Using Diablos Rojos to Get Around Panama City, Panama

Those traveling to Panama City, Panama, desiring a true cultural experience with the locals need to try out the public transport system, primarily made up of souped-up school buses that burst out with expression and attitude. They are known as "Diablos Rojos", Spanish for "Red Devils". Many buses have their own unique design, including elaborate paint jobs that are either psychedelic or religious in nature, a variety of flashing exterior lights, and some Spanish block lettering or decals. A lot of Diablos Rojos have long vertical tail pipes that help to raise the decibel level on Panama City's congested and already noisy streets.

Tourists who come to Panama City expecting to find specific online Diablos Rojos route information or secure Diablos Rojos route maps from drivers as they would in the USA or Europe will be in for quite a culture shock: such resources are non-existent at this time. While each Diablo Rojo follows a consistent route, the traveler has to learn how to navigate the city on a trial and error basis if using the city's least expensive public transport option. First, make sure you have a map of Panama City, which is currently available online, free, and printable at: www.panama-maps.com. Next, study the two or more location names on the windshields of the buses. These nomenclatures designate the beginning and ending destination points of the bus route. For instance, if you are in the downtown area, you'll see the words "Via Espana" on a lot of bus windshields in huge lettering, meaning these buses cover the main drag of Via Espana. This road goes right through the touristy El Congrejo section of Panama City. When one sees the word "Albrook" below the headliner names on the windshield, it signifies that the Diablo Rojo will also stop at Albrook Terminal, the main transport terminal for both city buses and motor coaches leaving from and heading to Panama City.