Edit

Balboa

Travel Guide Central America Panama Balboa

Introduction

Bridge of Americas & Balboa

Balboa is separated from Panama City by the Cerro Ancon (Ancon Hill), one of Panama City's skyline landmarks. Between the entrance of the Panama Canal and the City, it's the home of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). Balboa is part of the what was called "Canal Zone" when the Americans still ran the Canal. Now the official term is 'areas revertidas' or reverted areas.

edit

Neighbourhoods

Besides many ACP administrative buildings and its landmark head office, there is a large residential area and a port. Like other residential areas built by the Americans the setup is very spacious and green as opposed to the typical Panamanian urban planning.

edit

Sights and Activities

The ACP main administration building is worth a visit, especially when combined with a walk up Ancon Hill to enjoy the wildlife and beautiful views of the City and Panama Canal entrance.

Panama Canal administration

Adjacent to Balboa (south) you'll find Amador and its Causeway. This is a great area for walking and bicycling (rentals) while enjoying views of the city skyline and waterfront.

edit

Events and Festivals

edit

Weather

Balboa has a tropical climate with the temperature varying between 27 °C and 33 °C. Typical to tropical climates, Balboa has two seasons, a dry one and a wet one. The dry season, considered summertime, lasts from January to March and the wet season is from April through December, with the wettest months being October and November where average rainfall is above 23cm. Typically the other wet months see an average rainfall of between 8 and 15cm with April and December falling on the low end. During the wet season there is not necessarily non stop rain for days on end, but it usually rains at least once a day.

edit

Getting There

5 Minutes north of Balboa you'll find Albrook with its airport that handles all domestic flights and the huge Albrook Mall which is also home of the 'Gran Terminal' where all buses to/from Panama city arrive and depart.