Panama Beach Bikini Babe Pin-Up

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The Turtles Of Bocas Del Toro

Another tourist attraction worth visiting Panama for are the turtles of Bocas del Toro. What’s interesting about these turtles is that they come there not to frolic like most tourists, but to extend the lifespan of their species. During the most part of the year, four species of sea turtles go to the northern beaches between March and September to lay their eggs. The turtles who go to Bocas del Toro are the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and the even rarer Pacific green (Chelonia mydas).

What’s more important about these turtles is that they are also endangered species. So having
them around is not only special for Panama, but has been one among many ways by the government to preserve their nesting grounds.

The turtles are sought for their tender meat and eggs. But they have been so aggressively “harvested” that their number have been reduced to a few thousands. When I do visit these areas, I try to do responsible thing by not buying anything made of tortoise shell.

There are other ways, however, for tourists to contribute in harming these turtles. Nesting season is also tourist season. This usually takes place in Playa Bluff on the northeast side of Isla Colon and Playa Larga on the northern part of Isla Bastimentos. More often than not, man and turtle meet to compete for space.

Fortunately for the turtles, government and ecologist agencies have wisened up and have started creating laws that prohibit encroachment of people to the turtles’ habitat. But even then, there is a controlled influx of people who venture in these areas. Not just to observe the turtles but to enjoy the peace and calm of these parts of Panama.

So if you intend to visit these amazing creatures, here are a few things to remember. In these areas, people aren’t allowed to use flashlights, flashes when taking photos or even bright or light-colored clothing. The reason for this is that hatchlings are attuned to the bright light of the moon. The moonlight works like a homing beacon for the baby turtles to go to the sea. By using flash lights and other bright instruments, we not only confuse their sense of direction, but might steer them to another direction. A direction that might mean their death.

Ask your travel agent when and how you can watch these amazing creatures complete their life cycles in the beaches of Panama.

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Useful Facts That Concern Your Money In Panama

We’ve talked about how well-priced everything is in Panama, now let’s talk about a few handy things that might want to keep in mind, moneywise, in Panama.

-Bring a sturdy and huge coin purse.
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.

-Don’t fuss over exchange rates.
US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage. PAB1 = US$1.
Banks and Cambios are available for changing money, but there is generally no need to change US dollars. But as you will find out when you visit, the dollar has a whole lot more value.

-Always bring loose change.
It is wise to avoid using denominations larger than $20; with Panama’s fight against money laundering, it is difficult to change larger bills and many places require signature and passport numbers for anyone wanting to do so.

-Use plastic for more pricier stuff.
Mastercard and Visa are the most commonly used credit cards, but American Express is also used. Recommended for aggressive duty-free shopping.

-Negotiate your taxi fare.
Taxis do not have meters as a rule, so fares should be agreed in advance. So I recommend asking your receptionist or anyone who can speak Spanish fluently Tipping is not normally expected. There are many different kinds of bus and minibus operating in Panama City. Always pay in small denominations.

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The Bird That Is The Quetzal

The big draws amongst Nature enthusiasts in Panama is one of the most striking birds in Central America: the quetzal. Once you see its pictures and — most especially — live in its habitat, you can’t help but say that it’s one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

The quetzal is an indeed a bird of paradise. The male quetzal is a sight to behold. Its head is covered with luminous green feathers, its body is covered bright red and then white feathers. It has also two three green tail feathers that can extend to a meter (40 inches), which can grow twice the size of its entire body.

The resplendent quetzal, as it’s usually called, lives from southern Mexico to the highlands of western Panama. It is in Panama where they are much easier to spot and observe. From February to May, they usually nest in Panama to raise their young. This is the perfect time to visit the quetzal sanctuaries to watch these amazing birds roosting.

I recommend that you hire a local birdwatcher/tourist guide. These birds sit in long periods of time very quietly. Most of the time, quetzals can be very difficult to find. These birds usually stay at the edge of the forests and in trees near clearings. Their nests are inside trees. They usually poke deep holes in the trunk where they make room for eggs and the female.

It is sad that the quetzal population is dwindling due to deforestation. Through the years, the birds have also resorted to moving higher up into the mountains, making it harder for ornithologists to study them and for tourists to appreciate them. Hopefully, the country’s aggressive conservation efforts as well as the revenue from ecotourism would help stave off the quetzal’s problems.

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