that time, Panama was one of the most disease-ridden countries in the world not to mention numerous cases of yellow fever and malaria.

The cargo ship Ancon was the first vessel to pass through the canal on August 15, 1914.  A giant landslide occurred in 1915 in Gaillard Cut causing the Canal to close for several months.  The highest Canal toll was US $ 141,344.91 made by Crown Princess, a passenger superliner; the lowest toll ever paid was 36 cents by Richard Halliburton for swimming through the Canal in 1928.  John Stevens is considered to be the mastermind behind the construction of the canal. He designed the lock system of the Canal but he resigned from his position before the completion of the project. 

Panamanian Golden Frog

Panamanian Golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) can only be found in Panama. It is a toad that is critically endangered and is nearing to extinction. This Golden frog belongs to the animal family of reptiles. They produce toxins coming from their skin that is why predators are noxious in making them as food. Female golden frog is twice bigger than the male ones. Males range from 1.5 to 2 inches only compared to female golden frogs that can grow from 2 to 3 inches. When female golden lay eggs, they hid them under rocks to avoid over exposure to light for the eggs are light-sensitive.

Most Panamanian golden frogs are seen on rain forests near the freshwater streams or on high elevation forests. Males tend to be territorial and defend their territories against other male golden frogs when they have their females on their territory in the stream. They use their vocal calls to attract female golden frogs. And then later on leave once the egg has been deposited.

Food

Just like other breed of frogs, the golden frogs are insectivores. They eat a wide range of insects, small invertebrates found in the forests near their stream territories.

Population and Threats

The golden frogs are nearing extinction and one major factor that affects their diminishing number is their loss of habitat. This can be attributed to the growing population of the natives. Another thing that affects the decrease of this reptile is the illegal collection and making them as trade. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or the chytrid fungus also contributes to the diminishing number of golden frogs. These are pathogenic fungus that desiminates amphibian population the Panama rainforests.

Zoo Atlanta Conservation Efforts

The alarming decrease in number of this endemic creature leads to the formation of Project Golden Frog. It aims to raise awareness to golden frog conservation. The Project Golden Frog is  a joint effort of various US organizations and institutions in Panama. They have created educational programs, breeding efforts and studies to help conserve and increase the number of the golden frogs. The project later on grows and now also includes conservation of other endemic and nearly extinct creatures of the Panama rainforest. El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) now serves as breeding facility for endangered Panamanian golden frogs.

Panama Government’s Move on Protecting the Rainforest

Panama is known to have more than 9,915 plants species resting on its land or hanging on trees, mammals of different species amounting to 218, 242 reptiles and 182 amphibians. All of which is housed by the beautiful country that tourists would want to see.

The country has rich diversity because of the fact that it has been like a bridge that connects two big continents of South and North America. This makes species on the two different regions meet and mingle with each other.

As time goes, Panama’s rainforest is still sustained and just some of its biodiversity got lost due to the Panama Canal Construction.

Deforestation also plays a big part in the probable loss of Panama’s rich plants and animals. Deforestation at the country started at the end of 19th century up to the beginning of the 20th century. But with the government’s conscious effort to maintain the biodiversity of Panama, it has the lowest deforestation rate in the last 10-15 years amongst Latin American countries. 

Deforestation rate in Panama was 0.2% annually from 1990-2000, and from 2000-2005 it has 0.1%. But these figures do not stop the government to continue their program in protecting the rainforest. There are still serious deforestation problems that need further action. 

As part of protecting the rainforest, Panama government has already established 14 national parks in the intention of protecting the animals and plants of the country.

The world has also recognized some of the national parks in Panama that protects the biodiversity by awarding them the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. These three national parks include:

• Darien National Park
• La Amistad International Park
• Coiba National Park

Darien National Park is the largest national park in Panama that covers a land area of 597,000 ha. Aside from a large range of animal species inhabiting the park, Darien National Park also is home for Choco and Cuna Indians.

La Amistad International Park is a protected area that is a boundary of Costa Rica and Panama. The part of the park that is of Panama’s has an area of 207,000 ha.

Coiba National Park has an area covering of an estimated 270,000 ha and is at an island in the Pacific Ocean, 53, 000 ha terrestrial area and 217, 000 ha marine area.

Having these kinds of parks enclosing the biodiversity of Panama and housing the plants and animals makes it easier for the government to preserve them so the next generation can still enjoy the beauty of the countries rich biodiversity. 

Wildlife Animals of Panama

Panama is definitely home to various kinds of animals that’s why this place is a must-see to tourists when it comes to wildlife. In fact, the country houses 218 mammal species, 226 reptile species, 164 on amphibians and 125 endemic species. Panama also has the most number of bird species up to about 940 making it the largest in Central America. 

BIRDS. Panama is a perfect site for bird watchers all over the world. It has five species of macaws and nearly 20 kinds of parrots and parakeets. Others would include black umbrella birds, multicolored toucans and the striking emerald-green quetzal which can be spotted best at Parque Internacional La Amistad during March to June, their breeding season. Watch the male quetzals as they grow spectacular trains in search of a mate. Another must-see bird is the Harpy eagle, Panama’s national eagle. It is distinct due to its huge size, with a wing span of 2m making it the world’s most powerful bird prey.  This bird of strength is best seen at the Parque Nacional Darién around Punta Patiño. 

What’s interesting about Panama is that its geographical location serves as crossroads for migratory birds. In October, hawk migrations amaze the birders in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. October and March are the best months to sight migrating turkey vultures. American raptors migrating to Central America blackens the sky between August and December each year. 

BIG CATS. Five species of big cats prowl Panama’s jungles – ocelots, jaguars, margays, pumas and jaguarundis. A good eyesight and a lot of luck are a must to catch at least one of them in the wild. The jaguar is the largest among the group and in the Americas. These cats need huge territory to hunt their prey that’s why they are all endangered. Two national parks dominating in Panama are one of the few places where you can see these species interacting in the wild. 

MAMMALS. Panama is a bridge to the Southern and Central Americas but its mammals resemble those of the Southern. The country’s many species include sloths, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and howler monkeys. Geoffroy's tamarin, a black and white primate characterized by its whistles and chirps is only found in Panama and Columbia. The capybara, the world’s largest rodent can be found in the outgrowth of Panama’s rivers and lakes.

SEA LIFE. Panama’s coasts houses large groups of tropical fish as well as humpback whales and sperm whales, reef sharks and bottlenose dolphins. Whale sharks, which are  the world’s largest fish species visit Panama’s underwater. Among the seven species of sea turtle species in the world, 5 of it are found in Panama. Tourists love to see the hatchlings of these turtles coming from their shells in the country’s beaches.  

Panama Canal Rainforest

Panama rainforest takes about 50,000 acres. It covers almost 58% of the country’s total land mass which means the country is really gifted with intense wildlife. It is a wonderland of exotic nature and a dream for nature enthusiasts. It is also considered to be the most accessible rainforest in the world, just few minutes from Panama City. Its pristine rainforest is a home to 105 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 525 species of birds. 

The country’s rich biodiversity caught the interest of biologists to conduct research studies in the area concerning merging of species since Panama serve as a bridge to South America and North America. 

Panama Canal Rainforest houses extraordinary animal life which is an asset to tourists. Listed are some examples.

SLOTHS. Sloths constantly appear to be smiling, isn’t that amazing?  But it is quite hard to spot any of these cute mammals. They are always found hanging on trees, having claws that allow them to hang on trees effortlessly. Another interesting aspect of Sloths is their fur; it houses a unique form of algae that gives them green tint which helps in forest camouflage. Don’t forget to look up when you visit Panama Canal Rainforest, you’ll never know what you might see!

BIRDS. Panama is a paradise for bird watchers. It has the most diverse bird life which is real evident when you approach the depths of the forest. A total of 976 species has been recorded, exceeding the list for United States and Canada combined. The typical neotropical families like Trogons, Antbirds and Tanagers are well represented. The ruler of the rainforest is the Harpy Eagle which happens to be the national bird of Panama. It stands three feet tall and also the world’s strongest bird of prey.

FROGS. These brightly-colored creatures bring a taste of life to Panamanian Rainforest. The Poison dart Frog for example, is notable for its tiny size and bright color. Another one is the Strawberry Poison Dart that looks very much similar to that of a strawberry fruit. Frogs are given much importance of the Panamanian government that they made it a crime to transport any of these amphibians to other parts of the country. 

Panama Canal Rainforest is indeed a home to one of the world’s best wildlife. It is a shame not to try its biodiversity offered that will surely make your trip an experience of a lifetime. 

What to Do at Panama’s Rainforest

You might be hearing of some other more popular rainforest but what make Panama’s rainforest different are its unsearched treasures. Tourists can enjoy its natural wonders without the hassle of battling with other tourists. The country has over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforests which brings nature up close. A unique feature of Panama is the closeness of its nature spots to its metropolitan capital. In fact, Panama Canal Rainforest is just 30 minutes away from Panama City. In this article we’ve listed several activities that you must try upon reaching Panama’s rainforest. 

Hire a Tour Company for your Day Tour Package. It would be a shame not to step out and try outdoor activity packages offered by tour companies. Glide through the rainforest with an Aerial Tram and get the chance to unfold the stories told by their diverse flora and fauna. Do not miss bird-watching excursion or go for some excellent freshwater fishing that will suit your hunger for family bonding. If you want a relaxing thing to do, cruise across Panama’s waters and took a boat ride. One thing’s for sure, you will never run out of activities to do in Panama.

Birding. In Panama located are two of the world’s best birding locations: Pipeline and Achiote Road and Discovery Center in Panama Canal Rainforest. These sites are open 6am to 4pm every day. Go and challenge yourself to observe almost 800 species of birds on their 40m tower with awesome views of forest canopy. 

Kayaking and Rafting day tours. Traverse through Panama’s waterscape as you paddle across Chagres River and on a kayak tour in Canal Rainforest. This provides a unique opportunity to view wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Other animals would include turtles, crocodiles and three-toed sloths.

Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo. A vast botanical garden and zoo awaits everyone about 40 minutes from Panama City. It would be the best place to see vegetation and tropical animals. At summit, you can see a Harpy Eagle which is the world’s largest predator bird. 

Barro Colorado Island Tours. It is a lush jungle island with an outdoor tropical laboratory in Gatun Lake. Reservations have to be made beforehand to protect the island’s scientific research projects. The tour  can include boat ride and hiking that will definitely bring your hearts for nature out. 

Fishing. Gatun Lake, once the world’s largest man-made lake offers numerous fishes to catch. Don’t try to miss this experience since there are no limits or restrictions. This is a great tour for friends and families to enjoy the bounties of nature Lake Gatun offers.