Panama and Nicaragua Country Dossier
The narrow isthmus of Central America forms the land bridge between the Pacific and the Caribbean, reaching its narrowest point in Panama. As a region, Central America may be dwarfed by its northern and southern neighbours, but it packs a huge amount of sights into a small area. Travel in Central America means experiencing a vibrantly colourful part of the world - Mayan temples lost in the jungle, fiestas held in small Indian villages, beautiful tropical beaches along the Caribbean coast, and a rich musical heritage where you can get into the swing of the Latin way of life.
- Factfile
- Preparing to go
- Money
- Cultural & Environmental Guidelines
- Arrival
- On Tour
- General Information
Factfile
Capital:
Panama - Panama City
Nicaragua - Managua
Official Language: Spanish. English is widely spoken
Religions: Approx. 85% Roman Catholic
Voltage:
Panama - 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the flat two-pin American type.
Nicaragua - 110 volts AC, 60Hz.
Preparing to go
Visas
Panama
Passports should be valid for minimum 6 months. British and EU nationals can stay up to 90 days. Nationals of Australia, USA and Canada need to obtain a tourist card valid for 90 days. Check with your local Panamanian Embassy for the latest information
Nicaragua
Nationals of Britain, EU, Australia, USA and Canada do not need a visa and can obtain a tourist card for stays of up to one month. Check with your local Nicaraguan Embassy for the latest information.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. The Imaginative Traveller cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation.
Money
Local Currency
Panama
The unit of currency is the Balboa. There is no Panamanian paper currency; coins exist in denominations of PAB10 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage. PAB1 = US$1.
Approximate exchange rates (as at May 2008) are as follows:
1 Pound Sterling: PAB 1.94
1 US Dollar: PAB 1.00
1 Euro: PAB 1.54
Nicaragua
The unit of currency is the Gold Cordoba. Notes are in denominations of NIO500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of NIO5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.
Approximate exchange rates (as at May 2008) are as follows:
1 Pound Sterling: NIO 38
1 US Dollar: NIO 19.5
1 Euro: NIO 30
XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion.
Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs
Panama
Banks and Cambios are available for changing money, but there is no need to change US dollars.
Mastercard and Visa are the most commonly used credit cards, but American Express is also used.
Nicaragua
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, and at banks and Bureaux de Change in major cities.
American Express, Diner's Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted on a limited basis.
Working out your Budget
The Pre-Departure Information contains general information about the things you will need to consider when budgeting for your holiday. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Panama and Nicaragua.
Optional Excursions
All of our itineraries include some free time, the amount of which usually depends on the style of tour you are travelling on (Adventurer trips generally have more than Traveller). If you wish to take optional excursions your Tour Leader will be able to advise you of the possibilities in each area.
Meals
You will find the meal plan for your tour clearly indicated in the brochure and on your Trip Dossier. Breakfast is provided each day on most tours, and many tours also include a number of dinners. Lunches are rarely included to give you more freedom. Approximate costs for meals and snacks not included are shown below:
Panama
- Simple snack: US$2-6
- Light meal: US$6-10
- Fancy restaurant: US$10-20
Nicaragua
- Simple snack: US$2-4
- Light meal: US$4-8
- Fancy restaurant: US$8-15
For a guide to the type of food you will find in Panama and Nicaragua see the Local Food & Drink section of this dossier.
Drinks
Tea and Coffee are always provided with breakfast. All other drinks (i.e. bottled water, soft drinks) are at your own expense.
Approximate costs for drinks bought in a shop in the street are shown below. Note: Prices in restaurants, hotels, and cruise boats can be as much as double those specified.
Local Transport
Panama
Taxis do not have meters as a rule, so fares should be agreed in advance. Tipping is not normally expected. There are many different kinds of bus and minibus operating in Panama City. Roads are generally fairly good.
Nicaragua
Taxis are available at the airport or around Managua. Prices should be agreed in advance. Public transport is slow and overcrowded.
What to Take
The Pre-Departure Information that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you. Please also check your Trip Dossier for any special requirements.
The Imaginative Traveller Recommends: Bring a backpack or easy to carry luggage and travel light. You will have to carry your own luggage frequently – don't let this be an ordeal.
Clothing
Both countries have a tropical climate, with high temperatures all year round. Comfortable cotton clothing that will keep you cool is useful. A raincoat is essential in the rainy season. Even in tropical countries the temperature can drop sharply at night so take a warm top.
Prepare Yourself
Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active.
Cultural & Environmental Guidelines
The Environment
Toilet Paper
Some trips have a few days where toilets are not available. When you do answer the call of nature please burn your toilet paper – do not bury it. If it is not possible to burn it, take it back to the camp where it can be placed in the rubbish bin and disposed of appropriately.
Whenever you use a western or squat style toilet please place your toilet paper in the rubbish bin provided – DO NOT flush it down the toilet as this may block the sewerage system. You may also want to carry your own toilet paper as not all toilets will supply it.
The Imaginative Traveller Recommends: You may find it useful to take along a supply of antiseptic gel (ie water free soap) and plastic bags to put your toilet paper in if it cannot be burnt/placed in a bin.
Litter
Throwing rubbish on the floor may be acceptable to some locals, but please hold on to your waste until you find a litterbin or somewhere appropriate to dispose of it.
Begging
Begging is not unusual in Central America and has started to appear at some tourist destinations as well. Ultimately donations are a traveller's personal choice; however our recommendation is NOT to give money, pens, gifts or sweets as this encourages a begging mentality and is largely ineffectual. If you do want to help it is probably better to give to a recognised charity. If you choose not to give, simply say no with a smile and keep on walking. If you learn nothing else of the local language, try to learn to say ‘no thank you’.
Shopping
Haggling is expected to an extent in all Central American countries and hunting for bargains can be a real highlight.
Panama is a Duty Free haven and goods can be purchased far cheaper than at home. Traditional Guarani Indian souvenirs are popular, such as jewellery and pottery. In Nicaragua local goods include gold, woodwork and embroidery.
Arrival
Arrival Transfers
Upon arrival at the airport, please look for our representative who will be holding an Imaginative Traveller sign. He should be waiting for you in the area immediately before you reach Customs and Immigration.
Making Your Own Way
The Meeting Point for your tour should be clearly marked on your travel vouchers.
On Tour
Safety
Care should be taken, especially whilst walking around the larger cities. Try to keep away from dark quiet areas if on your own, particularly late at night and try to always take a taxi. If you have had a few drinks and are returning to your hotel at night, it is best to always take a taxi directly to the hotel. We suggest that whenever possible you leave all of your important documents in the hotel safe. However you should always carry some form of ID or a photocopy of your passport.
It is advisable not to wear expensive looking watches or jewellery and don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket or carry loose hanging bags. Keep your camera concealed when not in use. Remember that most thieves don't use violence but rely mostly on diversionary tactics which can take place at anytime of the day or night. Do not be paranoid, but just be aware that it could happen at anytime. Always be vigilant and the chances are nothing will ever happen to you. The safety of our passengers is our tour leaders’ number one concern and they will provide all necessary local information during the pre-departure meeting.
Tour Leaders & Guides
Your Tour Leader's role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He/she will share their local knowledge, advise on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour – although occasionally he/she may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Tour Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right. Tour Leaders are supported by our regionally based office staff and, in most cases, a locally based manager.
Accommodation
Our main criterion for choosing hotels is cleanliness. On Adventurer tours hotels are simple, but comfortable. Bathroom facilities may sometimes be shared and rooms may sometimes be multi share rather than twin. Hotels on Traveller tours almost always have private bathrooms, air conditioning and bar / restaurant facilities. Please bear in mind that hotels can sometimes suffer from minor problems and technical difficulties.
At each hotel your Tour Leader will try to organise the rooming arrangements to suit everyone's requirements. If you are travelling alone you will be allocated a room with another group member of the same sex (unless you have paid a single supplement). If you are travelling as a couple please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of double beds.
Note: Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room. Single supplements are also only available on Traveller tours and are not applicable on overnight boats, trains and while camping.
Laundry
A laundry service is available in most of the hotels we use in Central America.
Local Food & Drink
Panama
American, French and Spanish food is available in major cities. Local cooking is spicy and similar to Creole cooking. Seafood is generally very good. Local dishes include ceviche - white fish marinated in lime juice, patacones de plantano - plantain fritters, tamales - a pie wrapped in banana leaves, and empanadas - a kind of meat filled turnover.
Nicaragua
In Managua you can find restaurants selling most kinds of cuisine - French, Spanish, Chinese and Italian. Local specialities include gallopinto - fried rice and beans, ajiaco - a pork and tortilla dish, and rosquillas - a kind of cheese and cornmeal biscuit. Seafood is normally very good. Tortillas are often used to scoop up food in place of cutlery.
Special Dietary Requirements
Vegetarians
Although meat is often not the main feature of a meal, it can be found in many dishes, even if only as a stock. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety in the food available at meal times. Your Tour Leader will do their best to offer a vegetarian alternative, but your patience and understanding is requested.
Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.
Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.
Communications
Panama
Email
There are internet cafés in most Panamanian towns, which usually charge around US$1.50-2.00 per hour.
Phone
Phone cards are available for international calls. Calls are generally cheapest between 5.00pm and 10.00pm, and on Sundays.
Post
You can only buy stamps in post offices. Air mail takes roughly 10 days to Europe.
Nicaragua
Email
Internet cafés are widely available in the main cities and some towns. Prices range from US$1.50-3.00 per hour.
Phone
Calls can be made from any Enitel office. You have to pay in advance for however long you want to talk for.
Post
Air mail to Europe takes two to four weeks.
Cameras
Although film is available, quality can be inconsistent so bring your own where possible. Ensure you have an adequate supply of memory cards for digital cameras.
Optional Excursions in Panama
Snorkel tour (Bocas del Toro) US$17 - 20 On this day tour you visit 4 places, you see dolphins, go snorkeling and visit a beautiful beach.
Turtle watch US$20 You walk up and down the beach Playa Bluff for 2 - 3 hours at night
Rent a bike US$5 - 10
Optional Excursions in Nicaragua
Masaya volcano trip (Granada) US$30 On this day trip you visit the Apollo crater, the Masaya marked and the Masaya volcano just before the sun is setting.
Boat tour on lake Nicaraua US$11 - 18 Depend on how long you want to go or if you want lunch included. On this tour you enjoy Las Isletas Archipelago, 354 islands created by a massive eruption of volcano Mombacho 3.000 years ago.
Kayak on the lake US$29 2-3 hours in the morning included a local guide.
Mombacho volcano hike US$40 - 50 A half day hike up the Mombacho volcano in the morning seeing beautiful nature, wildlife and view from the top.
City tour of Granada US$10 - 20 You can do this city tour of the beautiful colonial city Granada either by foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriages.
Rent a bike US$5
General Information
Weather
Panama
The climate is tropical throughout the country, with high average temperatures and little variation throughout the year. Temperatures are cooler in highland areas. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and the Pacific coast gets twice as much rainfall as the Caribbean coast.
Nicaragua
Most of the country has a tropical climate, but in the northern highland areas it is much cooler. The rainy season is from June to November.
Holidays
Panama
2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
9 Jan National Martyrs' Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
15 Aug Old Panama City Day (Panama City only).
3 Nov Independence Day (from Colombia).
5 Nov Independence Day (Colón City only).
10 Nov First Call for Independence from Spain.
28 Nov Independence Day (from Spain).
8 Dec Mothers' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
Nicaragua
2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
20 Mar Holy Thursday.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
19 Jul Liberation Day.
14 Sep Battle of San Jacinto.
15 Sep Independence Day.
2 Nov All Souls' Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
Suggested Reading
Guidebooks
- Footprint Guide - Central America & Mexico
- Lonely Planet Guide - Panama
- Lonely Planet Guide - Nicaragua & El Salvador
Useful Phrases in Spanish
- Hello - Hola
- Goodbye - Adios
- How are things? - Que tal
- Please - Por favor
- Thank you - Gracias
- Yes - Si
- No - No
- Excuse me/sorry - Permiso
- How much is it? - Cuanto cuesta
- Too expensive - Es demasiado caro
Spanish Numbers
- 1 - uno
- 2 - dos
- 3 - tres
- 4 - cuatro
- 5 - cinco
- 6 - seis
- 7 - siete
- 8 - ocho
- 9 - nueve
- 10 - diez
- 20 - veinte
- 30 - treinta
- 100 - cien
- 1000 - mil
Contact Details
Local Office
Passion Costa Rica
Rohrmoser
San Jose
Costa Rica
Tel: 506 231 2978
Regional Office
David Leyva-Seller
C/ Atocsaycuchi#670
San Blas
Cusco
Peru
Tel: 5184240427
UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566
24hr Emergency Contact
Tel: +51 84984652116
