Quick Guide to learning Spanish in Panama
Sunday January 15, 2023 - Posted by admin
Panama is a small but diverse country in Central America, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and modern infrastructure. There are many reasons to visit Panama and choose Panama as a destination to learn Spanish. The country has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventure-filled trip, or a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture while learning Spanish, Panama is a great destination to visit. Here is our Quick Guide to Learning Spanish in Panama.
Panama is a great place to learn Spanish, as the country is known for its relatively easy-to-understand dialect and friendly locals who are happy to practice their language skills with English speakers. We offer four three stunning destination to learn Spanish in Panama: Bocas del Toro, Panama City and Boquete.
Why Learn Spanish in Bocas del Toro in Panama
Bocas del Toro is a great place to learn Spanish. After your Spanish lessons, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the different islands.
Here are six tips for travelers visiting Bocas del Toro in Panama:
2. Visit the indigenous community of the Ngöbe-Buglé people: This is a chance to learn about the local culture and the traditions of the indigenous people who have lived in the area for centuries.
3. Try the seafood: Bocas del Toro is known for its delicious seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties such as ceviche, fish tacos, and conch.
4. Take a surf lesson: The waves in Bocas del Toro are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. There are several surf schools that offer lessons and rental equipment.
5. Visit the Bocas del Toro Biological Reserve: This reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and over 300 bird species. You can take a guided tour to explore the reserve and learn about the local flora and fauna.
6. Enjoy the nightlife: Bocas del Toro is a popular spot for backpackers and travelers, so there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Enjoy a few beers or cocktails and dance the night away to reggae and other local music.
# Learn Spanish in Boquete
Boquete is a beautiful mountain town in Panama that offers a wide range of activities for travelers. You can’t go wrong when choosing Boquete as a destination for your Spanish course in Panama. Here are six tips for things to do in Boquete:
2. Visit the coffee plantations: Boquete is home to some of the best coffee in Panama and the surrounding area. You can visit one of the local coffee plantations and learn about the history and process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee.
3. Go white water rafting: The nearby Chiriqui River offers great white water rafting opportunities for all levels. With a guided tour you will be able to admire the beautiful nature while enjoying a great adventure.
4. Take a hot springs bath: Boquete is located near the base of an active volcano and there are several hot springs in the area that can be visited. Hot Springs of Volcán are some of the most popular and are known for their healing properties.
5. Go birdwatching: Boquete is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The area is home to over 400 bird species including the quetzals, toucans, and many others, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the nature.
6. Take a cooking class: Boquete is known for its delicious traditional cuisine, and there are several local cooking schools where you can learn to make traditional Panamanian dishes such as tamales, ropa vieja, and ceviche.
Learn Spanish in Panama City
Panama City, the capital of Panama, offers a wide variety of activities for travelers and is an interesting destination for a Spanish course in Panama. Here are six tips for things to do in Panama City:
1. Visit the Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world, and no visit to Panama City would be complete without a trip to the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the history and operation of the canal.
2. Explore Casco Viejo: Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is full of colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and great restaurants and bars.
4. Take a city tour: Panama City is a great place to explore on foot or by bike. There are several city tours available that will take you to all the major landmarks and provide some history and context for the city.
5. Visit the Mercado de Mariscos: Panama City is known for its seafood and the Mercado de Mariscos is the place to go to try some of the freshest fish and shellfish in town.
6. Go shopping: Panama City has several great shopping districts such as the traditional Obarrio or the more modern Multiplaza Mall, where you can find a wide range of local and international brands.
Read more: Learn Spanish in Panama City
Bonus Tip: Visit The San Blas Islands
When learning Spanish in Panama, don’t lose the opportunity to visit the San Blas Islands (if time and budget allow). The San Blas Islands are a group of approximately 365 small islands located off the northeastern coast of Panama. Visiting the San Blas Islands is a great way to experience the tropical paradise and the rich culture of the indigenous Kuna people.
1. Plan your trip: The San Blas Islands can only be reached by boat, and there are a number of tour operators that offer day trips and overnight packages. You can also get a combination of tours with Panama City. It is best to plan your trip well in advance to ensure availability.
2. Learn about the Kuna people: The San Blas Islands are home to the Kuna people, who are known for their vibrant traditional dress, beautiful beadwork, and rich cultural heritage. It is possible to visit the local Kuna communities and learn about their way of life and customs.
3. Swim and snorkel: The San Blas Islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. There are many great places to swim and snorkel around the islands, where you can see a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine life.
4. Island hop: With 365 islands to choose from, one of the best things to do in San Blas is to island hop. Each island is unique, with its own character, culture, and beaches. You can choose to visit one of the larger islands, or you can take a boat tour to visit several smaller islands.
5. Enjoy the seafood: San Blas Islands are known for its delicious seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties such as ceviche, fish tacos, and conch.
6. Relax and unwind: San Blas is a true tropical paradise, and one of the best ways to experience it is simply to relax and unwind. Whether you’re lounging on a secluded beach or enjoying a sunset sail, the San Blas Islands are the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature.
| Reasons to visit Panama (and take a Spanish immersion course):
Latin America offers many beautiful opportunities and great countries to learn Spanish in Latin America. Why should you choose Panama to learn Spanish? 1. The Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world, and a trip to the Miraflores Visitor Center is a must to learn about the history and operation of the canal. 2. Biodiversity: Panama has a wide variety of flora and fauna and offers great opportunities for ecotourism, from the rainforests of the Darien to the islands of San Blas and Coiba National Park. 3. Culture and History: Panama has a rich history, blending indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, with a variety of cultural activities to enjoy, such as traditional dances, music, and art. 4. Beaches and Water activities: Panama has a great variety of beaches and coastlines, ranging from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Panama, with a lot of opportunities for water sports, swimming, snorkeling and diving. 5. Adventure: Panama offers great opportunities for adventure tourism, such as hiking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining and many other activities. 6. Food and Gastronomy: Panama offers a unique blend of flavors, a wide variety of seafood and traditional dishes, as well as a growing coffee and chocolate industry. 7. Infrastructure: Panama has a well-developed transportation system and modern infrastructure, making it easy to get around and comfortable to stay. 8. Climate: Panama’s tropical climate makes it an attractive destination year-round, with pleasant temperatures and sunshine. |
Try Panama’s Cuisine
Panama’s cuisine is a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, with a focus on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional cooking methods. Here are a few must-try foods when learning Spanish in Panama that you should check out:
1. Ceviche: This dish is made with fresh raw fish or shellfish that is marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and onions. It is a popular appetizer in Panama and is often served with tortilla chips or plantain chips.
2. Ropa vieja: This is a classic Cuban-inspired dish that is a staple in Panama. It is made from shredded beef cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and it is often served with rice, beans, and plantains.
3. Sancocho: This is a hearty stew that is a staple in Panama and is typically made with chicken, beef or fish, yucca, plantains, and various root vegetables.
4. Arroz con pollo: This is another classic dish in Panama, a rice dish with chicken, usually served with tomato-based sauce, and mixed with vegetables like carrots and peas, and it is usually accompanied with salad or fried ripe plantains.
5. Empanadas: These are turnovers filled with meat, chicken, cheese or seafood, the dough can be made with wheat or corn, and it is usually fried. These are popular street food and a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
6. Tostones: These are twice-fried plantains and it is a popular side dish. They can also be topped with different fillings like cheese or seafood.
7. Carimañola: These are deep-fried yucca dough rolls filled with meat, cheese or seafood.
8. Mola mola or mola: These are traditional indigeneous Kuna’s dish, it is a mixture of different type of root vegetables and yucca, with fish or meat, wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed.
These are just a few of the delicious foods that Panama has to offer, and there are many other options that you should try as well. Remember the cuisine can vary significantly from one area to another.
Panama’s Typical Spanish words
Panamanian Spanish has its own unique dialect, which includes different vocabulary, grammar, and expressions. Here are a few typical Spanish words or expressions that are commonly used in Panama:
1. “Pana”: This word is a casual way to address a friend or acquaintance, similar to “dude” or “man” in English.
2. “Chele”: This word is used to refer to someone with fair skin, usually of European descent, or as a slang for “white guy”.
3. “Chamba”: This word means “job” or “work” in standard Spanish, but in Panama it’s commonly used as “income” or “money”.
4. “La Guagua”: This word means “bus” in standard Spanish, but in Panama and some other latin american countries it’s commonly used as “public transportation”.
5. “Gringo”: this word is used to refer to people from North America, usually Americans, but it is widely used in Latin America, not just in Panama.
6. “Mae”: This word is an informal, colloquial way to say “man” or “dude” and it’s used in multiple contexts.
These are just a few examples of the many unique words and expressions that are used in Panama’s Spanish dialect that can widely vary across the country, and even within regions. You might hear different Spanish words, expressions and slangs depending on where you are in Panama.
Best time to travel to Panama
The best time to travel to Panama weather-wise depends on your preferences and the type of activities you plan to do apart from taking your Spanish lessons in Panama. Generally, the country has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, sees the most precipitation and is considered the low tourist season. However, it’s still possible to visit Panama during this time, as the rain usually comes in short bursts, and there can be sunny days too. During the rainy season, the weather is more humid and temperatures are a bit warmer, ranging from 80-90 F (27-32 C). It’s also good time for Birdwatchers, as many migratory species come during this time of the year.
The climate can vary depending on the region. The Pacific coast tends to be drier and the Caribbean coast tends to be wetter. So depending on the places you plan to visit, you should check the weather forecast.
It’s also important to note that, Panama is known for its tropical climate and humidity, so no matter the season, it’s always a good idea to bring light clothing, sun protection and also a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Study Spanish in PanamaStudy Spanish in one of Panama’s stunning destinations: Boquete, Bocas del Toro or Panama city! If you learn Spanish in Panama you will immerse in the culture of Panama live amazing adventures in this tropical destination! |
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