The US State Dept. has issued a travel advisory for Panama City. Two days ago a policeman shot a street protester in Colon. Yesterday there were street closures in several areas of Panama City. You can read more about it and see the photos from yesterday at http://www.panama-guide.com. Scroll down to see SUNTRACS protest.
1
hedylamarr
yikes!
My boyfriend and I are arriving in Panama City on Monday and staying for 4 days until we fly out to San Blas. This news is a bit disconcerting, and I'm hoping someone can tell me which parts of Panama City we should avoid once we get there. Also, we have yet to book our hotel, perhaps someone can suggest a place to stay that would be out of the areas of conflict. We had hoped to stay at the Hotel Acapulco - but we can't seem to find a working phone number for them. Anyone have any contact info for them? are they still up and running? (sorry, lots of questions...)
Thanks!
2
stuart333
I wouldn't stress about it too much. Monday should be OK, although that could change. But anyway, there was nothing to worry about in the main areas of the city. I walked all along Via Espania and there was nothing. Ave Balboa, Transistmica and the entrance to Corredor Sur were blocked but the main parts fo the city were unaffected. It won't be a problem staying here. Can't help you with any contact info for Hotel Acapulco though, sorry.
Stuart
Hostel Mamallena
Panama City, Panama
3
costero
Hotel Acapulco
Address: Calle 30 y Ave Perú, Panama City, Panama
Phone: +507 225-3832
(I tried it 5 minutes ago, and their phone is working...)
But if you are worried about traffic disruptions due to strikers, Stuart's hostel would be a much better location, imho. (And no, he did not pay me to say that.)
4
somaht
It's an unfounded rumor that the State Department has issued any kind of travel alert or warning for Panama City. I just scoured the State web site, and there is absolutely nothing of this nature out there.
5
costero
The US Embassy in Panama did issue an "advisory" this morning, but it only went out to people in Panama who've registered for their email updates. It simply said the embassy will open an hour late today, and advised Americans to "exercise additional caution." Duh. I live in the city and think it's all overblown. I have had no trouble driving or walking anywhere, though there were some jams on a couple of routes yesterday AM. Common sense: If you see strikers or police, don't challenge them; pick another path. There was more danger last week from the drunks with fireworks at Carnaval, imho.
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