ABOUT PANAMA

Panama is located on the isthmus that connects Central and South America. Its canal, a famous engineering landmark, crosses its center and joins the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create a crucial global shipping route.

Panama City has modern skyscrapers that are world famous icons due to their contrast with the colonial buildings of the Casco Viejo district and the tropical forest of the Metropolitan Natural Park.

Panama has a population of more than 4 million inhabitants and is made up of ten provinces and five indigenous regions.

Having a privileged geographical position, it is classified as one of the countries with the best growth and human development in Latin America, and according to the World Economic Forum, it is the second most competitive country thanks to its macroeconomic environment and with the highest per capita growth in Latin America.

From a tourism perspective, its pleasant climate and lush vegetation allow for the growth of an enormous variety of plants and countless amounts of fruits that grow in the wild, which also create optimal conditions to accommodate a great diversity of animals and birds. These creatures are joined by those in migration from North and South America, making the country a sightseeing area for a great variety of birds, turtles, whales and dolphins.

INTERESTING FACTS

• It is the only country where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific and settle in the Atlantic.
• It's the only country with a tropical forest within the capital city limits.
• The country, being located south of the hurricane zone, is rarely affected by tropical storms or hurricanes.
• The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
• It was the first Latin American country to adopt the US dollar as its official currency.
• The Panama Canal, built between 1904 and 1914, is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
• The country is home to 10,000 different plant species, including 1,400 varieties of orchids, 678 ferns and over 1,500 varieties of trees.
• As its land connects Central and South America, Panama houses more than 976 bird species, which is more than the United States and Canada combined.
• Its friendly laws and constitution grants foreigners and citizens the same right to property ownership
• There are only two seasons: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November.
• Its climate is tropical

VERAGUAS

Torio is located in Veraguas, a province 4 hours away from Panama. Veraguas happens to be the only province in the world with coasts on both oceans.

The province has many islands, among which we can mention: Coiba, Cébaco and Gobernadora National Parks, among others.

SANTIAGO

Santiago, the closest big city to Torio, is about 1h30 away and is the capital of the Veraguas province. It is also one of the largest cities in Panama and has all the amenities you would expect in a large city. Its central location along the Pan-American Highway has made it the center of what Panamanians call "provincias centrales" or the central provinces of Panama. Due to this privileged location and its excellent facilities, it functions as the main hub for the area.

TOUR THE AREA

You will quickly find that our area is one of the wonders of the Veraguas province. Torio's main river is rich in gold which has beckoned many amateurs to try their luck. Our town's exuberant flora and fauna, its surfing beaches and stunning mountain landscapes make it a unique destination within the Veraguas.

One of the most popular excursions is the boat tour to Coiba National Park, which can be reached via boat from the nearby port in Palo Seco. Coiba is a huge, diverse national park, considered to be one of the best diving and fishing centers in Central America.

DIRECTIONS TO TORIO

Torio is located about 5 hours from Panama City and 1.5 hours from the city of Santiago. To get here from Panama City, you must take one of the two bridges that cross the Panama Canal. Take the Panamerican highway in the direction of Costa Rica. It is a very easy drive, as there is hardly any turning.

Just before you reach Santiago, you will see a sign for the town of ATALAYA on your left hand side. You must continue ahead and take the first roundabout to your left, allowing you to cross to the other side of the road. The entrance to Atalaya will then be on your right.

Once you turn, continue straight until you reach the Terpel Gas Station on your right hand side. This is a good place to stock up on fuel and snacks. The turn for Torio will be a little way ahead, at the next possible right. You will see a sign indidicating the "playas" (beaches).

Stay on course. You shall pass the towns of Ponuga, then the cross at Tebario, followed by Mariato. In Mariato, you can use the ATM or buy refreshments at the different supermarkets. This is the last medium sized town before Torio.

Continue for roughly 15 kilometers. You will pass the town of Malena and Palo Seco. Around four kilometers later, the incredible ocean view will let you know that you have reached your destination.

To continue to our offices, you must drive a little way further, past the bridge and enter the town. You will see a large sign on your left hand side indicating TORIO P&D. Our offices are on the second floor, right behind Cabañas Ludvig and above the Italian restaurant Palati Fini.

What makes us different? We're glad you asked. Keep reading to find out more.