Volcán: Panama's Highland Gem

• HelloHola
  [O-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/Deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Pair-dohn/Loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Bee-en. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-gless]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [May goo-stah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [May goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah Po-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [May goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh es-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [Eh-so es deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [Pweh-des bah-har el pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Sehs]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-des mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [Oon bo-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Long before the arrival of European settlers, the area of Volcan in Panama was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Ngäbe and Buglé. These communities thrived in the fertile highlands, practicing agriculture and maintaining a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence the region today.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, drawn by the promise of gold and new territories. The Spanish established control over much of Panama, including Volcan, and introduced new agricultural techniques and crops, such as coffee, which would later become a staple of the local economy.

Volcan, as a modern settlement, began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pioneering families, primarily of European descent, were drawn to the area by its fertile soil and cooler climate, ideal for farming and ranching. The town gradually developed, with the establishment of schools, churches, and markets.

Volcan experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century due to an agricultural boom. The region's volcanic soil proved exceptionally fertile, and farmers successfully cultivated a variety of crops, including coffee, vegetables, and dairy products. This period saw the rise of cooperative farming and the establishment of local produce markets.

In 1976, the Panamanian government established Volcan Baru National Park, encompassing the towering Volcan Baru, the highest peak in Panama. This move aimed to protect the unique flora and fauna of the region while promoting eco-tourism. The park has since become a significant attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

Today, Volcan is a vibrant community known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty. The town continues to thrive on agriculture, particularly coffee production, while also embracing tourism. Visitors can explore local markets, enjoy the scenic landscapes, and learn about the rich history and traditions that define this unique corner of Panama.

Volcan is located in the Chiriquí province of Panama. The nearest major airport is Enrique Malek International Airport in David, approximately 50 kilometers away. From David, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or catch a local bus to Volcan. The journey by road typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of the highlands.

Within Volcan, the most common forms of transportation are taxis and local buses. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or arranged by phone. Local buses, known as 'colectivos,' are another affordable option and operate on fixed routes. Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the surrounding areas and offers flexibility in your travel plans.

The official currency in Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar (USD). U.S. Dollars are widely accepted, and you will often receive change in dollars. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Volcan, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Volcan for cash withdrawals.

Volcan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Volcan has a local police station and medical facilities including a hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Lightweight clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate, but bring a jacket for cooler evenings. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and greet the driver when boarding a bus. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Volcan like a local, visit the town’s weekly farmers' market where you can buy fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don’t miss exploring the nearby La Amistad International Park for hiking and bird-watching. Also, try the local coffee, as Volcan is known for its high-quality coffee plantations.