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Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove is in Monterey County in the Central Coast region of California. It is next to the Pacific Ocean on Monterey Bay just west of the city of Monterey. Popular for its quaint, small-town charm the town reputedly has more Victorian homes per capita than anywhere else in America. Pacific Grove is also the wintering-over spot for thousands of Monarch butterflies, from which its nickname, "Butterfly Town, U.S.A.," is derived.

Understand
The first European to land in Pacific Grove was Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo, in 1542. The first settlement in the area, however, was in 1855, when the Point Pinos Lighthouse began operation. It still stands and is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Lighthouse Road, one of the two main streets in Pacific Grove, was constructed to bring supplies from Monterey to Point Pinos.

Many Chinese immigrants settled near the shore beginning in 1863, forming a "Chinatown." Most worked as fishermen out of the harbor in Monterey.

The bulk of Pacific Grove was initially a summer Methodist camp. Worshippers each had a plot of land on which they erected tents. Over time, they began erecting more permanent structures, and some relocated to the area. Most of the structures in Pacific Grove date to the Victorian era, and many are small, dollhouse-like homes. Until 1890, there was a fence around Pacific Grove, providing a visual border between this small religious community and its neighbors.

Get in
Access to Pacific Grove is via Monterey or Carmel. Take Monterey-Salinas Transit bus route 1, 1x or 2 from Monterey. Pacific Grove is a short, ten-minute taxi ride from Monterey Peninsula Airport (see Monterey).

Get around
Pacific Grove is a small town, and much of it can be seen on foot or by bicycle. Local buses from Monterey-Salinas Transit are a convenient way to travel to Monterey and elsewhere on the Peninsula, although all connections are via downtown Monterey.

Do

Go next

 * Monterey - Pacific Grove's neighbor to the east, Monterey was founded in 1770 and served as the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico, was a bustling fishing port until the 1950s, and is now a major tourist destination. Attractions include a pier filled with seafood restaurants, a world-class aquarium, a harbor that is home to an enormous number of seabirds, sea lions, sea otters, seals, and other marine life, the historic Cannery Row, and opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, or other excursions into Monterey Bay.
 * Carmel - 6 miles (10 km) to the south, Carmel is a beautiful oceanside town that is home to the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, several large beaches, excellent restaurants and an abundance of upscale lodging. It borders the iconic Pebble Beach golf course and is the entry point to the 17-mile (25-km) drive and its dramatic ocean views.

title: Pacific Grove


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Pacific Lowlands (Guatemala)

The Pacific Lowlands is a region in Guatemala. It consists of the rolling foothills of the Sierra Madre, extending across the wide Pacific plain to beautiful beaches, stretching from the Mexican border in the west to the border of El Salvador in the east. Land use is divided between cattle ranching and sugar plantations across the plain itself, with coffee and rubber plantations at differing altitudes in the foothills. The climate is hot, with the rain season lasting from May to October, including raging lightning storms and torrential downpours.

Regions
The Pacific Lowlands consist of, from west to east, the southernmost portions of the departments of San Marcos and Quetzaltenango, the entire departments of Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, and Escuintla, and the southernmost portions of Santa Rosa and Jutiapa.

Cities

 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco
 * Taxisco

Other destinations

 * - The beach closest to Guatemala City and Antigua, volcanic sand. The mangrove swamps separating it from the mainland are a beautiful nature reserve.
 * - A coastal village popular among surfers and backpackers

Understand
The Pacific Lowlands had a long history of pre-Columbian occupation, with major cities developing across the plain on what was a major Mesoamerican trade route. The Spanish conquest was swift in the west, which was territory dominated by the highland K'iche' Maya, but the city states of the Pipil and Xinca in the east were not politically unified, and required more sustained effort. Old world diseases eradicated much of the lowland population, opening the way to Spanish settlers and resulting in the predominantly hispanic culture of the lowlands. After independence in the early 19th century there was further influx from Europe with the establishment of major plantations for the production of sugar, coffee, and other products.

Talk
Spanish is used throughout the Pacific Lowlands.

Get in
Buses from Guatemala City to Escuintla, or from Quetzaltenango to Retalhuleu. If crossing the Mexican border from Tapachula, you are likely to end up in Malacatán.

Get around
The CA2 highway runs the length of the Pacific plain, from border to border. Lengthy traffic jams are common, especially between Coatepeque and Escuintla, and it is not unusual to spend 2 hours at a time sat in sweltering heat, only for the traffic to clear with no sign of why it was held up in the first place - usually due to accidents involving heavily laden sugar-cane lorries. There are four main routes northwards into the highlands:
 * Malacatán to San Marcos
 * Retalhuleu to Quetzaltenango
 * Cocales to Lake Atitlán
 * Escuintla to Guatemala City

See
The main attractions of this region are the many beautiful Pacific beaches, and pre-Columbian archaeological remains, with the ruins of Takalik Abaj in the west, and a cluster of sculpture around Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, in the centre. There are also well-developed twin theme parks (Xetulul and Xocomil) near Retalhuleu in the west. In the east, there is the Auto Safari Chapín safari park.

Itineraries
If coming from Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City, head for Monterrico for the beach and mangrove reserve, head west with a stop over at Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa if you have an interest in prehispanic civilizations, from there you can either head up into the Western Highlands at Lake Atitlán, or continue west to the beaches at Champerico and Tulate, and the archaeological park of Takalik Abaj, all reachable from Retalhuleu. From Retalhuleu you can then head back up into the highlands for Quetzaltenango, and return to Guatemala City via that route.

Do

 * Spend time on the beach, at Monterrico, Tulate or Champerico.
 * Visit the twin IRTRA theme parks (Xocomil and Xetulul) near Retalhuleu.
 * Visit the archaeological park at Takalik Abaj, near Retalhuleu
 * Take in the various collections of prehispanic sculpture around Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa

Eat
At the beach, eat seafood, especially fried fish, and fresh prawns. Taxisco is famous for its cheese.

Drink
Coconuts are available almost everywhere. Avoid ice when purchasing drinks, even in chain restaurants, unless you want a dose of amoebas. Zacapa Rum is distilled in Retalhuleu, although it is aged in the highlands.

Stay safe
As with anywhere else in Guatemala, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Opportunistic theft is common. Try not to wander off alone on the beaches - mugging or rape is a real danger. Also be aware that the Pacific beaches often have rip currents and a strong undertow, resulting in tourist drownings every year, even of experienced swimmers.

Go next

 * The Central Highlands around Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala
 * The Western Highlands around Quetzaltenango or Lake Atitlán
 * Across the western border to Tapachula, in Chiapas, Mexico.
 * Across the eastern border to Santa Ana, in El Salvador.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Pacific Lowlands (Guatemala)


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Sydney to Brisbane by car

The Australian cities of and  are an hour and a half apart by plane, but many people opt to drive the 800 km or so instead.

Understand
There are two primary routes between Sydney and Brisbane.

The Pacific Highway (A1) and Pacific Motorway (M1) is a primary highway 800 km long, running between the Australian cities of Sydney and Brisbane, up the north coast of New South Wales. It forms a key segment of Highway 1, which runs around the length of Australia. The Pacific Highway connects many of the state's major cities and towns, and is the obvious choice if speed or access to the coastal beaches are your primary deciding factors.

The primary alternative is the New England Highway (A15), which starts at Newcastle around an hour north of Sydney and detours inland via the Hunter Valley, Tamworth and Armidale. Largely agricultural, this route consists mostly of two-lane rural highways and adds around 200 km and at least 3 hours to the trip.

You can also mix and match the two, with the Waterfall Way (B78) between Coffs Harbour (Pacific Hwy) and Armidale (New England Hwy) considered one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Prepare
You can start from either end of the road, or from many points along its length. To the south, Sydney is a major gateway, and to the north Brisbane and the Gold Coast both have many transport options. You can hire a car at either end, shop around for a good one way deal if you need one.

When planning a trip up the Pacific Highway, the major consideration is holidays. The Pacific Highway links several large Australian cities and also passes through major beach holiday areas close to Sydney. Thus traffic is absolutely nightmarish at either end of a holiday period; it's not unheard of for trip times to be four times as long. The worst times to be traveling north are the afternoon and evening of Christmas Eve (or of the day before if Christmas Eve is a Sunday), the afternoon and evening of the day before the Good Friday holiday and the night before and morning of the first day of any long weekend. When traveling south, the end of holiday periods are the peak time. Since Australians take summer holidays in January, you will also want to avoid traveling north on the Friday or Saturday of any weekend in January, and likewise avoid traveling south on Sundays in January.

While the New England Highway is much less likely to get crowded, when coming from Sydney you'll still need to drive through the Sydney-Newcastle section of the Pacific Hwy to get there, and around the holidays this can get quite jammed. The only remotely viable bypass, Putty Road from Wilberforce in northwestern Sydney to Singleton in the Hunter Valley, is very narrow and winding and takes at least an hour longer.

As both the Pacific and New England Highways are major roads passing through populated areas, there's no need to take special precautions; this is emphatically not the Outback. It might be a good idea, as with all car trips, to make sure that you have food, water and warm enough clothing so that having to sleep in the car for a night wouldn't be a disaster. However, you will have ample opportunity to purchase all food and drink along the way.

See also: Tips for road trips and Driving in Australia.

Sydney to the Central Coast
Speed Limit: 80-110

This section of the drive offers drives through national parks, bushland and small townships and communities. It is easy to stop and take advantage of bushwalking opportunities, coffee shops and views, and beaches.

 * Brooklyn, a pleasant small fishing village with water views, great fish & chips and a notably lack of gritty urban vibes, as it is one of Sydney’s northern most suburbs on the Hawkesbury river.
 * Wyong
 * Lake Macquarie
 * Lake Macquarie

Alternate route: exit the Pacific Motorway at Gosford and take the Central Coast Highway (A49) via The Entrance, rejoining the Pacific at Newcastle.

Central Coast to Port Macquarie
Speed Limit: 70-110

The Pacific Motorway bypasses New South Wales's second-largest city, around 15 km east. This is also the turnoff for the New England Highway inland route to Brisbane.

The road is a fully 4-lane motorway with exceptions in Newcastle.

Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Speed Limit: 110

, a popular seaside resort, marks the halfway point when driving between Sydney and Brisbane.

Detour: Starting from a junction with the Pacific Highway at Raleigh, midway between Urunga and Coffs Harbour, Waterfall Way travels westward to Armidale on the New England Highway. This route has been voted the best tourist drive in NSW and in the top 3 of Australia. The old highway has also been renamed as Macleay Valley Way and Giinagay Way, with the new highway being named the M1 Pacific Motorway.

Coffs Harbour to Ballina
Speed limit: 110

The highway is four lane motorway.

Ballina to the Gold Coast
Speed Limit: 110

The highway is four to six lane motorway.

 * is a very popular seaside town famous for its wellness community, with more hipsters, hippies, spirulina smoothies and yoga classes than you can shake a stick at.

Gold Coast to Brisbane
Speed limit: 110

Just across the state border in Queensland, the is Australia's answer to Miami, a brash strip of skyscrapers and endless beach. (In fact, one of its districts is even called "Miami".) The coast runs for 57 km, from Coolangatta in the south to Surfers Paradise in the north.

The M1 highway is an eight-lane motorway all the way to Brisbane.

New England Highway

 * , the top wine region in New South Wales, with plenty of green rolling hills, cellar doors and boutique accommodation
 * , the home of Australian country music

Go next
Go along M1/A1 Bruce Highway

title: Sydney to Brisbane by car


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Pacific Honduras

Pacific Honduras is the small but important region of Honduras with ports on the Pacific Ocean.

Cities

 * — the regional capital, fourth largest city in Honduras and a major transit point on the Pan-American Highway
 * — the main Pacific coast harbour for the whole of Central America. Close to Amapala, the historical port based in the Isla del Tigre.

Other destinations

 * - A tranquil island just off the coast of Honduras provides a convenient stopover for those traveling between El Amatillo and Nicaragua.

Understand
The region consists of the two departments of Choluteca and Valle.

Get in
Buses depart regularly from Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, regularly (every half hour) from Mercado Mayoreo to Choluteca passing through Sabanagrande, Pespire, Jicaro Galan, and San Lorenzo.

There is also regular bus service from the Salvadorian border at El Amatillo to San Lorenzo.

From the Nicaraguan border near Somoto there is a bus to San Marcos and from there to Choluteca and San Lorenzo.

The Nicaraguan border at Guasaule is also well connected to this part of Honduras.

title: Pacific Honduras


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Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest of the United States is best known for its beautiful coastline, green interior, rainy weather, and spectacular mountains.

States
Sometimes the neighboring areas of northern California, western Idaho, Southeastern Alaska, and the neighboring Canadian province of British Columbia are also considered part of the Pacific Northwest, also referred to as Cascadia.

Cities

 * – the second-largest city in Oregon, known for its natural beauty and its artistic, activist residents
 * – the capital of Washington state, on the shores of Puget Sound, and a breeding ground for local alternative culture
 * – the largest city in Oregon, known for its scenic beauty and eco-friendly urban planning policies, with a proudly liberal outlook
 * – the capital of Oregon, in the fertile Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene
 * – the largest city in Washington and the Pacific Northwest, and its cultural and economic influence extends far beyond its borders
 * – the economic and transportation hub of eastern Washington
 * – Washington's third-largest city, in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, known for its dynamic art scene

Other destinations

 * — The deepest lake in North America, the clear blue water in this volcanic crater makes it an attraction.
 * (height 11,239 feet/3425 metres) — The highest mountain in the state of Oregon and a major outdoor recreation site.
 * — site of the largest recorded volcanic eruption in US history.
 * — extremely photogenic volcanic mountain, rising from close to sea level to 14,410 feet (4392 m).
 * — jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers form this park.
 * — extremely diverse from the lush canopy of rainforests, to the sandy beaches and rugged, glacier-capped mountains. Olympic National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pacific Northwest.
 * The and the Washington Coast are scenic, wild and interspersed with quaint towns and include 100 km of wilderness coastline, the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States.
 * — formed by the ancient forces of wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in the world. This is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America.
 * — in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains in Puget Sound, these islands are famous for abundant eagles and Orca whales and include the San Juan Islands National Monument.

Culture
The mountains that divide the states also facilitate the cultural divisions within the region. Two thirds of the population lives west of the Cascades where progressive opinions such as environmentalism prevail, while in eastern sides political thought tends to be rather conservative.

Oregon was the first state to allow initiative and referendum, it was the first state to establish a beverage container deposit law (also known as a bottle bill), the first to legalize physician-assisted suicide, one of the first to legalize medical marijuana, and the first state to conduct all elections entirely by mail. Portland elected one of the first gay mayors for a city of its size. While Washington was the first state to legalize marijuana, Seattle was the first major U.S. city to have a female mayor and one of the first states to legalize gay marriage.

The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for innovation and is known for its airplane and computer product facilities. Some of the largest and most well-known corporations call the Northwest home, these include: Costco, Eddie Bauer, Expedia, Amazon, Nordstrom, Starbucks, Tully's Coffee, Boeing, Microsoft, Intel and Nike.

Climate
Most people associate the Pacific Northwest with a lush region that receives large amounts of rain during the winter months, with wonderful summer days. However the Northwest's climate is largely defined by its impressive natural features; most importantly its mountain ranges which not only provide convenient dividing lines, but which also create distinct climates in each of the state's regions from the Pacific Coast to the valley and, once over the mountains, a desert region—all within a few hours drive of each other. Travelers who cover multiple regions during their stay will find the differences between regions stark and remarkable in that by traveling throughout the area a great variety of climates will be experienced. Most of the glaciers in the lower 48 states are in the Pacific Northwest as it is the largest rainforest and the Puget Sound which is the second largest estuary in the United States. There is more than enough to keep any outdoor enthusiast busy.

Talk
The Pacific Northwest accent is considered very similar to the General American standard accent (native to the Midwest), popularized in the 20th century by radio, TV and movies. People in the area generally have little to no problem understanding different accents of the English language. The Pacific Northwest attracts tourists from around the world, and it is common to hear many foreign languages being spoken in public in major tourist areas.

There are ethnically diverse neighborhoods in some of the larger cities where many languages are spoken, including large 'International Districts' in Portland and Seattle where many Asian languages are spoken. Washington is the thirteenth most populated state for example, but by comparison has the fourth highest Asian population. Spanish is spoken by the majority in some smaller pockets in eastern Washington and Oregon. Seattle's 98118 zip code centered around the Columbia City neighborhood in South Seattle is considered the most ethnically diverse zip code in the country by the US Census bureau with 59 different languages regularly being spoken.

Chinook Jargon was a pidgin or trade language established among indigenous inhabitants of the region. After contact with Europeans, French, English, and Cree words entered the language, and "eventually Chinook became the lingua franca for as many as 250,000 people along the Pacific Slope from Alaska to Oregon." Chinook Jargon reached its height of usage in the 19th century though remained common in resource and wilderness areas, particularly but not exclusively by Native Americans and Canadian First Nations people, well into the 20th century. Chinook Jargon was still in use in Seattle until roughly the eve of World War II, making Seattle the last city where the language was widely used. Today its influence is felt mostly in place names and a handful of localized slang terms. Pronunciation of some of these terms is difficult and often separates the visitor from the local.

Some examples of common Chinook terms
 * Potlatch — in Chinook Jargon is a ceremony among certain tribes involving food and exchange of gifts, nowadays sometimes used to refer to a potluck dinner or sometimes the giving away of personal items to friends.
 * Tillicum — means "people/person", "family", and "people".
 * Tyee — leader, chief, boss. Also "Big Tyee" in the context of "boss" or well-known person

Get in
The most convenient "gateways" to the Pacific Northwest are Seattle and Portland. Both of these cities are well-connected to the rest of the world by plane, car and train, and are good starting points for trips to other areas of the Pacific Northwest.

By plane
' and  ',  are the most popular entry points with a wide variety of flights from  Canada, Europe (Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, The Netherlands); East Asia, Mexico and from various cities in the U.S. on a variety of U.S. and foreign flag carriers. To a lesser extent there are also direct flights from France, Qatar, and the UAE to Seattle. Both Portland and Seattle serve as a hub for Alaska Airlines while Delta have a hub only in Seattle. If coming from within the U.S. (typically from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and San Francisco but there could be more) there are other alternate airports in the Pacific Northwest that are less crowded and may be closer to your final destination in:
 * Seattle Area – Everett Paine Field (Same location as Boeing 747/777 test field ( north of Seattle) and Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base  on Lake Union serves as a float plane base for Habour Air, Kenmore Air and other air taxi services from San Juan Island, South Gulf Islands, Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island. There's also the King County Boeing Field for VIP flights, cargo flights and other general aviation use.
 * is a regional airport about 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, Canada. It is nearest to Whidbey Island, San Juan Islands and the North Cascades. If you are traveling with Allegiant towards Seattle or Vancouver BC this is the closest airport they go to. There are many shorter flights to Bellingham from Seattle and San Juan Islands with turboprop aircraft as well.
 * Boise is not in the "Pacific Northwest" according to this article but it one of the closest airport to Eastern Oregon (Ontario, Pendleton, Baker City); southeastern Wasington as well as Southwestern Idaho.
 * Closest airport to the Mid-Willamette Valley (Eugene, Springfield, Sweet Home, Corvallis, Albany); and the Central Oregon Coast (Newport, Coos Bay, Florence).
 * is major airport for commercial flights serving Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass and the surrounding Rogue Valley in southern Oregon, Southern Oregon Coast and the Siskiyous in northern California. The airport is 3 miles (4.8km) north of downtown off of I-5 at Exit #30 (Crater Lake Hwy (SR-62)) & #33 (E Pine St/Biddle Rd).
 * is major airport for commercial flights serving Redmond, Bend, Sunriver, Prineville and the surrounding communities in Central Oregon. The airport is in the southeast part of town, southeast of the intersection US Hwy 97 & SR-126 and north of Bend along US Hwy 97.
 * , . located 7 mi (11 km) to the west of Downtown off of I-90 from Exit #277B (along US Hwy 2) towards Airway Heights. It is the primary airport serving the Inland Northwest, which consists of 30 counties and includes areas such as Spokane, the Tri-Cities, both in Eastern Washington, and Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho.
 *  is a commercial airport 2 miles northwest of the city of Pasco and is the third largest commercial air terminal in the State of Washington serving the tri-cities area (Richland, Pasco and Kennewick). It is the nearest airport to Yakima (closer than Seattle) and Walla Walla in Columbia River Plateau and to Hermiston and Pendleton in northeastern Oregon.
 *  is in Canada 27 miles (44 km) north of the border. Travelers going to the U.S. pre-clear in U.S. immigration and customs inspection in a major Canadian airport prior to boarding an U.S. bound flight and land into the U.S. as a 'domestic' flight. Travelers may be required an American and/or Canadian visa(s) to transit through or travel to one or both countries. For Canadians wanting to go to the San Juan Islands, it's the best choice. It also has lots of international flights from Asia, Europe, Australia, Middle East and Mexico as well as from the United States.  There are also shorter flights to Portland, Seattle, Vancouver Island and other remote places in northern British Columbia and the Yukon with Air Canada's turboprop aircraft (Dash 8-400 or something similar).

By seaplane
A quick and spectacular, though not cheap, way to travel. There are many American and Canadian companies offering sea plane travel into and around the Puget Sound area. Such as Kenmore Air and Northwest Seaplanes, both based out of Seattle with regular scheduled flights and chartered flights within the region and into Canada. Many planes only offer between six and eight seats and are small enough that the captain may ask for someone to sit in the front seat next to them. If you ask nicely they may be willing to take you on a scenic route or follow a pod of whales as opportunities and schedules allow.

By train

 * Routes traveling between Pacific Northwest and other areas:
 * Amtrak Cascades: Operates twice daily between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Additional service between Vancouver BC & Seattle by Amtrak Thruway Bus.
 * The Coast Starlight: This scenic route connects between Seattle and Los Angeles via Portland. This route is often hours late, so for regional trips the Amtrak Cascades is more reliable; however, investments have been made to improve on time performance.
 * The Empire Builder: Starts in Chicago and goes west via Spokane, where it splits up into two branches: one goes to Portland and the other goes to Seattle. Due to the scenery it traverses, this route can book out rather quickly in the summer.

By car

 * I-5.svg Interstate 5 runs north-south from the Canadian border through Seattle and Portland to California. From the east, there are two main options:
 * I-84.svg Interstate 84, from Salt Lake City and Boise, Interstate 84 enters Oregon and follows the Columbia River to its western end in Portland. WA 14 runs parallel to Interstate 84 along the Washington side of the Columbia River between its junction with Interstate 82, north of Hermiston, to Interstate 5 in Vancouver WA.
 * I-90.svg Interstate 90, Connects Boston to its western terminus in Seattle via Chicago and Spokane.

 * I-82.svg Interstate 82 starts from its junction with Interstate I-84 (Exit 179) east of Hermiston, Oregon and winds its way through the Tri-Cities and Yakima in the Columbia River Plateau region in the southeastern part of Washington. Ends at I-90 (Exit 110) east of Ellensburg.

Additional major highways entering the Pacific Northwest include:
 * US 2.svg a major east-west highway spanning 2571 miles from Everett to Saint Ignace, MI. In Washington it runs parallel, north of Interstate 90, through the North Cascades, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Davenport and Spokane. It continues in through Coeur_d'Alene in Northern Idaho on its way towards Michigan.
 * US 12.svg spans 2500 miles from Aberdeen WA to Detroit MI. In Washington it goes from Aberdeen to Lewiston through Centralia/Chehalis, the mountains between Mount Rainier & Mount St Helens, Yakima, Sunnyside in the Lower Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and Clarkston. The highway loosely follows the eastbound leg of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, between Wallula, Washington and Clarkston, Washington, thus being marked as part of the Lewis and Clark Trail. The east end of the highway in the state is at Clarkston, where the highway crosses the Snake River into Idaho at Lewiston. It runs concurrent with Interstate 5 from Exit 88, north of Centralia, to Exit 71 south of Chehalis and along Interstate 82/182 from Exit 31 in Yakima to the Junction of I-182/US 395 east of Pasco.
 * US 20.svg is the longest west to east coast highway spanning from Newport OR to Boston MA which is signed in Newport and at the other end in Boston. It goes across Oregon from Newport to Ontario through Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, Detroit Lake, Sisters, Bend, Burns and Vale.  It runs concurrent with US Hwy 26 between Vale and Caldwell and along Interstate 84 between Caldwell and Boise.
 * US 26.svg
 * US 30.svg
 * US 97.svg is the continuation of BC-Hwy 97 into the United States from the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek. It runs parallel with the I-5 corridor from Oroville, WA to Weed, CA where it ends at the I-5 corridor. It passes through Wenatchee, North Cascades National Park, Ellensburg and Yakima in Eastern Washington; and through The Dalles, Redmond, Bend, Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Falls in Central Oregon
 * US 101.svg serves as the coastal highway from Eureka, California to Olympia, Washington where it ends at the I-5 corridor (Exit 105). It passes from Gold Beach to Astoria along the Oregon Coast and from Ilwaco, through the Hoh Rain Forest and around Olympic National Park to Port Angeles in the Olympic Peninsula. The highway connects from Port Angeles, through the Hood Canal, Port Townsend and ends in Olympia. WA 8 connects US Highway 101 west of Olympia to US Highway 101 in Aberdeen without having to drive all the way around the Olympic Peninsula through Port Angeles.
 * US 395.svg enters Oregon through Lakeview, OR and goes up towards Hermiston through John Day and Pendleton. It crosses the Columbia River along I-82 into Washington (state) to Pasco where it splits from I-82 as a separate road towards Ritzville and along I-90 to Spokane.

By cruise ship
Cruise ships arrive in the area in both Astoria, Oregon and Seattle, Washington with continuing connections along the west coast including Canada and Alaska.

By private boat
It is not coincidence that so many cities in this region are on the water. Early settlers found the thick regional forests too impenetrable to navigate by land so waterways became the Pacific Northwests early highway system.

However when arriving from Canada there are only a handful of ports including Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, Anacortes and Bellingham that are official U.S. ports-of-entry and can process boaters through customs. The Cardinal Rule is touch land at customs dock before any other stops, fines for not doing so can be up to $5000. Besides a passport for everyone on board, you will need your boat's license number and User Fee Decal number.

Customs enforces USDA guidelines for what foods are acceptable to bring into the country and these guidelines are constantly changing so it is best to check in with them before arriving. Boaters are responsible for knowing the prohibited foods and can be fined for not declaring them.

By foot
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of the original United States National Scenic Trails and it travels a total distance of 2,650 miles along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

By plane
Flying may be a more reasonable option for crossing large expanses of the two states. Alaska Airlines operates intrastate flights within Oregon and Washington and between the two states from their bases in Portland and Seattle. To a lesser extent Delta also have flights from Seattle to Boise, Eugene, Medford, Portland, Redmond/Bend, Spokane and Tri-Cities. Boutique Air offers flights to Pendleton from Portland.

By car
Outside the main cities of Portland and Seattle, public transportation is scarce and is not of much use for extensive sightseeing, so renting or arriving by car is advisable. Although distances can be long, most roads are paved and well-maintained. Be aware of distances between gas stations and plan accordingly when traveling in rural areas. See By car under Get in for a list of major highways traversing through the two state region.

By bus
Regional transit systems tend to be organized by county however they are often interconnected to cover larger areas and some are coordinated with Washington State Ferries and have many pickups at major airports. Not the fastest way to travel but efficient and cheap for the budget traveler: There are additional private bus companies and public county operated buses traveling to additional places not necessarily served by the above within just Oregon or Washington state. See "By bus" under "Getting Around" in the Washington (State) and Oregon articles and under "By Bus" in the article of a particular city or town (such as Portland and Seattle) for an addition listings.
 * The Oregon Department of Transportation partners with MTR Western and other carriers to run Oregon POINT (or "Public Oregon Intercity Transit") bus routes throughout the state. They operate the following routes:
 * The Oregon Department of Transportation partners with MTR Western and other carriers to run Oregon POINT (or "Public Oregon Intercity Transit") bus routes throughout the state. They operate the following routes:
 * The Oregon Department of Transportation partners with MTR Western and other carriers to run Oregon POINT (or "Public Oregon Intercity Transit") bus routes throughout the state. They operate the following routes:
 * The Oregon Department of Transportation partners with MTR Western and other carriers to run Oregon POINT (or "Public Oregon Intercity Transit") bus routes throughout the state. They operate the following routes:
 * The Oregon Department of Transportation partners with MTR Western and other carriers to run Oregon POINT (or "Public Oregon Intercity Transit") bus routes throughout the state. They operate the following routes:

By train

 * Routes traveling in the Pacific Northwest:
 * Amtrak Cascades: Runs 4x daily between Seattle and Portland (via Tukwila, Tacoma, Olympia, Centralia & Kelso/Longview) and twice daily from Seattle to Vancouver BC (Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mt Vernon & Bellingham); and from Portland to Eugene (Oregon City, Salem, Albany). Additional services between Eugene & Portland are offered by Cascades POINT bus and between Vancouver BC & Seattle by Amtrak Thruway bus.
 * Coast Starlight: Runs once daily service between Seattle, Portland & Los Angeles with the same stops as the Cascades from Seattle to Eugene, OR; except Oregon City and Tukwila.  The train makes additional stops in Chemult and Klamath Falls, OR before crossing into California (southbound) or arriving into Eugene (northbound).
 * Empire Builder: Runs once daily from Seattle to Spokane (via Edmonds, Everett, Leavenworth, Wenatchee & Ephrata) on one branch and from Portland to Spokane on another (Vancouver WA; Bingen, Wishram & Pasco). In Spokane the two branches join to continue eastbound towards Chicago (or split going westbound).

By ferry
Washington State Ferries is the largest system of ferries in the country and the key to navigating western Washington. They offer routes across Puget Sound to the Kitsap Peninsula and to Bainbridge, Vashon, Whidbey and the San Juan Islands as well as continuing service to Sidney BC.

Inland, the state also offers some free ferries across the Columbia River and there are also some county-run ferries to smaller destinations such as to Anderson Island and Guemes Island. Check specific regions for more detailed information.

By light rail
Portland and Seattle have light rail systems that can quickly deliver passengers from their respective airports to their downtown cores. However Portland's system is better developed and offers more options when traveling around that region.

Portland
Portland has two complimentary rail systems, which both tie in to the national rail system, Amtrak. The MAX is Portland's regional rail, while the Portland Streetcar serves central Portland. TriMet's MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) Light Rail connects downtown Portland with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland and the Portland International Airport on four color-coded lines. The City of Portland owns and operates the Portland Streetcar, which connects NW Portland, the Pearl District, Portland City Center, PSU, South Waterfront, the Rose Quarter, the Lloyd District, the Convention Center and OMSI, on named routes. More about Portland Transit

Seattle
Link Light Rail operates between Northgate through the University of Washington and Capitol Hill to Westlake Center in downtown Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, running through South Seattle and Tukwila. There's also a shorter and separate segment of the Link Light Rail connecting the Tacoma Dome Station (Tacoma's Greyhound Station) and downtown Tacoma.

By bike
Portland and Seattle are considered some of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States with extensive bike lanes and infrastructure developed for bicyclists including bike racks on buses and designated spaces on light rail. However even rural areas in both states are popular with bicyclists including Oregon's winding coastline.

Natural scenery
A chain of volcanoes defines the spine of the Pacific Northwest, including the iconic snow-packed Mount Rainier, which towers over western Washington and is symbolic of the natural beauty of the area. The PNW includes both the Olympic Mountains on the epic Olympic Peninsula and Cascade Mountains that extend from Washington into Oregon and even down into northern California. Mount Hood is Oregon's most recognizable volcanic mountain and can easily be seen across both states. Between Mount Rainier and Mount Hood is the infamous Mount St. Helens. Further south, a volcano is missing in the Cascades. In Southern Oregon, Crater Lake is all that remains from the massive volcanic explosion of Mount Mazama 7700 years ago.

The Pacific Northwest is a very diverse region including rugged coastlines, unique sand dunes, sparkling streams, huge rivers, wide deserts, and picturesque forested islands, as well as the dramatic mountains. The Columbia Gorge Scenic drive and its waterfalls follows along the mighty Columbia River, which is the natural boundary between Oregon & Washington. Puget Sound is a large, complex waterway created by the most recent glacial cycle, which ended 14,000 years ago.

Historical attractions
Unlike many areas of the country, the prehistory of the region is rich and evident. Areas such as Suquamish still actively practice Native American traditions and Northwest Native American art is a common theme even in contemporary urban public artworks. The city of Seattle is named after Chief Seattle and many other natural and manufactured features bear the names of the areas first peoples which are often difficult for outsiders to pronounce.

Areas such as Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve have kept large areas preserved much as they were when the first European settlers came to the area while the Lewis and Clark National Monument along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail has preserved that area for future explorers.

Monuments and architecture
Most of the area's architecture can, of course, be seen in urban areas such as Seattle's Smith Tower, which, although now dwarfed by Seattle's modern skyscrapers, stood for years as the tallest building west of the Mississippi. But interesting architecture can be seen even across rural areas such as the eleven historic lighthouses scattered along the Oregon coast. Michael Graves' the Portland Building in downtown Portland in on the National Register of Historic Places for its primacy in the history of Postmodernism. Frank Gehry's EMP/SFM building is a contemporary architectural highlight in Seattle.

Museums and galleries
There are many world-renowned museums around the region and although most of the well known one's such as the Seattle and Portland Art Museums tend to be in the larger cities, many quality museums can be found scattered across the area and are often a rewarding and enriching break when exploring. Even small towns will sometimes offer their own regional art and historical museums that offer glimpses of local art, history and culture.

Do
The Pacific Northwest is an outdoorsy place that offers an intimidating variety of places to experience nature. Although known for its national parks, there are hundreds of state and regional parks offering a wide variety of recreation from rock climbing to sea kayaking. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission alone has the largest state-managed mooring system in the United States offering 40 marine parks in Puget Sound that together provide more than 8,500 feet of public moorage space as well as campgrounds and vacation rentals ranging from the primitive and isolated to the comfy and well equipped. There are so many fun activities to do. Also they have amazing Honey.

LGBT tourism
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the Pacific Northwest is strong and cohesive, and offers a wide range of resources for community members and visitors. Seattle and Portland have some of the highest percentages of gay, lesbian or bisexual residents among large cities in the U.S. Washington state is one of only a few states that legalized gay marriage by a popular vote.

Eat
The Pacific Northwest is a foodie’s dream come true. Talented chefs and entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the Northwest’s incredible seafood, abundant locally-sourced produce, award-winning wines, and well-developed beer brewing tradition to establish a regional cuisine that trumps just about any other area in America. From the hundreds of food carts creatively competing for a niche market in Portland, where experimentation is expected, to top of the line restaurants squirreled away in almost every neighborhood, Pacific Northwesterners have high expectations from their food.

The Pacific Northwest is best known for its salmon, but a large variety of other seafood is available in the area. Oftentimes seafood comes in short bursts with seasonal migrations and is only available for short amounts of time, so watch closely for seasonal specials in restaurants and markets.

Shellfish are the prized resources of the Puget Sound, as the cool, clean waters provide some of the finest shellfish habitat in the world. Washington State is the nation’s leading producer of farmed bivalve shellfish (clams, mussels and oysters) but other specialties like Geoducks are sometimes available for the more adventurous.

The Dungeness Crab is a popular seafood prized for its sweet and tender flesh and high ratio of meat. Its common name comes from the port of Dungeness, Washington where the first commercial harvesting of the crab was undertaken. The Dungeness Crab is a commercially important crab in the state of Washington's territorial waters and was the first shellfish harvested commercially in the area, but other crab species are also common.

The area's mild climate, rich soil, and abundant water resources have created a bountiful climate for the many varieties of fresh produce available across the region. Farmers' markets are common in both urban and rural areas and are a great way to experience local culture and foods.

Apples are one of Washington State's biggest exports, with over 100 million boxes of apples picked every year and shipped around the globe. A wide variety of other crops are also grown in abundance every year, from wheat and potatoes to nuts and vegetables, making fresh local produce abundant.

Drink
Few, if any, American regions can challenge the Pacific Northwest's love of coffee. According to a group of industry market researchers, there were an amazing 1,640 coffee shops in the Puget Sound region in 2011, ranking it the most popular coffee region in the country but coffee is popular all across the northwest. It is not surprising that such coffee giants such as Starbucks have exported the Pacific Northwest's coffee culture around the globe.

Microbreweries and beer in general are a Northwest specialty, and the area has many to offer for beer enthusiasts. In 2012 Oregon had 18.3 craft breweries per 500,000 people making it second only to Vermont in the number of micro breweries per capita. The larger brewers, like Redhook and Pyramid, distribute their products regionally or nationally like their coffee cousins, while other brews can only be found in local stores or bars (some notable brewers don't even bottle their product). Ask your servers for local beer recommendations and search out regional microbrews in stores. Hops are the key ingredient in beer making and Washington State's fertile Yakima Valley is by far the biggest exporter of hops in the US giving area brewers another edge in making the best beers. Eastern Oregon and Washington are known for their wines. Walla Walla alone boasts over 100 wineries – including some of the area and nation's best cellars – with tasting rooms downtown; this area is popular for winery tours. But don't expect the stodginess of elitist wine areas elsewhere; the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the Columbia River Plateau in Washington have many affordable and welcoming communities with small town roots.

Stay safe
The good news is that the Pacific Northwest does not have any regular catastrophic events to worry about on an annual basis. Tornadoes are very rare and hurricanes are non-existent. There is a fair amount of rain, but rarely intense storms. However the area is not immune to major disasters.

Animal safety
Though many of the animals in the area are used to seeing humans, the wildlife is nonetheless wild and should not be fed or disturbed. Stay at least 100 m away from bears and 25 m from all other potentially aggressive animals! Check trail head postings at parks for recent activity and be aware of rules keeping a distance from Orca whales and other marine animals while boating. Regulations for orcas, also known as killer whales, require that boaters stay 200 yards (180 m) away and keep clear of the whales' path. These U.S. regulations apply to all vessels (with some exceptions) in all waters.

Don't disturb resting seal pups; keep children and dogs away and report to the local stranding hotline. Seal pups 'haul out' to get much needed rest when they are young and are often alone for many hours. They are extremely vulnerable at this time and should be left alone. Only about 50% of Pacific Northwest seal pups make it through their first year, so please help to protect their health.

Avalanches
In the Cascade Mountains (which divide the states into halves) there can be significant snow accumulations during the late fall and winter months. This poses a danger for avalanches whenever these areas experience warm periods, regardless of how brief they may be. Mountain passes are sometimes closed for avalanche control and may affect travel plans, especially along I-90 from Yakima to Seattle. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for information regarding Avalanche control. If going into the mountains during the winter and early spring, refer to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website for information regarding the current avalanche dangers throughout the Cascade region of the state.

Deserts
During the summer months, the temperatures east of the Cascades often exceed . If you will be outside for long periods of time, be sure to drink plenty of water and limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Should you plan to venture off into the surrounding landscape, follow desert survival guidelines. Make sure you know where you are going, tell someone where your destination will be, and take an ample water supply with you.

Earthquakes and tsunamis
The Pacific Northwest is near the Cascadia subduction zone, an area off the coast where two tectonic plates are converging, producing very infrequent but massive earthquakes comparable to the biggest ones in recent history, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. The risk is fairly low — in 2010 scientists estimated only a 10-15% chance of a magnitude 9 earthquake occurring within 50 years, and a 37% chance of a magnitude 8 — but you should learn what to expect and be prepared.

Such a "megathrust" earthquake is sure to destroy many bridges and older unreinforced buildings in the area, which were all built before scientists were aware of the region's history of large quakes, but the bigger danger is from the enormous tsunami that will follow. Major cities like Seattle and Portland are in inland waterways and are partially sheltered, but the Pacific coast will be flooded by water as high as 80-100 ft in some areas with just 15-20 minutes of warning. To get an idea of how bad it will be, you just have to read the Pulitzer Prize–winning 2015 article from The New Yorker, "The Really Big One", in which the regional FEMA director was quoted as saying, "Our operating assumption is that everything west of Interstate 5 will be toast."

The region has a tsunami warning system, and tsunami evacuation routes are signposted in many areas. However, don't wait for a warning: in the event of any earthquake, or if you see what appears to be a very low tide, or substantial withdrawal of water from both the mouth of rivers and the ocean itself, evacuate immediately. Go to high ground; if you can't, go inland. Roads will likely be impassable, so leave on foot. Try to get at least 50 ft above sea level, and find a sturdy building with at least three floors.

The danger doesn't end after the earthquake and tsunami. Be prepared to survive on your own for a minimum of 3 days, but due to infrastructure damage it may be weeks before you receive significant help or supplies. Preparation only helps when done in advance: pack your car with fresh water (or purifiers) and nonperishable food, in addition to a first aid kit.

If you aren't comfortable with the low odds, you can at least choose your destination carefully. Rather than the Pacific coast, consult earthquake and tsunami maps and choose low-risk places; for instance, some parts of the Puget Sound will be relatively sheltered from tsunamis. Choose lodgings in sturdy commercial buildings away from the water rather than residential houses near the beach.

Landslides
During the winter months, the western sides of both states often receive significant rainfall which soften the grounds to such a point that landslides sometimes occur. Be especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible landslides or debris flows.

If you encounter a landslide, leave the area immediately if it is safe to do so and call the local fire, police or public works department.

Volcanoes
There are several large volcanoes in the region, such as Mount St. Helens, which, in 1980, let loose the largest volcanic eruption in US history. However, the probability of a volcanic eruption in the Cascades is very low, and events usually come with weeks, if not months, of warning. Simply using common sense and heeding any warnings should be more than enough to keep any traveler safe. Cities such as Puyallup and Orting near Mount Rainier have Volcano Evacuation Route signs that should be followed in case of an emergency.

Volcanic eruptions come with several dangers. Lahars are a type of volcanic mudslide associated with a volcanic event.

Crime
Much like any area in the United States, the Pacific Northwest is generally very safe, and the chance of you running into any criminal trouble is unlikely. Certain areas of larger cities can become seedy after dark and it is therefore advised that one avoid being out alone very late at night. Use sensible precautions and don't leave any valuables unattended or in plain sight in your car, especially at trail heads or other areas where you might be leaving your car for some time.

Drugs
Recreational cannabis is legal in both states, and dispensaries are very common. Some jurisdictions, mostly rural areas east of the Cascade Mountains, have prohibited the establishment of recreational dispensaries; however, possession of up to one US ounce (28 grams) of dried cannabis flower is legal for all people in both states. Public use is illegal in both states and is subject to a civil fine, but actual enforcement varies by locale — be smart, know your company and your environment.

In 2020, the State of Oregon reduced the criminal sanctions for possession of small amounts of all drugs. Persons found to possess personal-use quantities of illegal drugs will be cited with a civil violation (similar to a speeding ticket), required to pay a fine, and referred to substance abuse rehabilitation. This is absolutely not an endorsement of illicit drug use, and the treatment requirements may cause headaches for non-local visitors. Washington State has no such provisions and possession of illegal drugs remains a criminal offense.

Cope
Some Consulates and Embassies can be found in the area and tend to be focused around Seattle and Portland with a few notable exceptions. The embassy for Belgium as well as consulates for Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan can all be found in Seattle. While honorary consulates for Germany and Denmark can be found in nearby Mercer Island and an honorary consulate for the Netherlands can be found in Bellevue.

Honorary consulates for Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the Netherlands can be found in Portland Oregon while an honorary consulate for the Czech Republic can be found in nearby Lake Oswego.

Go next

 * British Columbia
 * Rocky Mountains (United States of America)
 * California

title: Pacific Northwest


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Pacific Palisades

Pacific Palisades is an affluent neighborhood on the West Side of Los Angeles in Southern California, adjacent to Santa Monica. The district is a primarily residential area with expensive houses amongst the hills offering incredible ocean views.

By car
The town is accessible via the Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1; often abbreviated "PCH"), or by traveling along famed Sunset Boulevard, which acts as an east-west pass-through and terminates on the western boundary of the town itself. Temescal Canyon Blvd. originates at PCH and permits a northerly approach into the middle of town.

By bus
Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus #9 goes along Sunset Blvd. via Chautauqua Blvd., going through the heart of Pacific Palisades, from Santa Monica.

LA Metro bus 2 also travels along Sunset Blvd. all the way to PCH, and then loops back on Temescal Canyon Blvd. traversing much of the town.

By bicycle
You will be competing for space along the same access routes for vehicular traffic. Unless you are a capable urban cyclist, travel along Sunset Blvd. and PCH is not advised. Temescal Canyon Blvd. presents a long, steep grade, and you would do well to make sure your braking system is in tip-top shape should you double back!

By foot
Foot traffic from the coastline is common, especially during good weather. Both the west entrance into town via Sunset Blvd. and the uphill north entrance along Temescal Canyon Blvd. have uninterrupted sidewalks. The east entrance does not have clearly-marked walkways for at least 200 yards (180 meters) measured from the east border of town--walking along either side of Sunset Blvd. is very dangerous and ill-advised.

See

Do

Media

 * Palisadian-Post, local newspaper available from sidewalk boxes downtown.

Go next

 * Santa Monica. A neighboring beach city that is popular with tourists and features a fun and famous pier.
 * Malibu. Another neighboring city that is accessible via PCH. Malibu is a beach town that is home to many entertainment stars and offers great beaches, surfing and restaurants for visitors.

title: Pacific Palisades


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Pacific West

The Pacific West of Panama includes all of Chiriqui Province, Herrera Province and Los Santos Province, and the southern portion of Veraguas Province.

Cities

 * – Second largest city in Panama; Los Olas has a nice beach community, and for the best beaches, you can head out to the sparkling Gulf of Chiriqui.
 * – 51 km from David, the main jumping off point for the islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí, including Boca Brava and Isla Palenque. Long a little fishing village, it moves to a slow tempo, housing tourists and big game fishermen in a few quaint.
 * – Touristic epicenter of this region (in the Mountain Highlands near David) with some of the best coffee in the world (including numerous tours), and lots of activities like hiking (Quetzal Trail and Volcan Baru), rock climbing, bird watching, horseback riding, and rafting.
 * – Near Volcán on the northern side of the Volcan Baru National Park, convenient start or end of the Quetzal Trail.
 * – A common stopover when heading to or from Bocas del Toro.
 * — A border town between Costa Rica and Panama
 * — A border town between Costa Rica and Panama
 * — A border town between Costa Rica and Panama

Villages and smaller places

 * – Remote, magnificent beach, luxuriant vegetation, beginners surfing.
 * – Farm town north of David, not as developed as Boquete. The first European immigrants to arrive in Panama, in the early 1900s, thought that Volcan resembled their alpine setting back home, and many settled here. Great for the western trial to the volcano, starting from Paso Ancho just north of Volcán.
 * – Small town north of Santiago close to the Santa Fe National Park and many waterfalls and hikes.

Islands
There are dozens of islands in this Gulf. Along with the islands of Coiba National Park there is also Islas Secas, Isla Ladrones, Islas Paridas, Isla Boca Brava, Isla Palenque and Montuoso. Montuoso is the farthest island from Panama in this gulf.

 * – Right across from Boca Chica, with resorts and beaches.
 * – 10 min by boat from Boca Chica, with a deserted beach. Many people come here during the day and enjoy the beach and the calm waters.
 * – Jungle trails, mangroves, pristine beaches, bird-watching, whale watching, closest to the Hannibal Bank.
 * – Farthest island from Panama in this gulf. During certain seasons, you can even spot Galapagos seals on Montuoso.
 * – A resort and nature reserve. Connected to Boca Brava by a sand bridge.
 * – Great for diving and snorkelling.
 * – Resort and diving.
 * – Idyllic small island with a nature refuge, hiking trails, and camping

Understand
Chiriquí Province lies in the southwestern part of Panamá with its capital in David. Chiricanos are like the Texans of Panamá, and are loud, outgoing, and very proud of their province. However, they really seem to have something to be proud of. Chiriquí arguably has the friendliest people and the best landscape in Panamá.

Offering the most varied scenery in this already diverse country, Chiriquí has an array of plant and animal species inhabiting the different ecosystems. Chiriquí’s topography ranges from the tallest mountain in the country, Volcan Baru in the highlands, to the more than 30 small islands in the archipelagos of the Gulf of Chiriquí near the coastal town of Boca Chica, known for its world-class sport fishing.

Climate
Less than 9 degrees north of the equator, Panamá's temperatures are fairly consistent year round, with daytime temperatures in the 90s (°F) and nighttimes around, although the Chiriquí highlands get considerably cooler in the mountains. Like most of Panamá, Chiriquí’s lowlands have a rainy season from May through November and a dry season from December through April. During most of the rainy season, mornings and early afternoons are usually sunny while late afternoons and evenings have intermittent rainfall. Unlike most of the Caribbean, Mexico, and other Central American countries, Panamá does not experience hurricanes. The most popular time to travel to Panamá is December through March, when lack of humidity and nearly zero percent chance of rain make it ideal for travelers.

Talk
Nearly a third of Panamá residents speak English, partially due to the many North American expatriates living there and the growing tourism sector, but an attempt at communication in the country's native Spanish is always appreciated.

By plane
Fairly easy to get to from Panamá City. The fastest way is a 50 minute flight through Aeroperlas or Air Panamá who offer daily flights to David from Panamá’s Albrook Regional Airport.

If traveling to Panamá from Costa Rica, there are direct flights from San José to David or Panamá City. Air Panamá serves the Chiriquí area with flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Construction is in progress to expand David's airport into a larger international facility with direct regular flights from the U.S. and Canada. The international airport, which receives up to 1800 passengers per week, has regular flights to Costa Rica and charter flights from the U.S. Expansion will soon allow for increased international traffic and larger aircraft.

By bus
Also at the airport is the Albrook Bus Terminal where you can catch a bus to David leaving every 30 minutes.

By car
You could opt for day long car ride from Panamá City via the Interamerican Highway touring small cities and villages along the way.

Get around
Although David is not particularly interesting, it is a convenient transport hub for destinations in this region and you might want to go forth and back between this city by bus. There is also a pretty cheap luggage storage at the David bus terminal.

Several well known rental car agencies are present within David, making it easy to find transportation for a trip. Rental cars may not be taken across the Costa Rican border. For travel within David, there are also plenty of taxis for easy transportation throughout the sprawling city.

Because of the area’s growing tourism, Chiriquí's physical, economic, and social infrastructures have vastly improved. Roads are being improved, new high quality health care facilities being built, and major retailers are coming to the area. Much of this activity is centered in David; improvements include David's airport, Enrique Malek International Airport, whose incipient acceptance of direct international flights should mark the tipping point for the area in terms of tourism and development.

Volcan to Cerro Punto: $1.35

The Chiriquí Lowlands
The Gulf of Chiriquí, much of Panamá’s best, numerous archipelagos star the gulf with islands and reefs, including Central America’s largest island, Coiba Island, right inside Coiba National Marine Park. And right next to it the Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí.

The whole area is home to the richest mangroves and rarest pelagic marine species in the world. It has a reputation as a world-class sport fishing destination, as evidenced by Saltwater Fisherman Magazine, which named it the best place in the world for catching the Black Marlin in their April 2009 issue. The Gulf of Chiriquí is so large and species-rich some consider it a small sea. Well known among insiders for its boating, sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, the unspoiled and largely undiscovered coastal and marine environments in the area rival the best on the Pacific coasts of Central America and Mexico.

The Chiriquí Highlands
There is plenty of beautiful places to be had in the rolling mountains of Chiriquí’s highlands. Boquete, a hot spot for nature-lovers ecotourism destination. Volcan Barú, the jagged, lush green mountains of Chiriquí rise to the top of Volcan Barú, Panamá's largest volcano. With over 900 species of birds in Panamá it is no surprise that avid bird watchers too visit yearly to spot the ever elusive Resplendent Quetzal and other of Panamá’s beautiful avian species. The mountain is also the only place in the world to catch a glimpse of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean at the same time, although clear days can be difficult to come by.

La Amistad International Park, near Cerro Punta, about 72 km outside of David and 13 km north of Volcan Barú, this park is actually shared and jointly managed with neighboring Costa Rica. While the majority of the Panamanian side of the park is in Bocas Del Toro, the small percentage that is in the Chiriquí Province is more easily accessible. La Amistad is home to the majority of endangered animals that call Panamá home. In 1990 UNESCO named the park a World Heritage Site noticing that it is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the Americas. There are good hiking trails around the park for all ranges of ability. Entrance to the park costs $5 for foreigners, and it is open from 07:45-16:00.

Do
In the following some specific destinations that can be reach conveniently from Boquete, David, or Boca Chica.
 * Hot Springs Caldera can be visited by bus from Boquete or a roundtrip taxi. Although the volcano has been dormant for over 600 years, there are thermal springs bubbling up around it. These hot and bubbly mineral water are right next to the Caldera River. Take a dip in both hot and cold. There are also the Petroglifos de Caldera nearby in Caldera, which you might want to check out.

The region has several other areas with active springs. In Volcan, on the northern side of the Volcan Baru, about 30 min from town, there are several springs. However, due to the mineral content, there is a slight sulphur smell.

 * Cangilones de Gualaca is an interesting geological formation and stream great for swimming, jumping from a 5-m cliff or just chilling in the shades. Bring your goggles, sunscreen, water and food.
 * Macho de Monte Canyon south of Volcan is an impressive canyon good for swimming and chilling with a beer.

General
Boquete is well known for adventure travel, which includes white-water rafting, zip lining, ATV and jeep tours, cloud forest trekking, horseback riding, rock climbing and deep water soloing. It is a key reason that this fairly small town, is growing in popularity for European, American, Latino, and Asian travelers.

 * Beaches – Less than an hour's drive outside of David, if you know where to go. The islands that can be reach from Boca Chica have miles of white, beige or volcanic zebra-striped beaches. Many of these islands are uninhabited and full of wildlife. The gulf there is known for world-class sportfishing and has been well known by expats and backpackers for years.

 * Surfing – The best area for surfing in this region is the Morro Negrito area. Some say it has the best surfing in Panama. There is a Big Island, with smaller waves, and a Little Island with big waves.

 * Sport fishing – The Gulf of Chiriqui boasts some of the best sport fishing in the world. Species include yellow fin tuna, black marlin, blue marlin, roosterfish, pacific sailfish, dorado, amberjack, red snapper, wahoo, and many more. Because of the abundance of fish in the Gulf, there are also a lot of boat charters, and places to stay. Try the upscale- Propiedad de Paradise Fishing Lodge on Isla Paridas. If you are wanting to fish offshore near Hannibal Bank or Isla Montuosa they have a lodge overlooking the Pacific right in front of Isla Gamez. Or one of the other islands filled with wildlife and special eco- (Cala Mia) or upscale- (the soon to be built resort at Isla Palenque) accommodations. The main departure points for excellent fishing are the port of Pedregal and the fishing town of Boca Chica. From there boat to the many uninhabited islands dotting this pristine Gulf.

 * Boating – Since the Gulf of Chiriqui is loaded with fish and wildlife, there are also many small and large boat charters to cruise you around. If you are not in to fishing, but you are more of an explorer, the boats will take you to the islands, for swimming, snorkeling, or just wildlife exploration.

 * River Rafting – World-class white water rafting can be found on the Chagres River, 1 to 2 hours from Panama City; in the Chiriqui Province, on the Rio Chiriqui Viejo; and the Rio Grande, Cocle Province. There is usually enough water to paddle year around. However, the highest water level is in November, at the end of the rainy season, and the lowest water level is in May, at the end of the dry season. Class I to Class V rapids can be found in Panama. The classes are based upon Panamanian classifications. During the rainy season, the Panama class III’s are easily comparable to U.S. class IVs.

 * Birding – See the Resplendent Quetzal and other birds of Panama. Guides, maps and tours available.

 * Ocean kayaking – Chiriqui's protected gulf are ideal for fast, long distance, ocean kayaking.

Eat
Panamánian cuisine is a mix of several cultures. With Afro-Caribbean, French and Spanish influences, the dishes take on a complete life of their own. In the larger cities you can find all types of cuisine ranging from authentic Panamánian to sushi. Outside of David and Boquete, the selection is largely Panamánian with bountiful seafood and beef due to the abundance of cattle farms and the fantastic fishing in the area. Most dishes are served with coconut rice and beans and a type of squash or other native vegetable.

title: Pacific West


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Packing for a cruise

Wikivoyage has a general article about packing lists, but traveling on cruise ships can be very different from other modes of travel. You'll probably be sleeping in the same cabin for the whole trip, so the need to "pack light" might not be as great as it would be if you were schlepping your bags from city to city. But the environment of a cruise ship is an unusual one, with some atypical requirements of what to bring... and not to bring.

These suggestions make most sense if you're cruising somewhere sunny. Depending on your destination and how you like to travel, some of the items may not be useful to you, and there are inevitably additional items you'll want to bring along. But this should give you some ideas about how to pack.

Wear

 * underwear, socks – They may not take up much space individually, but they can add up to fill a lot of luggage. Check to see if laundry service is available on the ship (and at what cost) to cut down the quantity you have to bring.
 * short-sleeved shirts, shorts – If you're sun-bound, these will be the staple of your day-time wardrobe. Depending on the formality of the cruise, you may want shirts with collars.  If you're planning to go ashore, consider whether you want the shirts you wear to announce that you're a tourist.
 * comfortable slacks/skirt – You probably won't want to wear shorts all the time, though, even if you do have good-looking legs. Khakis are nicely versatile: casual with a short-sleeve shirt but semi-formal with a coat and tie.  A simple skirt can fill the same niche for women.
 * formal wear – Most cruises treat at least one dinner of the voyage as a formal affair, and some encourage or expect you to dress up for dinner every night. If you'll be dressing up nightly, men may be able to get by with just an assortment of ties and perhaps a few dress shirts with a couple jackets.  Women may find that a little black dress with a variety of colorful scarves and jewelry is enough variety, or they may want to consider two-piece outfits, so that one versatile skirt can be paired with several different tops.
 * flip flops – For added comfort during your trip, make sure to pack these.
 * comfortable walking shoes – They're not critically important for on deck, but for excursions ashore make sure your feet will be prepared for whatever terrain you'll find there.
 * windbreaker – Even in the tropics it can get rather cool on deck at night, especially in the ocean breezes.
 * swimsuit – It's ironic that you'll never touch most of the water you see, but medium- to large-sized cruise ships will almost always have an onboard swimming (or lounging) pool or several, and it's a great way to cool off if the weather's hot. Swimming in regular shorts (or without!) is usually not permitted.

Sleep
Virtually all cruise ship cabins have a phone offering a wake-up service, usually automated. It will automatically be set to "ship's time", so you'll have no "excuse" to be late for something, even if your room doesn't have a window or you've changed time zones. A travel alarm won't likely be needed.

Buy
Depending on the ship you may be able to buy items you need on the trip on-board. On the other hand, the choice is probably smaller and prices higher than at home or even in the ports.

Stay healthy and safe

 * Sunglasses, sun screen, hat, lipchap – Even if you plan to spend your time on-deck in the shade, the sunlight reflected off the waves will still affect you. Granted, you may want to return home with enough tan to prompt questions about your trip, but don't underestimate how a sunburn can spoil your trip, or your skin 20 years from now.  Plan to "slip–slop–slap" every day:  whenever you'll be in the sun, slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, and slap on a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
 * Aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicine, other basic medications – You can get this sort of thing onboard, but it'll probably be overpriced.
 * Motion-sickness medicine – You may not need this, but don't assume that you won't. It isn't a question of willpower or healthfulness; some people just react poorly to the motion of a ship at sea, even if they don't notice it consciously.  There are over-the-counter pills you can take as needed, and prescription stick-on patches for ongoing treatment. Some of them have noticeable side effects, read the information carefully.
 * Insurance card – The ship's doctor won't hesitate to treat you (billing services to your account, and letting you sort things out with your health insurance provider), and many countries have policies requiring treatment of emergency patients, but it never hurts to have proof that you have insurance, and if you're really lucky they'll bill the company directly.
 * ID card/passport – Even if the immigration officials at the countries you're visiting don't require a passport to visit from your country, it certainly doesn't hurt to have official documentation of your citizenship.

See and do

 * camera, film/memory card – Even if you're not a shutterbug, snapshots are one of the cheapest and best souvenirs of your trip. "Disposable" cameras can provide reasonably good images, but if you plan to travel much it's worth investing in an inexpensive reusable camera for more predictable results.  Digital cameras are now comparable in picture quality to film cameras.
 * power strip or outlet tap – There is likely only one electrical outlet in the bathroom and one in the stateroom. That may not be convenient if charging and/or powering several items.
 * travel coffee cup with lid – Walking around the deck is much safer with a travel cup than with the open cups and glasses provided by the cruise lines. Enjoy a beautiful sunrise while sitting in a deck chair and sipping a warm beverage.
 * notepad and pen for journal – Even less expensive than photographs and even more personal, a journal can help you relive your adventure years later.
 * handheld GPS unit – Rather than bugging the crew, a GPS unit can tell where you are. A cruise ship's course and speed tends to be dictated more by when they want to arrive in port than by geography, so don't expect a shortest-distance best-speed route.
 * family radio service portables – These "walkie-talkies" make it much easier for families and others to communicate on large ships. Some cruise lines now rent them.
 * ziplock bags – Carry several sizes of ziplock bags. They are handy for so many things.
 * laundry supplies – Check your ship's information to see if there are self-service laundry facilities available. Expect this to be expensive ($5–10 per load, plus the cost of detergent if you don't bring your favorite from home), but cheaper than the ship's wash and fold service ($30–40 per load) or on-board dry cleaning.  To reduce the risk of fires, you can't usually iron or steam your clothes in your room; some ships offer a room for DIY ironing, and others will iron your clothes for you ($4 for a shirt, $10 for a suit, $15 for an evening gown).  Sandy beaches and exercise classes can dirty up clothes quickly.

title: Packing for a cruise


text:
Packing for a week of hiking

This is a sample list of things you might take on a week-long trip hiking in a wilderness area. Even more than with other kinds of travel, packing for this kind of trip requires compromises between keeping weight down and making sure you bring everything you'll need, because you have to carry it all with you. Depending on where you're going and the time of year, some of the items may not be useful to you, and there are inevitably additional items you'll want to bring along, but this should give you a general idea of what you'll want to pack. For information and advice about gear selection, see Wilderness backpacking and Cold weather.

For some of the equipment it is enough if one or two persons in the party have them. This is true even for some of the clothes: some spares are needed mostly when something breaks or gets drenched, which may be unlikely to happen for all the party.

Wear
Includes both packed clothes and what you are wearing at start.

 * 2 undershirts (cotton less suitable, as discussed in Cold weather)
 * 2 long-sleeve shirts (either for warmth or for protection against the sun)
 * 2 t-shirts, leave out if cold and you have adequate other underwear or you have other clothing for hot weather
 * 2 pair of trousers/pants (at least one pair suitable weight for current weather, the other pair can double as raingear or be adequately warm only with heavy underwear); denim (blue jeans) can be used for shorter hikes in dry conditions, but are generally not useful for hiking as they are difficult to get dry
 * 2 pair of underpants (long legs if cold)
 * 2 pair of wool or hiking socks (at least another 2 pairs of socks if used in layers)
 * hiking boots, insoles; rubber boots are adequate in some terrain, normal walking or sports shoes in some, wrong kind of footwear on a long hike will ruin it, never rely on new boots or shoes, as they and your feet have to be acquainted to each other
 * plastic bags for protecting socks when the boots have been drenched – and for preventing drenching if fording in waters where you need the boots
 * sandals or other light footwear (for wearing when not hiking, possibly also for fording)
 * waterproof windbreaker, or at least a jacket; winter coat if temperatures much below freezing
 * raingear – ponchos can drape over your pack and save you the expense of a waterproof packcover, but they are problematic if windy, and you may still need something to protect your legs from wet ground vegetation; leave out if temperature much below freezing
 * gloves and mittens according to weather, with enough spares (needed in windy and wet weather even at quite warm temperatures)
 * scarf
 * a hat or other headwear (to shade your face or trap heat – or to keep you warm)
 * sunglasses
 * sweater, at least for cold evenings, also for breaks in colder weather, worn most of the time if really cold (which means you need something more for the breaks and evenings)
 * swimsuit?
 * women: 2 good sports bras

Eat and drink
Food:
 * oatmeal, trail mix, sausage
 * freeze-dried meals or dried ingredients
 * chocolate, cereal bars, cookies, raisins or other quick-energy snacks

Some of the meals should be suitable for easy preparation in awkward weather.

Equipment:
 * camping stove, including cooking pots
 * waterproof matches/lighter/fire starter
 * multi-tool pocket knife (e.g. Swiss Army or Leatherman), in some areas the knife should be a proper one (but check the local weapon laws about knife length before you go) and also an axe may be useful
 * plate, cup, utensils
 * dish cloth, scouring sponge
 * water bottles
 * plastic bags for trash

Other:
 * water filter – to remove physical debris
 * iodine tablets – to remove germalogical issues; there are also other water purification tablets

If you're traveling in bear country ensure your food is bagged so it can be tied up and away from your tent and the ground, ideally in bear-resistant containers. You might also want to protect your food against rodents, especially if you are staying several nights in the same place (or the place is used regularly).

Sleep
Even more so than when you're at home, getting a good's night sleep is essential for a good camping experience. You need to recharge your batteries after a day out and about and then have the energy to do it all over again.

 * tent
 * sleeping bag
 * foam or air mattress; air mattresses should be made for hiking, as the air must not transport warmth from you to the ground
 * travel pillow?
 * mosquito net?

Get around

 * backpack, waterproof packcover; a poncho may do, but if you are going to leave the backpack outside your tent, you need it protected also then
 * headlamp or flashlight, spare battery
 * maps, compass – make sure you can read them before you set out.
 * hiking staff or walking sticks (important in some terrain, e.g. for fording fast-flowing streams or for lessening load on ankles and knees when descending)

Stay healthy and safe
Sun and hygiene
 * insect repellent, mosquito hat in some areas
 * sun lotion
 * after sun treatment such as aloe vera gel
 * light trekking towel, bioshower-soap
 * toothbrush, toothpaste (depending on destination), floss
 * handkerchiefs (dozens of uses, mere ounces of weight; from paper or washable)
 * wet-wipes
 * women: tampons or pads; consider reusable menstrual products

First aid etc.
 * analgesic painkiller such as aspirin or ibuprofen
 * anti-diarrhea medicine
 * blister care (e.g. moleskin, adhesive bandages)
 * snakebite kit where appropriate
 * topical antiseptic solution (e.g. iodine) for cuts, bites and grazes
 * survival blanket (metal lined fabric e.g. to wrap around a disabled person)
 * band-aid
 * swabs, antiseptics, hand sanitizer
 * bandages for bigger wounds, sprained ankles, and fractures

Cash and cards
 * insurance card (highly unnecessary, but doesn't weigh much)
 * ID card (highly unnecessary, but doesn't weigh much)
 * cash, bank card (highly unnecessary, but doesn't weigh much)

Knife, matches and rope
 * knife
 * a least one lighter, gas or petrol plus small pack of storm matches (can be a life-saver in heavy rain)
 * rope – myriad of potential uses, at least 3 metres of light rope for repairs, possibly a long strong rope for e.g. difficult fords; using a rope for glacier or mountain safety requires additional tools and adequate training

Emergency signalling
 * lantern
 * whistle
 * mobile or satellite phone – pack watertight, keep off most of the time, see Hiking for a discussion
 * phone charger – if you don't have places to charge the phone, use it sparingly.
 * cyalume glow-stick

Other
 * waterproof stuff packs
 * repair kit for any likely critical problems (needle and thread, tape, spare front end for skis, what have you)

See and do

 * camera
 * notepad and pen for journal
 * cards

title: Packing for a week of hiking


text:
Packing for beach travel

This is a sample list of items and equipment you might want to take on a week-long trip to a beach resort in a developed tropical area, or some other part of the world (eg, Portugal, New Zealand, Long Island, or Southern California) during the local summer months. Depending on where you're going and the time of year, some of the items may not be useful to you, and there are inevitably additional items you'll want to bring along, but this should give you a general idea of what you'll want to pack. A minimalist won't want to pack much because it means there's less to carry but on the other hand, someone who wants to bring everything but the kitchen sink won't be short of anything. If two people from either camp go to the beach together, there will always be a conflict. It's best to compromise, but if you take something and don't use it or don't take something and really need it, be mature about it. Do your best not to say I told you so.

Dry activities

 * hat, cap, or sun visor
 * sweatshirt
 * windbreaker
 * poncho
 * 2 t-shirts
 * 1 nice shirt
 * 2 pair of walk shorts
 * 1 pair of long pants (suitable weight for current weather)
 * 2 pair of underwear or racing trunks or bikini bottoms
 * ladies: 2 good sports bras or bikini tops
 * 2 pair of crew socks
 * sneakers

You may wish to have spare dry clothes to change into in case some get wet.

Wet activities

 * 2 pair boardshorts
 * spring or shortjohn wetsuit (May want heavier grade wetsuit, or no wetsuit, depending on conditions/activities)
 * rash guard
 * goggles
 * reef walkers
 * flip flops

gentlemen

 * speedo (Helps getting into wetsuit, and good to have on if the boardshorts come off)

ladies

 * one-piece
 * 2 bikini sets

Get around

 * bags for your things
 * flashlight

Eat

 * Fishing: pole and tackle if you fish
 * Camping food: picnic basket or cooler
 * Barbecuing (on beaches where it's OK): But do clean up your trash afterwards.

Stay healthy and safe

 * sunglasses
 * high spf sunscreen
 * a hat (to shade your face and/or trap heat)
 * umbrella
 * beach towel, or a light trekking towel; bioshower-soap
 * insect repellent
 * toothbrush, toothpaste
 * antiperspirant and other toiletries
 * aspirin/Ibuprofen
 * blister care (e.g. moleskin, adhesive bandages)
 * insurance card
 * ID card
 * cash, bank card
 * women: tampons or pads.

See and do

 * good diving mask, snorkel, and swim fins
 * bodyboard or surfboard with leash and wax
 * beach ball
 * other sporting equipment
 * camera
 * folding beach chair, though you might be able to rent one at more developed beaches
 * reading and writing material. In summer you can get a sense of what the latest blockbuster book is based on what everyone is reading.

title: Packing for beach travel