Attractions of Los Santos:

Carnivals:
• Festival Nacional de la Pollera (National Festival of the Pollera)
• The Festival of the Patron Santa Librada
• The Festival Nacional de la Mejorana in Guararé.

Beaches: Venado, Achotines, and Guararé cities have many beaches. Isla Iguana beach is well known for its blue water and white sand and this island is just about 25 minutes by boat from Pedasí.

Museums:
• Museum of Nationality (Museo de la Nacionalidad)
• The Museum Belisario Porras
• The Museum Manuel F. Zarate
• The Sitio Arqueologico Cerro Juan Diaz-an archaeological site.

Churches:
• The Church of San Antonio
• The Church of Santa Librada (1872): It is in Las Tablas and is a national monument.

Others:
• Guarare: This is surrounded by the little town of El jobo, Bella Vista, Las Lagunitas, La Guaca, La Pacheca and La Enea. There was an Indian chief named Guarari, who reigned over this part during Spanish colonial times and on whose name this town is named after. The pollera, the montuno and the music are special symbols of this town which are representative of the Panamian culture. This town hosts the festival, Festival Nacional de La Mejorana, which takes place from September 20th to 26th.
• Las Tablas: This city is the capital of the province. It is about 12 kilometers from the port Mensabe on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. This city hosts best carnival celebrations in the Republic of Panama. The national monumental church, the Santa Librada Church, is housed here.
• Playa Venao: This is a long beach of about three miles. It is about 6 hours from Panama City by drive. The waves are ideal for surfing and the waves are about 15 feet tall and never under 4 feet.
• Pedasí: This town is on the Azuero Peninsula which is a small coastal fishing village. The coastal roads are surrounded by scenic cliffs. One can see tide pools, beaches, and a traditional Spanish hacienda from here. There are many houses and lands that are purchased by Hollywood people.
• Red Frog Beach: This is a beautiful Caribbean beach in the province which is ideal for surfing and palms around.
• Isla Iguana Beach: This is a beach off the coast of Pedasi in the Panama Bay. This is protected by a wildlife reserve.
• El Morro: This is a rainforest in Toboga in the province. One can see Pacific Ocean from this area that is topped by this rainforest.
• Herrera: This is a neighboring province that is in Panama. This province got its name after the division of the Los Santos province. Chitre is the capital of Herrara and lies on the coastline of the province. Towards its north are the provinces by Veraguas and Cocle and to its south is Los Santos and to its east are Golfo de Parita and Los Santos and to its west is Veraguas. There are nine provinces in Panama and Herrara is the third in sugarcane production. The main economy is also due to this along with retail, equipment repair, banking, and domestic service. The other main industries include dairy, cattle, commercial fishing, alcohol, ceramics, clay products, mosaics, and cement. This province is popular for its festival Del manito ocueno which originated in the city of Ocu. Herrera is known for its best pottery in the country. There are many carnivals held in Chitré, Parita and Ocú. Chitre’s carnival is the most famous in Panama.

Best time to visit / climate:

Las Santos has a tropical wet and dry climate. The dry season is from January to April whereas the wet season is in remaining year. The best time to visit this place is in the dry season.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
This province can be reached in approximately 4 to 5 hours drive from Panama City.
To reach Panama City:
By plane: Tocumen International Airport is outside Panama City. This airport offers services for Copa Airline, American Airlines (Dallas/Ft.Worth, Miami), Delta Airlines (Atlanta, Georgia), Continental Airlines (Houston, Newark), Avianca (Bogotá, Colombia) and TACA (San José, Costa Rica and San Salvador, El Salvador) along with major Central American airlines, and several South American airlines and European Airlines. There are direct flights between Tocumen and New York, Newark, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Amsterdam, Madrid, and all major cities in the Caribbean area, Central America and South America, like Santiago de Chile.
By train:
Between Panama City and Colon, only one train service operates with a passenger car. This ride is a scenic ride with views of the Panama Canal and the tropical rainforest.

To get around locally, taking a taxi is the best way.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
• Hotels at world66
• Restaurants at geckogo
• Hotels at geckogo
• Hotels at allstays
• Hotels at costaricalink
• Hotels at maplandia

Blogs / Sites about Las Santos, Panama:

• Blogs and reviews at travelblog
• Blogs and reviews at travbuddy
• Blogs and reviews at the travelpod

Images and photos of Las Santos, Panama:

• Images at google
• Images at travelpod
• Images at travel images
• Images at travelblog

Videos of Las Santos, Panama:

Video de Tamborito en Carnaval de Panama

“Into Panama” Courtrand’s photos around Los Santos, Panama

Los Santos Panama – driving a flooded road

Pedasi – Los Santos – Panama Traveling

Corpus Christy, La Villa de Los Santos Panamá

This region is divided into cities:
• Carti
• San Blas Islands
• Puerto Obaldia
• Rio Sidra
• Norgana
• Playon Chico
• Ailigandi
• Mamsucum
• Mulatupo o Sasardi
• Carreto

Ecotours, fishing, snorkeling, and touring of nearby villages are the main activities of the region. There are many beaches in the island of Carti, Ukupseni and Isla Pino.

Attractions of Kuna Yala and around:
• PEMASKY which means Proyecto de Estudio para el Manejo de Areas Silvestres de Kuna Yala: It is a bioreserve inside Kuna yala which started in 1983. This is a natural park near Nasugandi. This bioreserver preserves the heritage and marine and land ecosystems of Kuna Yala.
• The San Blas Islands are a group of 378 islands out of which only 49 are inhabited. It is an archipelago of Panama. These islands lie off the north coast of Isthmus. To its east is the Panama Canal. It has been home to Kuna Indians which are part of Kuna Yala tribe along the Caribbean coast of Panama. These tribes welcome tourists very warmly into their ancestral home. Their official language is Tule but Spanish is prevalent in schools. Tule is the spoken language of Kuna Yala tribes.
• Dog Islands: These islands are famous for snorkeling. One can find variety of tropical fish in these waters.
• There are tiny islands with beaches that are used for sunbathing or swimming.
• Isla Pelicanos: These island beaches are soft with white sand and clear with shallow water over a coral reef making it perfect for snorkeling. One can see tropical, colored fishes. The waves are calm and gentle here.
• The island of Achutupu: This Island has the best beaches for scuba diving. It is here that off of the coast one can see a shipwreck of a Colombian cargo boat which is a popular dive spot. The beaches have transparent turquoise waters.
• Kagantupu, Wichubwala, and Coco Blanco: These have secluded beaches with white sand and palm trees lined up.
• Thatched Hut Village: A tour through a Kuna village where one can see their huts, lifestyle, and costumes is a must do on these islands visit.
• Mola Shopping: The Molas that are created by The Kuna is great for look out as well for buying.
• Pargue Soberania: This is about 15 minutes away from Panama City and is a hiking place. The hiking trail goes through the rainforests with caves and lakes and bird watching, with fishing also being a part of it.
• The Panama Canal: This canal is about 77 km (48 miles). It is a shipping canal that is in Panama and this canal joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and has been the key for the maritime trade. The traffic is about 1000 ships in early days and present it is about 14,702 vessels a day. This canal has its own measurement system called Panama Canal/Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) in tons. It is one of the largest engineering projects of the times. The alternate route is via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.
• Panama Viejo: This was once the gateway city for the Spanish conquest of Latin America. Presently there are ruins of the battles which were fought with the English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. There is a museum with Spanish exhibits near the site. One need to know Spanish or take a guide for translation for understanding as most of the exhibits is in Spanish.
• Casco Viejo: This is an established Spanish colonial city of 1671. This city was established after the downfall of Panama Viejo in battles and until 20th century, this city was Panama City. Panama bay and other sites depict its history with Spain, France and United States.
• Panama Canal Rainforest: The Panama Canal rainforests are one of the pristine rainforests in the world. The Soberania National Park is about 30 minutes away from Panama City and 45 minutes from the international airport. This is a base for ecotourism.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit these islands is from April to June and November to December. This time of the year is great for snorkeling and scuba diving, as the water is warm, clear, and calm. From January to April is the dry season and a perfect time for sun bathing.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By plane: There are daily flight services from Panama City to El Porvenir via Air Panama. Air Panama also services Achutupu, Corazon de Jesus (Rio Diablo/Nargana), and Playon Chico.
By boat: There are boat options from Colombia.
Sailing boats are to/from Colombia/Cartagena.
Cargo boats leave to/from Carti Island and Porvenir Island (San Blas Island/Kuna Yala) to Puerto Obaldia into Colombia and motorized boats take only 5 to 6 hours.
By land: The road into San Blas Kuna Yala is vastly improving and is accessible all year round. A bridge has been opened, eliminating the need to cross the river in the vehicle. One can drive from Panama City to Carti in the San Blas Islands.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
• Hotels at virtual panama
• Hotels at costaricahotels
• Hotels at costaricapages
• Restaurants at wikitravel
• Hotels at wikitravel
• Hotels at you.travel

Blogs / Sites about Kuna Yala, Panama

• Blogs and reviews at travelblog
• Blogs and reviews at travelpod
• Blogs and reviews at travbuddy
• Blogs and reviews at the lonely planet
• Blogs and reviews at blogtopsites

Images and photos of Kuna Yala, Panama

• Images at google
• Images at travel-images
• Images at igougo
• Images at galenfrysinger

Videos of Kuna Yala, Panama

Kuna Yala Molas

Kuna yala

Kuna Yala montage

San Blas Panama , Kuna Yala

Kuna Yala (San Blas) Panamá por Marco Simionato (fotos)

KUNA YALA an ECO EXPLORER TOUR

Molas Kunas San Blas Islands Panama

Attractions in Contodara and around:
• Fishing is very popular in these islands. Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Yellow Tail Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, Red Snapper, Mero, Corvina, RoosterFish and Bojala are among the fish species that are found here on these islands.
• Pacheca Island is a spot for frigate birds and an ideal spot for bird watching. Swimming from Playa Sueca to Playa Larga is also enjoyable. It is also an area to spot sharks and turtles. Playas Cacique, Galeon and Canoa are other beaches of the place.
• Coral Reefs: One can find arrays of stony corals and reefs in Contadora.
• San Jose Island is another island which is spread over a land area of 44 sq. kilometers and has forests and beaches.
• Golf Cart Rental: There are golf carts available for rent; these being two seater, for golfing or to just move around the island.
• Beach Combing: One can enjoy walking along the beach or looking for shells, sea glass and green stones in beach water. The waters are crystal clear and warm. Mogo Mogo beach can be reached by boat.
• Walking Around: The walk along the island and in the streets is pretty enjoyable.
• Snorkeling from the Beach: There are rentals like Coral Dreams for snorkeling gear. They take one to the best spots for snorkeling from the beach.
• Snorkeling and Whale Watching Tours: There are snorkeling tours along with whale watching by companies like Roxanna and Guillermo at Coral Dreams Dive Shop.
• Fishing and Island Hopping Tours: The local fisherman offer to take the tourists on excursion for fishing. There are different species that one may catch like Sierra, Roosterfish, Dorado, a variety of snappers and Tuna.
• Scuba Diving: Guillermo at Coral Dreams Dive Shop offers even Scuba diving for divers.
• Sailboat Tours: There are sailboat tours by 44ft catamaran with facilities of lunch, drinks, snorkel equipment and kayaks.
• Whale Watching: there are Humpback whales that migrate from both the Southern & Northern hemisphere. About 30 species are available for watching. There are tour packages available for whale watching such as Whale Watching Panama which is offering 5 day and 2-3 day tour packages which include swimming with whale and dolphins too.
• Rio Mar: This offers warmest water and is a best surfing spot. One can also enjoy the beach wind and sip a drink enjoying the view and hear the waves splashing and relax.
• Punta Chame: This beach is ideal for wind surfing and the dry season is the best time for it. The other activity is kite surfing.
• Buenaventura: This beach offers plenty of water activities like surfing, snorkeling, swimming etc. If one is not going for these, just the peace of the beach is enough to enjoy.
• Gorgona: This beach is one hour away from Panama City. One can enjoy the beach activities here too in its warm waters.
• Playa Blanca: This beach resembles Florida beach, Nikki beach. One can swim in warm waters and other water activities.
• Amador Causeway: This causeway gives the best views of Panama City’s skyline and the Panama Canal. This is about a mile long causeway that connects four small islands with rock excavations. They also serve as breakwater to the Pacific Coast to the Panama Canal. A Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research aquarium, souvenir and specialty shops, a cruise port and a yacht marina are some of the causeway attractions. Some of the restaurants have ocean and Canal views

Best time to visit / climate:
The rainy season starts from May through November and a dry season from December through April and hence the best time to travel is from December through March as the humidity is low and rain chances are the least.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By Air: There are multiple flights every day from Albrook Airport in Panama City which takes about 20 minutes.
By Sea: A ferry service is present between the causeway near Panama City and Contadora Island.
Get around: Golf carts, scooters or ATVs are used to travel around the islands. The size of the island is small and hence walking around is also a good option.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels at tripadvisor
• Hotels at contadoraislandpanama
• Hotels at travel.yahoo
• hotels at bigtravelweb

Blogs / Sites about Contadora, Panama

• Blogs and reviews at travelpod
• Blogs and reviews at blog.panamatotal
• Blogs and reviews at travelblog

Images and photos of Contadora, Panama

• Images at google search
• Images at travelpod
• Images at contadoraislandinn
• Images at pearl-islands-contadora

Videos of Contadora, Panama

Contadora, Panama

Contadora, Panama

Contadora Island Panama

Contadora Island, Pearl Islands – Playa Galeon Beach

Whale watching at Contadora, Panama

Flight from Panama City to Contadora

Silent Flight of Pelicans Over Contadora Island – Panama

Hotel Punta Galeon, Virgin Ocean Snapshots (Contadora Island)

Attractions of Boca Chica and around:
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat.
• Gulf of Chiriquí: There are many archipelagos and islands and reefs in this area. This area has some of the richest mangroves and pelagic marine species of the world. This area offers activities like boating, sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui in Panama. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and 27 miles away. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. This island has a variety of fish life, and divers can see many varieties of fish species like king angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasse, gobies, blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant manta rays make an appearance and on a year round basis one can species of eagle, mobula and devil fish. Sharks of white-tip, black-tip and nurse are also seen all through the year along with humpback whales. Among the activities are scuba diving and diving for 30-80 meters and Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Isla Palenque: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is given this name is due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park is spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamps, marine meadows, forests, white sand, and with temperate air and weather. It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches. One can do scuba diving, snorkeling in the clear waters along with sport fishing in the Chiriquí gulf (which is beyond this national park). Islas Ladrones, Islas Secas, Boca Brava and Isla Palenque are the other islands.
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Islas Secas: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Islas Secas is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Boca Chica is less than an hour from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. There are daily regular flights from United States and Canada to David airport.
To go around, one can access Boca chica by boat, water taxi or by foot.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels at wikitravel
• Hotels at bocachicabeach
• Hotels at designhotels
• hotels cheaper deals at hotelscombined

Blogs / Sites about Boca Chica, Panama:

• Blogs and reviews at travelblog
• Blogs and reviews at lonelyplanet
• Blogs and reviews at Travelpod

Images and photos of Boca Chica, Panama:

• a href=”http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&expIds=17259,17315,18167,23628,26761,26849,26869,27520,27557,27744,27868,27937&xhr=t&q=Boca+chica+images&cp=17&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=bqT8TL-lDImHrAeP-PGZCA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQsAQwAA&biw=1024&bih=653″ target=”_blank”>Images at google
• Images at holidaycheck
• Images at tripadvisor
• Images at travelpod

Videos of Boca Chica, Panama

Boca Chica

Playa Boca Chica

The cities of Guyana include:
Georgetown: This city is the Capital of the country and is situated in the county of Demerara.

Attractions of Guyana:
• Mashramani: This is an Amerindian word meaning “celebration after hard work” which takes place on February 23rd and it is also the country’s republic anniversary celebration. One can view a carnival-like event with parades and costumed bands through the city.
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Building: It is the largest and most powerful economic union in the Caribbean and housed in this building.
• Providence Stadium: It is on the north bank of the Demerara River and is the largest sports stadium in the country. There is a mall nearby called Providence Mall.
• Guyana International Conference Centre: It is a gift from the People’s Republic of China to the Government of Guyana.
• Stabroek Market: It is a large cast-iron colonial structure which looks like the statue that was located next to the Demerara River.
• The City Hall: This is a beautiful wooden structure originating from the colonial era.
• Orinduik Falls: This is the most visited falls of Guyana. It is situated on a highland river called Ireng River. This river lies on the border of Brazil and Guyana and joins Takutu River and then the Amazon River. These falls are at the Pakaraima Mountains and is known to be an extremely beautiful scene. The name Orinduik Falls is given after Orduik, which is the Amerindian name of an acquatic plant present at the falls. There are several herbal plants here. The surroundings are soothing and relaxings and one can rejuvenate mind and body. It is an eye for natural lovers and enjoyable site for children and family and one can also go for swimming here.
• St. George’s Cathedral, Georgetown, also known as St. George’s Anglican Cathedral: It is situated on Church Street. This church has one of the tallest wooden structures in the world and is the second tallest wooden church with its height being about 43.5 meters. The architect of this Cathedral is Sir Arthur Blomfield and the church was accessible to public on 1899. This is a National Monument as it was the first church, and it dates back to 1810. The arches are of Gothic style and it gives a historical glimpse into the Guyana of that time. The glasses are stained and portray scenes like Crucifixion and the Ascension and it also has a large chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria.
• Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana: This Bridge is a floating toll bridge of length 6,074 feet long. It was opened in 2 July 1978 and is one of the longest floating bridges in the world. The construction of Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana was assisted and started under the British Government. It is 1.25 miles long and has 61 spans with even small crafts being able to pass under. This bridge links people of Georgetown to the people living in West Bank Demerara and enhances business and trade in the country.
• Dadanawa, Guyana: This is also called as the Melville’s Ranch and is located on the Rupununi River in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. It is spread over an area of 2,000 square miles. It is also known to be the largest and most isolated cattle ranch of the country. The name is based on an Amerindian name from of the local Wapishanan of a mountain, Dadinauwau, which is close to Dadanawa, Guyana.
• Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Guyana: This is a museum of anthropology that is one of the oldest museums of the country. It was open to public in 1982 though open in1974. It was run by a NGO of Government of Guyana. This museum houses collection and artifact of culture of Guyana. It also hosts exhibitions.
The organization takes care of the collection, exhibition and conservation of the artifacts that showcases the spectacular culture of Guyana. Dr Denis Williams (who was an archaeologist) founded Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Guyana.
• Kaieteur Falls: It is situated in the centre of Guyana and on the Potaro River. It is a natural wonder, very beautiful. It has a single drop of 741 feet which is the largest in the world. It is located in Kaieteur National Park. It is known to be five times higher than the Niagara Falls and two times the height of the Victoria Falls. It is the 123rd tallest according to the World Waterfalls Database and the 19th largest waterfall in terms of volume and in their estimation, the 26th most scenic waterfall in the world.
• Iwokrama Canopy Walkway: It was opened in 2003 of November and has a 154 meter long Canopy Walkway from heights of 30 meters. One can see birds like the Green Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Guiana Toucanette or Channel-bill Toucan and Red Howler Monkeys.
• Ecotourism: This is a booming industry in Guyana.
• The Rupununi Savannah, The Kanuku Mountains, Marshall Falls, Kyk-Over-Al, Shell Beach, Mabaruma, Lethem and Paramakatoi are some other destinations to visit.

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate is Tropical and moderated by northeast trade winds. There are two rainy seasons which are from May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. There is a threat of floods in the rainy seasons and so it is best to avoid this time for tourists.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Guyana: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Luxembourg, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States.

By plane:
The Timehri international airport was named in honor of the indigineous displaced peoples of Guyana; and was renamed Cheddi Jagan International Airport after the President. There are daily international flights into and out of Cheddi Jagan International Airport which is about 40km south of Georgetown. International flights include flights to the US, Canada, UK and the Caribbean with Caribbean Airlines.

By car:
Guyana has roads accessible to Suriname to the East and Brazil to the south.
There are no road links between Venezuela and Guyana. Travel to Venezuela may be done by air via Trinidad or overland through Roraima State in Brazil.

Getting around:
Minibuses travel throughout Guyana and are the cheapest way to travel. Many parts of Guyana are separated by large rivers which can be traversed by way of river taxi. Taxis are a good way to get around in Georgetown or also rent cars.

Some books that will help enhance your trip to Guyana:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotel
• http://guyanahotels.com/
• http://www.guyanahotel.com/
• http://www.herdmanstonlodge.com/

Blogs / Sites about Guyana:

• http://www.herdmanstonlodge.com/
• Expat-blog
• Travelblog
• Another Blog

Images and photos of Guyana:

• Google Image Search
• http://www.travel-images.com/guyana.html
• pbase

Videos about Guyana from youtube:

Guyana trip 2012

Guyana georgetown 12/6/11

GUYANA IS MY COUNTRY

Parks
• Viñales: This is a national park with mountains and caves that is in Pinar del Rio province. This park is known to have some of the best tourist facilities.
• Parque Nacional La Güira (La Güira National Park) – This is another national park with mountains and caves that is in Pinar del Rio province.
• Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata (Ciénaga de Zapata National Park): This is another national park that is in Mantanzas province; people come here for bird watching, scuba diving, and beaches.
• Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes (Topes de Collantes National Park): This is another national park in the Sierra del Emcambray Mountains, straddling Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, and Sancti Spiritus provinces.
• Parque Allejandro de Humboldt (Guantanamo privince): This place offers walking and conservation movements and is approximately 40km away from Baracoa.

Best time to visit / climate:

The best time to visit this Biological reserve is between December and April. One can avoid the horrendous storms and hurricanes and avoid the sticky heat of the Cuban summer which can be unbearable for some.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Las Terrazas is about 70 kilometers to the west of Havana and Viazul (bus company) has bus service from Havana and on to Pinar Del Río and Viñales. Soroa is 87 kilometers west of Havana.
By plane: One can reach Cuba from Canada, Mexico and Europe by arriving at Jose Marti International Airport that is outside Havana. Cubana de Aviacion is the major carrier in Cuba and connects to Mexico, South and Central America, Canada and Europe. One can either take a taxi to Havana centre or take a bus service.
By boat: There are no regular boats or ferries to Cuba but private vessels may enter the marina Hemingway in Havana or marina Aqua in Varadero.

Getting around

By plane: Cubana de Aviacion or Aero Caribbean covers larger distances and operate on routes:

Cubana de Aviación
Havana – Camaguey – Havana, Yakovlev Yak-42D
Havana – Santiago – Havana, Yakovlev Yak-42D

Aero Caribbean
Havana – Camaguey – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Guantanamo – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Baracoa – Havana, ATR 72-212
Havana – Bayamo – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Cayo Coco – Cienfuegos – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Cayo Largo del Sur – Varadero – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Cienfuegos – Cayo Coco – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Las Tunas – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Manzanillo – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Moa – Holguin – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Nueva Gerona – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Santiago – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Varadero – Cayo Largo del Sur – Havana, ATR 42-300/320

Global Air (Mexico)
Havana – Cayo Coco – Holguin – Havana, Boeing 737-200
Havana – Holguin – Cayo Coco – Havana, Boeing 737-200
Havana – Santiago – Havana, Boeing 737-200

By train: The main line runs Havana and Santiago de Cuba. It stops at Santa Clara and Camagüey. Cienfuegos, Manzanillo, Morón, Sancti Spiritus, and Pinar del Rio are the other cities that can be reached by train. Tren Frances operates between Havana and Santiago de Cuba alternately.

By bus: Viazul is the bus service in Cuba for public transport to tour the island. Astro is another bus line for touring in Cuba.

Travel to Vinares after reading these travel books from Amazon:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• iguide
• Tripadvisor
• Umbrellatravel

Blogs / Sites about Cuba:

• Cuba24
• Travelpod
• Travelblog
• Eurekamag.com
• Lonelyplanet

Images and photos of Cuba:

• Google Image Search
• iguide 1, iguide 2
• http://www.cubatravelphotos.com/

Videos of Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Del Rosario from youtube:

Reserva de la Biosfera Sierras de Béjar y Francia

Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rincón (Repoblación de conejos)

Attractions around Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, Panama:
• Volcano Baru: Which is also known as Volcan Barú; it is the highest and tallest mountain in Chiriquí of Panama. The road is very steep to the top. There are cellular towers and rock faces covered with graffiti and with a magnificent view in this place. It is about a height of 3,474 meters (11,398 ft) and is a dormant volcano. It is to the south of the Continental Divide which is in the western Chiriquí Province. The area is very fertile and served by Chiriquí and Caldera rivers. Cerro Punta is to its west and Boquete to its east. This is also known as the Baru Volcano National Park and is the core of the reserve. This core is the highest mountain of Panama which is known as the Baru Volcano.
• Finca Dracula Orchids farm: This farm is five minutes from the Los Quetzales Lodge in Guadelupe. It houses one of the complete orchid collections that are found in Latin America.
• Sendero Los Quetzales: This is also known as the Quetzales Trail. This is a Natural trail which is a link between the Boquete and Cerro Punta villages through La Amistad International Park.
• Parque Internacional La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on the volcanic slopes.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours that are about 1/2 day long and full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriquí River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season and from May till November it gets wet and above 3000 meters it gets very cold at night. To have best views one should be on the peak at dawn, else due to fog visibility is low.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
One can reach Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport and can also be reached by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport.

Enhance your trip through these travel books on Amazon:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotel
• iguide
• Tripadvisor
• Hablayapanama
• Yahoo travel

Blogs / Sites about Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, Panama:

• Fodors
• isls.com
• WordPress Blog
• Lonelyplanet

Images and photos of Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Image Search
• iguide
• http://boqueteoutdooradventures.com/sea/golfo1
• Venezuelapana

Videos of Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí on Youtube:

PARQUE NACIONAL MARINO GOLFO DE CHIRIQUI

Island Property on Boca Brava, Panama

“Love at First Sight – Isla Boca Brava” Jdhermann’s photos around Isla Boca Brava, Panama

Cueva del Cable (Cave of the Cable)
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 10 km
Start: Rancho San Vicente
End: Hoya de Jutia
San Vicente-Ancón
Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Low
Length: 5 km
Start: Hotel Rancho San Vicente
End: Ancón

Maravillas de Viñales (Wonders of Viñales)
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 6 km
Start: 2 km from Moncada
End: 1.5 km from Moncada

El Pinar y Su Encanto (The Pine and His Charm)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 2.8 km
Start: Hotel Rancho San Vicente
End: Hotel Rancho San Vicente

Entre Valles y Montañas (Between Valleys and Mountains)
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Length: 10.8 km
Start: Hotel La Ermita
End: Hotel La Ermita

Tradiciones Campesinas (Traditional Countryside)
Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Length: 7 km
Start: Intersection of the road Capón and the Viñales-Puerto highway
End: Comunidad República de Chile

Del Infierno al Paraíso (From Hell to Paradise)
Time: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Very high
Length: 8.6 km
Start: Resolladero río El Novillo
End: Mural de la Prehistoria

Tradiciones de Viñales (Traditional Viñales)
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 5.7 km
Start: Hotel Los Jazmines
End: Hotel Los Jazmines

Los Paisajes en al Valle (The Landscapes in the Valley)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 7.6 km
Start: Intersection of the Viñales road and the La Ermita Hotel
End: Intersection of the Viñales road and the La Ermita Hotels

En el Corazon del Valle (In the Heart of the Valley)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 11 km
Start: Viñales Museum
End: Farm House in Viñales

Del Mirador al Valle (The View of the Valley)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 4 km
Start: Hotel Los Jazmines
End: The town of Viñales

De la Mano del Guajiro (Of the Hand of the Peasant)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Low
Length: 4 km
Start: Viewpoint at Sitio del Infierno
End: Primary School El Sitio

Cave Exploring:
1. Cuevas Del Indio: These are Indian caves located five kilometers to the north of Vinales. There is also a boat tour here.
2. Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás: This cave that is 15 kilometers to the west of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas that is near El moncada. It is the biggest cave in Cuba.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit Vinales is between December and April. One can avoid the horrendous storms and hurricanes and avoid the sticky heat of the Cuban summer which can be unbearable for some.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By plane: One can reach Cuba from Canada, Mexico and Europe by arriving at Jose Marti International Airport that is outside Havana. Cubana de Aviacion is the major carrier in Cuba and connects to Mexico, South and Central America, Canada and Europe. One can either take a taxi to Havana centre or take a bus service.
By boat: There are no regular boats or ferries to Cuba but private vessels may enter the marina Hemingway in Havana or marina Aqua in Varadero.
By bus: Viazul runs buses twice a day from Havana and Pinar del Rio.

Getting around:
By bike: One can use a bike to go around but one has to get one’s own bike for that.
By plane: Cubana de Aviacion or Aero Caribbean covers larger distances.
By train: The main line runs through Havana and Santiago de Cuba. It stops at Santa Clara and Camagüey. Cienfuegos, Manzanillo, Morón, Sancti Spiritus, and Pinar del Rio are the other cities that can be reached by train. Tren Frances operates between Havana and Santiago de Cuba alternately.
By bus: Viazul is the bus service in Cuba for public transport to tour the island. Astro is another bus line for touring in Cuba.
By boat: Cienfuegos or Trinidad incorporates the Canarreos Archipelago and the Juventud Islands or Jardines de la Reina Archipelago to Windward Islands is the bases for boat rides.

Travel to Vinares after reading these travel books from Amazon:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Restaurant
• Hotel
• Cubahotelreservation
• Tripadvisor
• cuba-junky.com
• Travelpod

Blogs / Sites about Vinales:

• Lonelyplanet
• Travelpod
• bugbitten.com
• globenotes.com

Images and photos of Vinales:

• Google Image Search
• Fotosearch
• Tripadvisor
• Lonelyplanet
• Tripadvisor Canada

Videos of Viñales from Youtube:

Vinales Valley, Vinales (Cuba) – Travel Guide

Unesco World Heritage “Vinales Valley”, Cuba

Vinales Valley Cuba – World Heritage Site

Indian Cave, Vinales Valley, Cuba

VIÑALES VALLEY PINAR DEL RIO CUBA

Horse ridding in Vinales

The popular events of the place are as below
• Flowers and Coffee Fair (Boquete): January
• La Candelaria Fair (Bugaba): January to February
• Boquete Jazz Festival (Boquete): February
• David International Fair (David): March
• Orchids Fair (Boquete): April
• San Andres Fair (Bugaba): November
• Highlands Fair (Volcán): December

Attractions around:
• Finca Dracula Orchids farm: This farm is five minutes from the Los Quetzales Lodge in Guadelupe. It houses one of the complete orchid collections that are found in Latin America.
• Sendero Los Quetzales: This is also known as the Quetzales Trail. This is a Natural trail which is a link between the Boquete and Cerro Punta villages through La Amistad International Park.
• Parque Internacional La Amistad: This is also known as the Friendship International Park. It is a bi-national (Panama-Costa Rica) natural reserve which falls in the mountains of the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro which is on the Panamanian side.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on volcanic slope. Cafe Ruiz and Kotowa are for touring.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours that is about 1/2 day and full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriqui River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit this place would be December through March which is the dry season and from May till November it gets wet and above 3000 meters it gets very cold at night. To have best views one should be on the peak at dawn, else due to fog visibility is low.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
The easiest way is to take to reach Volcano Baru is by taking a cab from Boquete for US$5 until La Casetta.
To get around, Walking is the best way to go.

One can reach Boquete
• From David: Every 45 minutes until 8PM there are buses that leave to Boquete which takes one hour.
• From San Jose in Costa Rica: From Tracopa terminal a bus leaves in the morning to David and from there the above bus can be taken to reach Boquete.
• From Panama City: Air Panamá and Aeroperlas offers daily flights to David which is about 50 minutes.
• From the Albrook bus terminal there are buses that are run by Panafrom, Padafront, and Terminales David to David every one hour.
• There is a shuttle available between Bocas Del Toro and Boquete.

Get around Bouquete:
One can either take foot or take a taxi to go around. Apart from this there are several tour companies offering packages of tour around the place.

Plan adventure to Volcan Baru from Amazon site:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotels
• Tripadvisor
• http://www.hablayapanama.com/info/boquete-hotels/
• Yahoo travel

Blogs / Sites about Volcano Baru:

• WordPress Blog
• hablayapanama.com
• Panamaforum
• Travelpod

Images and photos of Volcano Baru:

• Google Image Search
• About.com
• igougo.com
• Tripadvisor
• Flickr

Videos of Volcan Baru from youtube:

My Baru Hiking Experience (Volcan Baru, Boquete, Panama)

Volcan Baru

VOLCAN BARÚ

Viaje Volcan Baru Expedicion

Volcan Baru panama

Volcán Barú

Attractions of Paramakatoi and in Guyana:

• Walking on the trails that have waterfalls nearby gives a magnificent view.
• Rupunni Savannah is in the southwestern part of Guyana. It is on the Brazilian border and near the Rupinni River. This region has a land area of 15,000 square kilometers. It has termite mounds, creeks, and Amerindian villages and cattle ranches. To reach the Rupununi Savannah, pass the Iwokrama Rainforest which is a rainforest management.
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Building: It is the largest and most powerful economic union in the Caribbean and housed in this building located in Guyana.
• Providence Stadium: It is on the north bank of the Demerara River and is the largest sports stadium in the country. There is a mall near called Providence Mall.
• Guyana International Conference Centre: It is a gift from the People’s Republic of China to the Government of Guyana.
• The City Hall: This is a beautiful wooden structure from the colonial era.
• Orinduik Falls: This is the most visited falls of Guyana. It is situated on a highland river called Ireng River. This river lies on the border of Brazil and Guyana and joins Takutu River and then the Amazon River. These falls fall from Pakaraima Mountains and it is a beautiful scene. The name Orinduik Falls is after Orduik, which is the Amerindian name of an acquatic plant present at the falls. There are several herbal plants here. The surroundings are soothing and relaxing and one can rejuvenate mind and body. It is an eye for natural lovers and enjoyable site for children and family and one can also go for swimming here.
• St. George’s Cathedral, Georgetown, also known as St. George’s Anglican Cathedral: It is situated on Church Street. This church has one of the tallest wooden structures in the world and is the second tallest wooden church with its height being about 43.5 meters. The architect of this Cathedral was Sir Arthur Blomfield and the church was accessible to public on 1899. This is a National Monument as it is the first church and it dates back to 1810. The arches are of Gothic style and it gives a historical glimpse of Guyana. The glasses were stained and portray scenes like Crucifixion and the Ascension and it also has a large chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria.
• Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana: This Bridge is a floating toll bridge of length 6,074 feet long. It was opened in 2 July 1978 and is one of the longest floating bridges in the world. The construction of Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana was assisted and started under the British Government. It is 1.25 miles long and has 61 spans with even small crafts being able to pass through. This bridge links the people of Georgetown to people living in West Bank Demerara and to enhance business and trade in the country.
• Dadanawa, Guyana: This is also called as the Melville’s Ranch and is located on the Rupununi River in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. It is spread over an area of 2,000 square miles. It is also known to be the largest and most isolated cattle ranch of the country. The name is based on an Amerindian name from of the local Wapishanan of a mountain, Dadinauwau, which is close to Dadanawa, Guyana.
• Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Guyana: This is a museum of anthropology that is one of the oldest museums of the country. It was open to the public in 1982 though open in1974. It was run by a NGO of Government of Guyana. This museum houses collection and artifact of culture of Guyana. It also hosts exhibitions.
The organization takes care of the collection, exhibition and conservation of the artifacts that showcases the spectacular culture of Guyana. Dr Denis Williams founded the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Guyana who was an archaeologist. This museum also has many excavated objects and information on its culture.
• Kaieteur Falls: It is situated in the centre of Guyana and on the Potaro River. It is one of the natural wonders. It has a single drop of 741 feet which is the largest in the world. It is located in Kaieteur National Park. It has a series of cascades with a total height of 251 meters (822 ft). It is known to be five times higher than the Niagara Falls and two times the height of the Victoria Falls. It is the 123rd tallest according to the World Waterfalls Database and the 19th largest waterfall in terms of volume and in their estimation, the 26th most scenic waterfall in the world.
• Iwokrama Canopy Walkway: It was opened in 2003 of November. It is a 154 meter long Canopy Walkway with heights of upti 30 meters. One can see the birds like the Green Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Guiana Toucanette or Channel-bill Toucan and Red Howler Monkeys.
• Ecotourism: This is a booming industry in tourism in Guyana.

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate is Tropical and moderated by the northeast trade winds. There are two rainy seasons which are from May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. There is a threat of floods in the rainy seasons and so it is best to avoid this time for tourists.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
The only practical way to get to Paramakatoi is to fly with Trans Guyana Airways that leaves from the Ogle (small city airport) in Georgetown.

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Guyana: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Luxembourg, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States.

By plane:
The Timehri international airport was named in honor of the indigineous displaced peoples of Guyana, and was renamed Cheddi Jagan International Airport. There are daily international flights into and out of Cheddi Jagan International Airport which is about 40km south of Georgetown. International flights include flights to the US, Canada, UK and the Caribbean with Caribbean Airlines.

By car:
Guyana has roads accessible to Suriname to the East and Brazil to the south.
There are no road links between Venezuela and Guyana. Travel to Venezuela may be done by air via Trinidad or overland through Roraima State in Brazil.

Getting around:
To go around Paramkatoi, best possible solution is to walk. But Minibuses travel throughout Guyana and are the cheapest way to travel. Many parts of Guyana are separated by large rivers which can be traversed by way of river taxi. Taxis are a good way to get around in Georgetown or also rent cars.

Some books that will help enhance your trip to Paramakatoi in Guyana:

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Maplandia
• http://guyanahotels.com/
• http://www.guyanahotel.com/

Blogs / Sites about Paramakatoi:

• Travellerspoint
• http://www.flexijourney.com/Paramakatoi
• Travelblog
• http://en.wordpress.com/tag/guyana/

Images and photos of Paramakatoi:

• Google Image Search
• Picsearch
• Flickr

Videos of Paramakatoi from youtube:

Song Jaguar Sings in the Forest