Frequently Asked Questions
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
The Dry season extends from mid-December to mid April and is the best time to visit as this is when the migratory birds begin arriving from North America. Agua Blanca is situated in a Highland Cloud Forest. In this fresh climate you can expect a shower on some days even in the Dry Season. It is generally comfortable, but nights can be cool, so bring a sweater or jacket. It rains less in February, March, September, and October than the remaining months. - ARE THERE ANY BUGS TO BE CONCERNED WITH?
In the Highlands, there are no mosquitoes but "no-see'ums" can be an issue in the early mornings and evenings, so bring bug spray. Repel makes a natural spray that works well. - WHAT ARE THE BEST TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR GETTING THERE?
Agua Blanca is located approximately 40 minutes by car or cab from the city of David, Panama. We are situated just north of the Town of Volcan in the Chiriqui Highlands. Access to the property can be by car or cab from the Town of Volcan.
Air access from the United States to Panama can go through Houston (West Coast), Miami, or Atlanta for flights into Panama City Tocumen Airport (TOC). Airfare can then be procured from Aeroperlas or Air Panama to David from the Aueropuerto Albrook, located a short cab ride from Panama City. David does not accept international flights at this time.
To really explore Panama, a rental car is the best route. If you just want to explore the highlands and vicinity, it may be best to fly into David and rent a car from that airport.
Car rentals are available at the Tocumen International Airport just outside of Panama City, in downtown Panama City, or at the airport at David.
David is located about one hour from the border of Costa Rica as well, and you can fly into Costa Rica and take a bus to the border and then to Volcan. Please note you may not drive a rental car across the border.
David is about a 6 - 8 hour drive from Panama City, and a little longer by bus. Buses in Panama are air conditioned, fairly inexpensive, and a thrifty way to travel.
We will be happy to help you with travel recommendations and suggestions. - DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY HELFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES?
There are a variety of travel resources that we recommend to all of our guests when traveling to Panama.
One of the best travel resources is Lonely Planet - Panama
(Do not leave home without it.) Webster's English to Spanish - Spanish to English Dictionary Although Panama has many English speaking people especially at the larger hotels and services (i.e., car rentals, larger restaurants), it is still mainly a Spanish speaking country, especially as you leave the bigger cities (Panama City and David). It is recommended that you have at least a little knowledge of Spanish and bring a dictionary. Webster's has a good English/Spanish - Spanish/English Dictionary.
Recommended Bird Books:
The Birds of Panama: A Field Guide (Zona Tropical Publication) - George R. Angehr and Robert Dean
A Bird Finding Guide to Panama - Angehr, Engleman
A Guide to the Birds of Panama - Ridgely, Gwynne
