Menu

La Chiva: My experience on a Panamanian Party Bus

chiva bus

I recently went on a Chiva. It was something I tried out of curiosity. A friend had invited me and it was a new experience for me, so I decided to go for it! Seriously, my experience on a panamanian party bus was great! I had so much fun that I would do it again- even if I was all gross afterwards.

A Chiva is basically a party bus. If you live in Panama City, you may have noticed them before; they are usually in the streets of the city Friday and Saturday nights. They use the Diablo Rojo buses and completely transform them. When you get inside, there is a bar and a DJ. There are some seats, strap handles and poles to hold on to.

How it works:

Someone usually organizes it. They rent a bus for a night and make the party happen. Depending on how many people come, the rate will vary. I paid $15 and it has open bar but I’ve heard it can be $20.

The bus drives very slowly around the city for 3 hours. I didn’t really pay attention to where we were going until we stopped. That’s when I noticed we were at the Causeway.  We stopped for a 10 min break so we could go to the bathroom. After that, the ride continues until the 3 hours are up and the Chiva drops us off where we started. Sometimes, the driver can drop you off somewhere else if you ask him.

For me, I had a great time because I was with a good crowd. Everybody was dancing with everybody. If you didn’t know someone, well after that night, you did. After the 3 hours are up, everyone is usually still in the mood to dance and party. All of us ended up going to Casco afterwards.

One thing I would advise to the girls if you go to a Chiva:

Please don’t wear heels or anything fancy. It’s a moving bus, and you are standing up dancing for 3 hours. Also, by the end of the night, you will be sweaty and probably covered in alcohol.  Don’t let that scare you off though. If you are invited and you are looking for a good time, I think you should go for it!

Recent Posts

Panama City to El Valle: The perfect weekend getaway

Some three million years ago, a volcano blew its top. The town of El Valle sits

10 Instagram accounts to fall in love with Panama

It’s a fact. Panama is unbelievably photogenic. There are thousands of beautiful images to be found

10 Fabulous Rooftop Bars in Panama City

What better place to feel the wind in your hair than in a fabulous rooftop bar,

How to choose which neighborhood to stay at in Panama City

Panama City has heaps of different neighborhoods to choose from, and for the first-time visitor it’s

The Best Places to Work Remotely in Panama City

Panama City is the most international capital in Central America, with a slew of entrepreneurs and

5 Must Try Casco Viejo Coffee Shops

There’s so much to see and explore in Casco Viejo, Panama City. Without a doubt, Panama

Experience the jungle in Panama City

Cruising past large ships in the famous Panama Canal, hand feeding wild monkeys, kayaking through the

How to prepare for your day trip to the San Blas Islands

After completing my week of Spanish classes at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School, I sought after

Is it safe for females to travel solo to Panama?

Check out my Panama adventures here! Solo female travel is rapidly trending across the globe. Women

Visiting Panama City?  Here are 10 things to know before you go

If you’re visiting Panama City, it pays to have a bit of insider knowledge before you

The Complete Guide to Birding in Panama

Birding in Panama is a surprisingly big draw for our Spanish school students: birding enthusiasts come

Where to Celebrate Carnival in Panama

If you’re visiting Panama, Carnival provides a great way to see it at its best. It’s

The Best Beach Trips from Panama City

Can you think of a better way to immerse yourself into life in Panama City than

Happy 6th Birthday to Us!

On the 12th of January 2012, Casco Antiguo Spanish School celebrated it’s grand opening in the

Donate and Make a Difference in December

Casco Antiguo Spanish School will be collecting donations for the Malambo Orphanage during the month of

How to meet people when you move to Panama City

If you’re thinking of moving to Panama City, there’s no time like the present. Living in

What it’s like to learn Spanish at Casco Antiguo, from one of our students

Latin culture has held a space among my fascinations for as long as I can remember.

See why this is our Favorite Piece of Panama Street Art?

Every Thursday at 5pm students meet at the reception of Casco Antiguo Spanish School for the

Casco Viejo Non-Profit Nominated for Prestigous McNulty Prize!

Esperanza, a local Casco Viejo non-profit organization has been named a 2016 McNulty Prize Laureate from

7 Must-See Attractions in Panama City

Panama City has amazing landscapes, world-class tourist attractions and tons of culture. The first thing that

5 Reasons to Learn Spanish at Casco Antiguo Spanish School

Whether you’re traveling or have just moved to Panama we’re sure you’ll love it. However, knowing

TripAdvisor Awards Casco Antiguo Spanish School with 2016 Certificate of Excellence!

Casco Antiguo Spanish School is thrilled to announce it has received a 2016 Certificate of excellence

Meet our Newest Neighbors – Casco Yoga!

Casco Yoga is a new yoga studio in Panama that has just been opened by a

How 20 High Schoolers Spent Their Summer in Panama?

In July 2015 a group of 20 High School students from the Bahamas, part of the

Scavenger Hunt Gives Spanish Immersion New Meaning

In an effort to get students out of the classroom, Casco Antiguo Spanish School has developed

Get to know our Spanish Teachers: Corvan

If you are looking for a Spanish Course in Panama that cultivates and elaborates real Spanish

Can you really cycle your way to better Spanish?

Well, almost every student I have asked at Casco Antiguo Spanish school gave me a firm:

Hunter’s Hunt for Fluency

Hunter is a wise man. In his second year of an International Marketing major at a

Student Uses Spanish to Build Bridges in Panama

Emily was a student here at Casco Antiguo Spanish School for a two week Small Group

Happy Hour Tour of Casco Viejo, Panama City

Joey Bonura – I think that one of the best ways to get to know Casco

New Tour Option: Paddleboarding in Casco Antiguo!

Paddleboarding is a fun, easy way to relax and exercise while getting out on the water.

Top 5 Bars In Casco Viejo

Joey Bonura – In the past three years there has been an explosion of new bars

Things to do in Panama City, Panama

We asked Carmen, one of our incredible teachers here at Casco Antiguo Spanish School “What are

The Congo Dance of Panama

The Congo Dance of Panama is the most unique and colorful manifestation of folklore in the

Casco Antiguo Spanish School featured in the LatinFlyer

    The Director of Casco Antiguo Spanish School, David Gold was recently interviewed about Casco

Volunteer in Panama: My experience at APROJUSAN

Volunteering is something I’ve always loved doing. To me there’s nothing better than the feeling of

Panama Film Festival

From April 11th to 17th, for the second time in history, Panama is holding its very

What to do in Panama City?

Camilla and Andreas, who studied Spanish here at Casco Antiguo Spanish School for 10 days this

Casco Antiguo Spanish School Featured in the New York Post!

In articled titled, “Get happy in Panama City,” Casco Antiguo Spanish School was listed as the

Panama Jazz Festival

It’s time again for The Panama Jazz Festival! The festival happens every year in January (this

Salsa Classes in Panama City

  To truly immerse yourself into the culture of Latin America you have to swing your

Movie and Dinner in Casco Viejo

For fans of independent cinema that also enjoy good food and cuisine I strongly recommend to

Night Bike Ride in Panama City

If you feel like doing something different on Wednesday night, being active, outdoors and also making

Fiesta Patrias in Panama

  The Month of November is the most important time for the Panamanian history. Basically everything

Halloween Panama City

    Halloween in Panama City. Looking for some bone chilling party but not yet sure

Panama Slang

After having immersed myself into the Spanish language and slowly getting the grips of Panamanian slang,

Trip to Valle de Anton

  El Valle de Anton is a superb get-away for everyone that wants to escape the

Benefits of Studying Spanish

Travel to Spanish speaking countries. Admittedly, English does get you far. Yet from my personal experience

Lunch in Casco Viejo. Today: La Petite Bretagne

  Living and working in Casco Viejo, I am on a constant search for good food

Nightlife in Casco Viejo

When in search for laid-back, arty and at times edgy nightlife, the boho-chic scene in Casco

San Blas

Since I arrived to Panama, I have listened to people enthusing about the picturesque, white-sand beaches

The Pixbae

On my way home I saw a man selling something that resembled an apricot but the

Diablo Rojo

My first week in Panama City I noticed that there are large number of School buses

El Palmar Beach

  Panama is close to both the Caribbean and South America, so it’s no surprise that

Fun Facts About Learning Spanish

Fun Facts about Learning Spanish 1. Spanish has at least 3 million native speakers each in

Spanish School Panama City

Casco Antiguo Spanish School is one of the many Spanish schools in Panama City but many

New Partnership with Buena Vida Language School

We are very pleased to announce our new partnership with Buena Vida Language School located in

La Ruta del Casco: Parte 2

La Ruta del Casco, is an annual event in it’s second year. The local business of

Spanish School Panama City

Studying at a Spanish School in Panama City is the best option when studying Spanish in

Spanish School in Panama

There are many options when it comes to choosing a Spanish school in Panama. Casco Antiguo

New Garden in Santa Famila

This past weekend Pot to Plate, a local group dedicated to educating the youth of Panama

Sunny Day Activities in Casco Viejo

This brief break in the rain has all of us over here at the Casco Antiguo

Spanish School Panama

  You have many options when it comes to choosing a Spanish school in Panama; with

10 Rainy Day Activities in Panama City

The rainy season has officially returned, winter is here. Here in Panama this means temperatures in

Wildlife in Panama

The biodiversity in Panama is staggering; home to 218 mammal species, 226 species of reptile, 164

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Panama is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; one of which is Casco Viejo, the

24 Hours in Panama City

Often time travelers have only a day or two in Panama City before continuing on to

Tantalo

A new bar, restuarant and hotel has opened up here in Casco on the corner of

Panama Canal Museum

Located about two blocks from the Casco Antiguo Spanish School is the Panama Canal Museum; dedicated

Pot to Plate is…

Statistics about Learning Spanish

From: www.transparent.com    

Sail Boats to Columbia

The Pan American Highway ends abruptly in the Dairen leaving travelers with only two viable options

San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are a tropical paradise reminiscent of a screen saver. An archipelago comprised

Ferry From Columbia to Panama

The new ferry from Colon, Panama to Cartagena, Columbia began transporting passengers early this month. The

Molas

Molas are part of traditional costumes worn by Kuna women, four mola panels are formed into

Mini Group Classes

Learning Spanish with a friend in one of our Mini-Group Classes is a great way to

Extreme Sports Panama

Panama is a thrill seekers dream: kite surfing, surfing, white water rafting, sky diving. Panama has

Best Place to Learn Spanish in Central America

Where IS the best place to learn Spanish in Central America? We might be a bit

Parque Natural Metropolitano

The Parque Natural Metropolitano or MNP is located in Panama City, Ancon district, between Ascanio Villalaz

Whale Watching Panama

Panama is unique because whales from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres come to Panama to

Scuba Diving in Panama

Panama is know for many things including some of the best diving in the world. With

IFF Panama

  The International Film Festival of Panama (IFF Panama) will be held in Panama City from

Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands are a mere 47km from Panama city, a 15 minute plane ride from

Panama Viejo

Today Panama Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of the original Panama

Kuna

Sometime in the early 16th century the Kuna peoples migrated to the San Blas islands from

Ngöble Bugle

The Ngöble Bungle, formally know as the Guaymie, represent almost 65 percent of the entire indigenous

Emberá Wounan

Panama is an wildly diverse country filled with culture and history. The Darien Gap is one

Pot To Plate Panama

We are dedicated to giving back here at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School, giving back to

Top Places to Visit in Panama

Panama Canal Rainforests – Just 30 minutes from Panama City the Canal Rainforest are most accessible

Darien Gap

Few places in the world are as mysterious as the Darien Gap. The 99 mile gap

Relic

Casco is filled with fun and funky bars perfect for every occasion but one stands out

Winner of “Come to Casco-Learn Spanish” Announced

  When the clock struck Midnight this last Saturday night our “Come to Casco- Learn Spanish”

Semana Santa

Semana Santa is a time for celebration here in Panama. Each section on the country and

Best Pizza In Panama

The best pizza in Panama is located right here in Casco Viejo. Saying a restaurant has

President of Panama Losing Facebook Competition

A recent press release about the culmination of our Facebook competition: President of Panama Losing Facebook

Private Spanish Classes

No matter what level of Spanish speaker you are every one can benefit from private spanish

Conversational Spanish Class

A free conversational Spanish Class? You don’t say! Well, here at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School,

Portobelo

Portobelo, a town on the Atlantic ocean, with a naturally deep harbour this city was once

Learn Spanish in Panama

When learning Spanish in Panama you have many options in terms to locations. Panama is a

Diablo Rosso

Casco Viejo is rich with art, history and creativity. DiabloRosso is about all of those things!

Best Places to Eat in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is packed with with restaurants serving everything from pizza to sushi! Here are some

Facts about the Panama Canal

The French broke ground on January 1, 1880. The United States began work on May 4,

The Holy Ghost Orchid

Peristeria, dove orchid or holy ghost orchid is the national flower of Panama. Peristeria comes from

Águila Harpí

The national bird of Panama is the “Águila Harpía” or Harpy Eagle. This massive bird can

Learn Spanish in Panama

Why should you learn Spanish? Nearly 7% of the world speaks Spanish, that is over three

La Petite Bretagne – Creperie

  Casco Viejo is ever growing and changing. One of the newest additions to Casco is

Ten things to do in Panama City

  10. Amador Causeway – Rent a bike and take in the sites while you peddle.

Theatre Space in Santa Famila

Last week a group of students from the Rotary Club in the United States helped restore/build

Art in Casco Viejo

  Calle 4oe ends abruptly at a basketball court that overlooks the ocean; the Santa Familia

Special Backpacker’s Massage Offer

Special Backpacker’s Massage Offer Relax and renew your energy to continue traveling! Tired or stressed from

Top Reasons to Visit Panama

Our top 1o reasons to visit Panama: 10. Flowers in the Anton Valley- Tucked away, a

Panama

  Panama is different from any other country in Central America; a rich and diverse history

Festival Internacional de Artes Escénicas

  Festival Internacional de Artes Escénicas brings the best theater and contemporary dance in the world

All About Panama

Panama is a beautiful country rich with culture and history. Officially called the Rebulic of Panama,

International Film Festival of Panama

The International Film Festival of Panama was founded by Hank Van der Kolk. Henk is one

Casco Viejo Walking Tour

  We love Casco Viejo. This is why we made it our home and the home

Two Month Anniversary

We have officially been open for TWO MONTHS! We have been very busy here at the

Learn Spanish and Visit the Islands

We are pleased to announce that we are now offering our first Intensive Spanish Course Package:

Volunteer Program

This week we has the pleasure of meeting a wonderful woman named Magin. Magin has a

Soberania National Park

Recently a group of students and David got the opportunity to visit Gamboa and the surrounding

Panamanian Slang

Panama is the southern most country in Central America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to

Metro Panama

Aleida, our educational director, was lucky enough to get a private tour of the new subway

Eating Out in Casco Viejo

Casco Antiguo is home to many amazing restaurants serving everything from Italian and Mexican cuisine to

Carnaval

Carnaval is a yearly celebration that takes place 40 days before the Christian holy week. The

36 Days

It has been over a month since our grand opening here at the school. What is

Spanish Classes in Panama

This morning we were featured in a blog about learning Spanish in Panama. Dan Woog, writer

Spanish for Travelers

Panama City was just named the number one place to visit in 2010 by the New

Come to Casco – Learn Spanish

There is still time to join the competition! “Like” us on Facebook and cast your vote

Casco Antiguo Spanish School Featured on the Cover of The Visitor

Today we received our copy of The Visitor Newspaper and to our surprise saw the

Casco Antiguo Spanish School Facebook Competition!

Our Director, David Gold, created a fun competition for all our Facebook fan’s! Make sure you

President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, “Come to Casco – Learn Spanish”

The President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, encourages you to “Come to Casco [Antiguo]” and “Learn Spanish.”

“Opening” Event Thursday, January 12th

Casco Antiguo Spanish School will celebrate its grand opening this Thursday, January 12th. Come check out

× Whatsapp