A high booze tolerance and a strong bladder are essential when riding a Chiva Parrandera. Panama’s infamous Party Buses have an open rum-and-seco bar on board. Also expect flashing lights, live musicians and the disco thump. (If my school bus had been like this, I’d never have left.)

Bar-hopping is part of the experience. We stop at a couple of places on Amador Causeway. I can’t remember if it’s the bar called Play with the back garden pool, but it makes a great foot-spa. Plus it’s a chance to visit a restroom and sink more beer. The 120 cans in our carry-on cooler vanished long ago.

You can join a public Chiva Parrandera for around $25 per person or opt for private hire.

Hiring an entire bus generally ranges from $540 to $600 for three hours. It includes a hostess, the band, one or two bartenders and unlimited rum and seco while on board. You should be able to cram in 40 people.

Right at this moment, I can’t think of a better way to spend Friday night than lurching around town on a converted U.S. school bus.

NOTE: Not to be confused with Mr.BusDriver.com A Party Bus