Tips for your business trip to Panama City
Panama City, a surprising city where the skyline with its skyscrapers immediately stands out. An image that makes the city look very modern. All these modern architectural buildings towering above the city is the business center of the city. In addition to office buildings, many luxury international hotels and restaurants are located here. Business here is mainly focused on banking, commerce and tourism. If you look further, however, you will see that there is also a beautiful old part of town: Casco Viejo. Here you will find atmospheric narrow streets that wind through the center of the city. The city is beautifully situated on the Gulf of Panama so sea views are always nearby. In this blog I, Business Travel Consultant Marieke, will take you to this Central American city and share useful tips for your business trip!
Transportation to Panama City
Panama City Tocumen Airport is located 22km north-east of Panama City. KLM flies directly to Panama City, the flight time is about 11 hours. Once arrived at the airport, the cab is the most convenient mode of transportation to travel to the hotel. Want to be assured of a transfer to your hotel? Then book a private transfer through Uniglobe Alliance Travel when planning your business trip! It is also possible to travel by public transportation. However, you will have to change trains several times before arriving at your destination. Especially after a long flight, this is not recommended.
Transportation in Panama City
It is also recommended to travel within the city by cab. For convenience, arrange this through the hotel so you know it is reliable. There are also buses; mostly colorful old school buses, also known as diablos rojos. From experience, I know it is difficult to get on the right bus.
Suitable (business) hotels in Panama City
AC Hotel by Marriott Panama City ****
This 4-star hotel is conveniently located in the city's business district. The modern rooms, suites, lofts are equipped with all the desired amenities. In addition, the hotel has well-appointed meeting facilities, a restaurant, gym and a lovely infinity pool with phenomenal views of Panama City!
Source: AC Hotel by Marriott Panama City
W Panama *****
The W Panama is a striking 5-star hotel with tastefully decorated rooms located in the city's business district. The interior of the hotel is derived from local art, fashion, culture and tasteful cuisine. Thus, in the hotel you will find 2 restaurants, 4 bars and a very nice rooftop pool. An overnight stay at this accommodation is guaranteed to complete your business trip to Panama!
Source: W Panama
RIU Plaza Panama *****
Experience world-class luxury at the modern 5-star RIU Plaza Panama Hotel! Also located in the city's business district, this hotel features spacious rooms decorated with colorful floral motifs. There are also several lounges in the hotel, where the most flavorful dishes and bites are served. For example, relax with a drink in your hand by the pool and tunes from the Ibiza lounge.
Source: RIU Plaza Panama.
Leisure time in Panama City
Still some time to spend in the city? Then consider the must do's below!
Panama Canal
This 81-kilometer-long artificial waterway runs right through Panama and connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. You can visit the Miraflores locks, which are located about 8 kilometers outside the city. Here you will have a perfect view of the ships passing through the locks. You can also find a museum about the history of the canal. Another option is to take an excursion by boat. This way you will see a large part of the canal and sail through several locks. The third option is a train ride along the canal! In doing so, you will be treated to amazing views of the canal.
Casco Viejo
This is the historic heart of Panama City. A nice place to stroll around beautiful squares, through narrow atmospheric streets and past old characteristic buildings! The casco Viejo is a small area, so there is no need to spend hours here. In between, settle down at a local restaurant. I guarantee you'll be amazed at the surprising flavor combinations you'll be served.
Metropolitan Natural Park
Located on the emergency west side of the city, this protected nature park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you visit the park early you have the greatest chance of spotting animals. Among the animals living there are coatis, raccoons, sloths, turtles, birds and iguanas. There are several short hiking trails running through the park, you can also walk to a viewpoint where you can get a great view of the city and the Panama Canal!
Cerro Ancon (Ancon Hill)
Cerro Ancon (Ancon Hill) is the highest point in Panama City with the best view of the city and the canal. It is a considerable climb but if you walk briskly you will be there in half an hour. This hill was American territory for a long time and was part of the canal zone. Along the way you can also spot various animals (including sloths and beautiful tropical birds).
Should you put a day (or several days) behind your business trip to see more of the area, these places are definitely recommended to visit:
El Valle de Anton
Should you add a day to your business trip to see more of Panama City's surroundings, El Valle de Anton is highly recommended. About 2.5 hours drive southwest of Panama City, this incredibly beautiful place is located in an old volcanic crater surrounded by green hills. You can make beautiful walks here or visit one of the thermal baths. Here you will escape the hustle and bustle of the city!
Bocas del Toro
A beautiful archipelago against the border with Costa Rica. Here you will find beautiful beaches and a very relaxed atmosphere. The main island is Isla Colon, which is also the busiest. Do you like peace and quiet and are you looking for beautiful beaches? Then Isla Bastimentos is for you. Here you have some very good accommodations where you really don't want to leave. Think of: La Loma Jungle Lodge for a stay in the middle of the jungle and sea view. Prefer to stay directly by the sea? Then Al Natural is a must. You can fly from Panama City in about 1.5 hours directly to Bocas del Toro, from the air you have a beautiful view of the tropical islands. In this way you can easily attach a few days to your stay in Panama City without taking too much travel time.
Tips for doing business in Panama
Due to its geographical location, business and social interaction in Panama is heavily influenced by North American and Latin American cultures. It is therefore helpful to familiarize yourself with the ways of communicating and doing business before you arrive in Panama. We have listed some tips below!
- Regards: As in the Netherlands, a handshake in greeting is usually customary in introductions. Titles are important, so never address colleagues or potential business partners by their first names until they give you permission to do so.
- Business cards: Out of respect, always have your business card printed in English. If you want to go all the way. Then make sure you have a Spanish version in your pocket as well!
- Language: Many Panamanians speak English, but it is much appreciated if you make an effort to communicate in Spanish.
- Clothing: Business attire is expected, however, due to the warm climate, it is appropriate to wear clothing made of cotton and linen. However, suits do apply to men. Women, please be careful not to show too much skin.
- Gestures & body language: Eye contact is appreciated and seen as an expression of interest. Furthermore, formal manners are used: make women sit first and only get up when a woman leaves the table. Do not be loud or draw too much attention to yourself.
- Gifts: It is better not to bring a gift. However, it is good to send a thank you note by mail or e-mail a few days after the meeting.
If you are curious about the possibilities for a business trip to Panama City do not hesitate to contact us.
Travel Well!
Marieke Bosch,
Business Travel Consultant
