Hello All,
I have been getting several questions regarding the travel from PC to David. Road conditions, and the such... Having just traveled the road I thought I would give an update on conditions and my recommendations.
First I will start by saying watch your speed. They (Policia) look for Gringo's they can pull over and try to get $$ from. I just met some people yesterday here at the Condo who were pulled over around Santiago and the cop wanted $100. or give them a ticket. Well, they paid the $100. and was sent on their way. They did nothing wrong but could not prove it. I would have handed them my American drivers license and said "write the ticket." Guess what?? They don't know how to write a ticket on an American license, because they always say, "OK , Mi Amigo." So I can only assume they don't have a clue on what numbers to use or how to use them. Not to mention it is in English and most do not speak or read English. Of course if you live here, then you must have a Panamanian license. Now a different story. Before we start our travel, my husband empties his wallet of all but about $15. and when we get stopped and they want a bribe of $100 or $50, he just opens his wallet and shows them that all he has is $15. Guess what,,,they take it and send us on our way. Oh, some of the joy of living in Panama.
Ok now for the road. The road from Santiago to David and back is under MAJOR repairs and changes, and will be for the next several years. Very hazardous in many spots. BIG pot holes with no warning what so ever. The posted speed in most of the road is 30 kms. Which as you know is VERY slow. No one does the speed, but in most spots you should. Lots of Cops.
This is what we do: When we get to Santiago, we stop and eat, gas up and go potty...(Potty a must) Then we turn left just before McDonalds in Santiago. I will post a map that shows you where. You will follow the signs to Sona. This is a longer trip, but the road is GREAT and scenery is wonderful. Have camera ready and watch for horses and cows. Like I said this is a longer trip, (add an hour) but will save on blown tires, pot holes, and stop and go traffic and not to mention very few Police. Our last trip, didn't see any.
If you are coming from David, (fill-up after you leave David area) you will take the very first right after the Inspection Stop where you will show them your passport and anything else they want to see. After the right turn exit (maybe 200 feet,) continue on that road for maybe 40 miles (women's guess.) Until you get to Sona. Then you will turn left to Santiago. Make sure you go all the way through Sona before turning left. When going to David, you will come out right in front of the Inspection station. You will still have some construction into David, but it's tolerable. Here is a road map that you can use, or google one that is easier for you to read:
http://www.worldheadquarters.com/panama/maps/country/
If you have any questions, I will try and read my replies this afternoon and each day for the next couple of days. I sure hope I did not make this too confusing. If I confused any of you, Please reply and I will further explain if you need me to. Good luck and great travels.
I have been getting several questions regarding the travel from PC to David. Road conditions, and the such... Having just traveled the road I thought I would give an update on conditions and my recommendations.
First I will start by saying watch your speed. They (Policia) look for Gringo's they can pull over and try to get $$ from. I just met some people yesterday here at the Condo who were pulled over around Santiago and the cop wanted $100. or give them a ticket. Well, they paid the $100. and was sent on their way. They did nothing wrong but could not prove it. I would have handed them my American drivers license and said "write the ticket." Guess what?? They don't know how to write a ticket on an American license, because they always say, "OK , Mi Amigo." So I can only assume they don't have a clue on what numbers to use or how to use them. Not to mention it is in English and most do not speak or read English. Of course if you live here, then you must have a Panamanian license. Now a different story. Before we start our travel, my husband empties his wallet of all but about $15. and when we get stopped and they want a bribe of $100 or $50, he just opens his wallet and shows them that all he has is $15. Guess what,,,they take it and send us on our way. Oh, some of the joy of living in Panama.
Ok now for the road. The road from Santiago to David and back is under MAJOR repairs and changes, and will be for the next several years. Very hazardous in many spots. BIG pot holes with no warning what so ever. The posted speed in most of the road is 30 kms. Which as you know is VERY slow. No one does the speed, but in most spots you should. Lots of Cops.
This is what we do: When we get to Santiago, we stop and eat, gas up and go potty...(Potty a must) Then we turn left just before McDonalds in Santiago. I will post a map that shows you where. You will follow the signs to Sona. This is a longer trip, but the road is GREAT and scenery is wonderful. Have camera ready and watch for horses and cows. Like I said this is a longer trip, (add an hour) but will save on blown tires, pot holes, and stop and go traffic and not to mention very few Police. Our last trip, didn't see any.
If you are coming from David, (fill-up after you leave David area) you will take the very first right after the Inspection Stop where you will show them your passport and anything else they want to see. After the right turn exit (maybe 200 feet,) continue on that road for maybe 40 miles (women's guess.) Until you get to Sona. Then you will turn left to Santiago. Make sure you go all the way through Sona before turning left. When going to David, you will come out right in front of the Inspection station. You will still have some construction into David, but it's tolerable. Here is a road map that you can use, or google one that is easier for you to read:
http://www.worldheadquarters.com/panama/maps/country/
If you have any questions, I will try and read my replies this afternoon and each day for the next couple of days. I sure hope I did not make this too confusing. If I confused any of you, Please reply and I will further explain if you need me to. Good luck and great travels.
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