Panama shines as it is unfettered by crowds of tourists. Backpackers to Central America usually go to Guatemala and Costa Rica but these areas are tourist-soaked. Panama is currently a secret that the traveling world has not discovered yet. Overdevelopment that is seen on the ‘gringo trail’ that swings south to the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro also plagues Costa Rican beach towns. Refreshingly this overdevelopment is absent in Panama. Panama is off the beaten path for now but you might want to visit soon as it won’t stay that way for long.

Until tourism explodes in Panama it remains a destination for a traveler on a budget. With no shortage of rain forests, mountains and beaches you have endless opportunities to explore. Your entire trip could be occupied at the Archipielago de las Perlas with its pristine waters and endless beaches on islands and islets. Parque Nacional Volcan Baru is the location of Panama’s only volcano and offers many hiking opportunities. The interior of Panama offers a bonanza of colonial towns, handicrafts and friendly people. The Kuna are an independent, indigenous group of Panama and live in the Comarca de Kuna Yala. The Darien Province is one of America’s last true frontiers.

Panama is only around fifty miles wide but it is chocked full of world class entertainment. Things to experience in Panama include tropical rainforests, Caribbean style beaches, the Panama Canal, diving, sports fishing and diving.

It these days travel can be an unsafe activity. You will be relieved to know that Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. English is Panama’s second language and this makes it a great place for Americans to vacation. Panama uses American currency and is a short plane ride away. You will feel at home on your trip to Panama without having to worry about currency exchange issues. Panama’s water is safe to drink from the tap which is rare in a Latin American country.

Panama has some of the world’s most bio-diverse rainforests. There are five million acres of rainforests in Panama. There are more than 944 bird species that you may see. Seeing these sites are more convenient as they are easily accessible. Panama is a tropical country, but the temperatures can be dramatically different. There are mountains and low lands. The raining season for Panama is usually between April and December but can vary from between seven to nine months. Rainfall determines the different climatic regions with some regions receiving less than 1.3 meters of rain per year while others receive more than 3 meters. Rainfall in Panama is generally heaver on the Caribbean side of the country than on the Pacific side. Panama is outside the hurricane track but can experience thunderstorms.

If you are a coffee lover don’t miss out on a coffee tasting experience. Panama has some of the best coffee in the world and has always produced coffee. Anything you wish to do you can find in Panama from coffee to wine and from hiking to whitewater rafting. Panama is a great vacation destination for everyone.

We often find ourselves in a dilemma when we have to choose a holiday destination. Different members of the family have different opinions. Some prefer sea, while others mountains. I say, why not have the best of both worlds? Why not visit Panama?

Yes, this American country is a perfect holiday destination. It has been showered with all the beautiful aspects of nature, be it the pristine sea beaches or the mighty hills. Its geographical position itself makes it just about perfect for an ideal holiday amidst the heart of nature. While in Panama, you get to witness nature in its truest and purest forms. The country hasn’t yet caught up with the hurly-burly of the developed and highly populated countries; hence a very peaceful place to visit.

Panama is believed to be one of the most ecologically rich countries. Its eco-tourism spots are world famous and attract visitors from across the globe. For all those whom holiday means adventure, Panama is just the right place to go. It stages the best diving spots and you can try out any water adventure you like, be it surfing, snorkeling or diving. All those who love trekking; you can just grab your trekking gears and hike the Panamian mountains. Culturally also Panama becomes very interesting to study. The main language spoken here is Spanish but English is like their second language. The locales are warm and welcoming towards the tourists and the culinary delicacies too must be tried out.

Panama boasts of its diverse wildlife also. The national parks in this country host the rarest and most exclusive species of plants and animals. You would be just awed by the lush green setting of the country and the cool blue sea at the backdrop, giving you the feeling like this is where you had always wanted to be. The reason that the country is so peaceful has made lots of visitors seriously planning to settle down in Panama after retirement. The fact that the living standard is quite within the reach of the middle class is also compelling them to decide upon settling in Panama. The real estate and property rates in Panama are also affordable for the common people.

When in Panama there are some places you just not miss. Not to forget the Panama Canal. Even the people who have no idea about the geographic location of this country seem to know about this canal. In fact it is said to be the 9th wonder of the world. It reflects the development of human engineering with time. Just a small ride from the capital of Panama City, Panama Canal is a marvelous and delightful watch. The islands and islets of Panama too are a favorite among the tourists. These are scarcely inhabited and are a true beauty to experience. You might try boat rides or any water adventure in these islands. Some spots are separately marked as water adventure spots.

Panama is a perfect blend of a modern city bestowed with natural beauty. Visit this country for a memorable holiday experience.

Eco tourism is the new thing to be green. But, just hiking though a rainforest is not eco tourism unless the environment or people of the region benefit from your hike! If you raise awareness or funds to protect a watershed on a rafting adventure then your trip is considered an eco vacation. If you really want an eco vacation you need to ask if the trip improves and conserves the place you are visiting. There are many eco tourism opportunities found in Panama.

There are many areas in Central America and Panama specifically where one can fine virgin jungles and unexplored lands. Rafting on a whitewater river will give you a unique perspective to discover the tropical rainforest while experiencing the rush of a whitewater adventure. Rafting in Panama is a relatively new adventure and the rivers of Chiriqui are drawing rafters from around the world. Experts consider this region one of the most attractive whitewater rafting areas in Central America. Full day and overnight rafting experiences are offered. A day of rafting costs $90 per person and overnight trips are $160 per person with discounts for students available. Your price includes transportation, equipment, guides, water, CD with photos and meals. There is a three person minimum for day trips and four for overnight trips.

If hiking is more your thing Chiriqui offers eco adventures on the Quetzales trails. Trek the six mile trail of El Sendero de los Quetzales in Panama’s western highlands. The trail connects the towns of Guadalupe and Boquete. There is a difference of 1 km in altitude between the two towns but the altitude change of the trail is about 2 kms. Experience the cloud forest, rivers, streams and waterfalls of the Chiriqui wild. This hike takes about four to seven hours depending upon your pace and you can choose whether to hike uphill or downhill. Prices range from $45 to $100 per person and overnight trips are available.

Take a canopy tour on a zip line. Boquete offers the second longest zip line adventure. Travel at high speeds from platform to platform in the rainforest’s canopy. There are thirteen different canopy platforms that take you from one treetop to another. Encounter an unknown world as you glide through the trees. Appreciate wildlife that you discover along the way. See native flora and fauna. Prices are $55 for students and $60 for others.

If you want an exotic getaway where you can relax in Panama vacation in the uninhabited islands of the Chiriqui Gulf National Park. Choose from a motor boat trip to Bolanos or Isla Gamez or an all inclusive private island of Isla Paridita. You can snorkel and swim the turquoise waters and see fish and coral. Take a boat trip and see whales and dolphins. Relax on a hammock tied to coconut palm trees. If you dive you can take a private charter to world class sites. Go deep sea fishing or just lie on the beach in the sun. Priced from $225 to $1,250 per person.