The Lost Paradise of Panamá

For those of you who have been to Panama, or Central America for that matter, you know. You’ve seen first hand the lack of driving rules, and probably know that regardless of how much money you paid for a trip to the Americas, no one cares except you and the traffic will still be as crazy as ever. Buses, cars, taxis, motorcycles, scooters, vendor carts, pedestrians and torrential rain all blend together. 

Be careful.

Travel guides promote the good roads and ease of getting a rental. When you arrive in Panama, it will probably be at night. And after going through customs and getting a car, you’ll be driving down unfamiliar roads, in the dark, several kilometers away from your hotel.

This is not a good idea.

It’s safer to take a taxi or bus to your hotel, preferably in the Albrook-Balboa-Amador Causeway area, and rent a car the next day. Not for city driving—but for going across the Bridge of the Americas and heading to the interior.

I’ve had car accidents in Panama as a driver, as a passenger, and on buses. I’ve seen cars hit pedestrians while running across the road with my kids. I could go on and on. The point here is, the danger is real, and don’t take it lightly.

My daughter was coming back from Bocas del Toro Province a few weeks ago, on an all night bus trip that stopped at the national terminal in Albrook. From there, she took a regular bus, what the locals call a Diablo Rojo, Red Devil, (appropriately named, and speed bumps are called policia muerto, dead policeman) back the way she came across the Bridge of the Americas toward Howard, Arraijain, and Chapala. I’m always apprehensive about the bridge from past experience, and parts of the road to La Chorrera. Coming down off the bridge and going around the first few curves feels like a roller coaster. Anyway, it was about 5:30 am, and my daughter was sitting up front, (never the back of the bus for good reason), and watching. She saw what the driver saw–when he saw it. An abandoned car that was probably in an accident overnight, turned around, and in their lane. No markers. No warning.

The driver hit the brakes and swerved—avoiding the black car, but another diablo rojo right behind them plowed into the rear. 

This is just one of many examples. Be careful. Be safe. And you will enjoy your stay in Panamá.