Punta Pacifica: The Jewel of Panama City

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [pohr fah-vohr]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah ver ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (diez)
  [meh-dee-ah (dyehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Punta Pacifica began its transformation in the late 20th century, as Panama City sought to modernize and expand. The area was once primarily residential and industrial but saw a shift towards a more upscale urban environment driven by the demand for luxury housing and commercial spaces. This change was catalyzed by the country’s economic growth following the handover of the Panama Canal in 1999.

The early 2000s marked a significant boom in luxury real estate in Punta Pacifica. High-rise condominiums and commercial buildings began to dominate the skyline, attracting affluent residents and investors from both local and international markets. Notable developments include the Ocean Club and the Trump Ocean Club, which have become landmarks of modern architecture and opulence in the city.

Punta Pacifica is characterized by its diverse community, which reflects Panama's multicultural society. The neighborhood has attracted a mix of residents, including expatriates and affluent Panamanians, contributing to a vibrant cultural tapestry. This diversity is evident in the local cuisine, festivals, and social events that celebrate various traditions and cultures.

The strategic location of Punta Pacifica along the Pacific coast has made it an integral part of the Panama Canal's economic ecosystem. The canal's expansion in the 21st century has further enhanced the area's significance, with increased maritime traffic and trade leading to economic opportunities and a surge in tourism, impacting local businesses and infrastructure.

As Punta Pacifica continues to grow, it faces challenges related to urbanization, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure demands. The government and private sector are increasingly focused on developing sustainable practices to maintain the area’s appeal while preserving its natural resources, reflecting a growing global emphasis on eco-friendly urban development.

Punta Pacifica is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Panama City. The area is approximately 15-20 minutes away from the Tocumen International Airport by taxi, depending on traffic. For those traveling from downtown Panama City, you can take a taxi or rideshare service, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Public transportation options include the Metro, with the nearest station being 'Cincuentenario' on Line 1, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.

Punta Pacifica is a walkable neighborhood with numerous attractions within easy reach. For longer distances, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available and reliable. The area is also serviced by public buses, although routes may not be straightforward for tourists. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and there are designated bike lanes on some major roads. The metro system is efficient for reaching other parts of Panama City.

Punta Pacifica is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Panama City, but standard safety precautions should be observed. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. While Punta Pacifica itself has low crime rates, be cautious in neighboring areas such as El Chorrero and parts of San Miguelito, which may have higher crime rates targeting tourists. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables in public.

In emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital, Punta Pacifica Hospital, is well-equipped for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health care. For non-urgent health issues, local pharmacies are available, and many staff members speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, especially when visiting shopping malls and restaurants. Don't wear overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Punta Pacifica has no major religious sites, it's respectful to be modest when visiting churches in other neighborhoods. Public Transport: Do give your seat to the elderly and pregnant women on buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at restaurants and accept food offers graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Punta Pacifica like a local, visit the nearby Multiplaza Pacific Mall for shopping and dining options. Engage with local vendors at the seafood market for fresh catches and enjoy waterfront dining. Take a stroll along the Cinta Costera, a coastal promenade that offers stunning views of the city skyline. For a more local experience, try to learn a few basic Spanish phrases, as it will endear you to the locals and enhance your interactions.