Panama lives up to its national motto “For the benefit of the world,” delivering a world of benefits to its visitors and then some. Central America’s southernmost country boasts a unique geographical locale affording visitors miles of pristine coastline bordering two oceans, and an amalgamation of people and cultures that is unparalleled.

While in Panama City, one must-see is Casco Viejo, the city’s charming 16th century Spanish colonial “old town” resplendent in winding narrow streets, sidewalk cafes and wrought-iron balconies overflowing with exquisite flowers.

Other recommendations within the Panama City-limits include Panama La Vieja, the original city’s ruins; Parque Natural Metropolitano, a large tropical forest abundant with native flora and fauna; and the Calle Uruguay neighborhood, epicenter of the city’s exciting nightlife. Don’t forget to visit the Continental Hotel Riande’s Wurlitzer’s Lobby Bar, home to a sprawling, glow-in-the-dark Wurlitzer organ.

A short drive from Panama City leads to the famed Panama Canal, another of the country’s can’t-miss destinations. The Miraflores Lockes offer a visitor center–Centro de Visitantes de Miraflores–complete with an observation deck, museum, an English-Spanish theater and a restaurant overlooking the locks.

Visit to Panama City is a must for any traveler to Panama. Located on the country’s Pacific Coast, Panama City is a sophisticated metropolis offering a diverse array of attractions ranging from cultural destinations to fine dining to nightlife to even gambling. The city’s colorful party buses offer a memorable way to enjoy some sightseeing while making merry.

Panama’s lush countryside offers an abundance of natural beauty, wildlife, and hospitable people. Within an hour or so drive of Panama City is a succession of un-crowded, white-sand beaches and aqua-blue waters along the Pacific Coast, including the popular destinations of Punta Chame, Gorgona, Coronado, Rio Mar, Santa Clara and Playa Blanca.

Nearby the Pacific Coast beaches are the picturesque mountain communities of El Valle de Anton and Los Altos de Maria where visitors can sample the local cuisine, browse shops and enjoy the indigenous culture of Panama. Another more remote option is the The Darien province, home to the Parque Nacional Darien, a massive tropical forest that makes a wonderful visit for the adventurous traveler.

If time allows, Panama’s coastal islands provide unique travel destinations just a short boat or plane ride away from the mainland. In the Caribbean seas off the Atlantic coast, visit the San Blas Islands, where the native Kuna Indians craft their renowned molas. Isla Grande, also in the Atlantic, is a beautiful destination, as is Contadora in the Pearl Island Archipelago.

Panama was first explored and discovered by the Spanish during the 16^th century, dwelled and settled by Spaniards. Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela – named the Republic of Gran Colombia. The former fade out in 1830 in result Panama remained part of Colombia. The Panama Canal was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977 Panamanians approved a challenging program to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal’s capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

The prime medium of Panamanians is Spanish; it is greatly used and spoke by majority of the people in the country. This specific language is admired and respected by every people within the country, this language gives them such distinction and unparallel personality. English language is also used in the country of Panama, it is eloquently spoken by 14% of the people of Panama. The English language is also widely used in delivering instruction and education in several universities in Panama. Other Panama people are bilingual, they both spoke English and Spanish fluently.

The literacy rate of Panama is quite good, it is roughly 88% of the population. Some fascinating languages are also spoken by Panama people like, Yiddish, Korean, Arabic, Japanese and Hebrew but only a little.

Different ethnic and native groups dwell in Panama for a time, the fusion of different Panama dialect results to a number of Panama languages nowadays. There are many native Panama languages, which are living and popular among certain races. Here are some examples of native dialects Buglere, Yue, Hakka, Emberá, Northern Emberá, Emberá -Catío, San Miguel Creole French, Panamanian Creole English, Ngäbere, San Blas Kuna, Epena, San Blas Kuna, Woun Meu and Teribe. Each of these languages have its own stories, a concealed culture and rich forms of the history of Panama.

Culturally the majority of the population of the country Panama are the mestizos or mixed Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and West Indian.

North American culture has been a substantial influence especially in the Panama Canal region. Consequently, what we see today in Panama is a cultural fusion, a cultural mixed bag! Panamanian culture is as rich as the history of Panama. Starting from native Indian people to the colonial era settlements to the present times of multi-race communities, Panama has been a witness to varied cultures. And though Panamanian culture is believed to have derived chiefly from European artistic, literary and musical traditions brought to the land by the Spanish during their 300 or so years of rule, the influence of the indigenous cultures have been too strong to deny.

In counterpoint, the Panama countryside with its cattle ranches and horses and Spanish folk songs, continues to be the stronghold of Hispanic culture. The native people of Panama restricted in the small land pockets here and there also continue to contribute immensely to Panamanian culture. Thus, the netted bags and beaded necklaces made by the Guaymí people and the brightly embroidered textiles called Molas (made by Kuna women) have brought Panama’s artwork and handicrafts worldwide recognition. The epic poems (extending to some hundreds or thousands of lines) of the Kuna people focus another aspect of the Panamanian culture.

Panama lead their lives. People inhabiting the urban areas, particularly the Panama Canal area (where the US army was based in the days when the construction work of the Canal was under progress), lead refined, sophisticated lives. Be it in the field of art, architecture, music or sports, the cities represent a contemporary society where the US influence is much-too apparent.

The many festivities held year-round in Panama like the Carnaval or carnival, Festival of the Black Christ, Fair of Azuero, Semana Santa (or Easter Week), too uphold the land’s cultural diversity. Most of the festivals are excellent blending of Pagan and Catholic beliefs and rituals.

The diversity in Panamanian culture is evident in far too many ways than you would expect. Tours of the museums will surely help you but then you will need to read about Panama’s history, visit places of historic importance, talk to the people of Panama, taste varied cuisines served here, know about the religion of Panama and even be part of festivities to best appreciate Panama’s blended culture.

Panamanian culture is rest to the myriad influences with the passage of time. Panamanian culture covers the colonial era settlements, the native Indian people and not to mention the multi-race communities of the present times. North American culture came to the front in the Panama Canal region as well. The Spanish influence was fate as they ruled Panama for over 300 years. As a result, European artistic, literary and musical traditions found place in the Panamanian culture.

The means of living of the people of Panama is nothing but an extension of the co-existence of the scores of influences in Panamanian culture. You will find people living in the urban areas, predominantly the Panama Canal area (where the US army was based in the days when the construction work of the Canal was under progress), lead polished, sophisticated lives. Be it in the field of art, architecture, music or sports, the cities represent a contemporary society where the US influence is much-too apparent.

What’s more, the Panama countryside with its cattle ranches and horses and Spanish folk songs, carries on to be the stronghold of Hispanic culture. The native people of Panama restricted in the small land pockets here and there also continue to contribute immensely to Panamanian culture. Thus, the netted bags and beaded necklaces made by the Guaymí people and the brightly embroidered textiles called Molas (made by Kuna women) have brought Panama’s artwork and handicrafts worldwide recognition. The epic poems (extending to some hundreds or thousands of lines) of the Kuna people focus another feature of the Panamanian culture.

Dance and music also feature in the diverse Panama customs to say it all. Hence, the traditional dance Tamborito introduced by the Spanish invaders borrows steps and rhythms from native dance forms. The influence of Afro-Caribbean music and that of other popular local music like salsas cannot be missed. Though Spanish is the preferred language for compositions, the themes, plots and even characters have their roots steeped in the colorful Panamanian culture. The religion of Panama also has it’s own share of influence.

Panamanian culture is revealed in the ways of life of the Panamanians, their music, their dance, their festivities, their literature and even in their cuisine. The many festivities held year-round in Panama like the Carnaval or carnival, Festival of the Black Christ, Fair of Azuero, Semana Santa (or Easter Week), too uphold the land’s cultural diversity. Most of the festivals are excellent blending of Pagan and Catholic beliefs and rituals.

San Blas Archipelago nestled along the eastern Caribbean coast of Panama consists of 378 small islands. Most of the islands are still like some virgin jewels of incredible nature. They allure the travelers with excellent rainforests, splendid waterfalls, enchanting beaches, colorful birds and with the wonderful children of America known as the Kuna.

San Blas Archipelago is a territory and not one of the nine provinces of Panama. The Kuna people live in less than 50 of the islands and they live independently. The Kuna Yala Indians have migrated from the Santa Marta Mountains of Colombia centuries before. They have obtained the right to self-government following the 1925 Kuna Revolution. This achievement is celebrated in February every year.

The Kuna people have their own administration. They are still happy with their language, culture and customs, dances and music and with their economic practices. The national government of Panama maintains a policy of least interference in their way of living.

Carti in San Blas Panama is at a distance of nearly three hours from Panama City by car. Aeroperlas, Air Panama and a few more commercial and charter flights provide daily services to take tourists to a dozen airports in the islands. You may also experience the unique natural beauty of the archipelago if you decide to go by yacht or sailboat. They will take you to the bewitching beaches of some distant island.

You will find that Biological Conservation Center at Nusagandi Camp, Kuna Yala Museum, Dolphin Island Lodge on Uaguitupo Island and the first-ever completely ecological Kuna Lodge at Sapibenega are waiting for you. Sapibenega means ‘life’ in Kuna language. Sapibenega has provisions for bar-cum-restaurants, cabins with private bathrooms, toilets, drinking water and electricity for all hours. The islands of Ailigandi, Achutupp, Carti-Sugtupu, Nargana, Nalunega and Wichubwala have comparably good lodges.

However, provisions in many of the island lodges are still not sufficient. They contain a few cabins and electricity is also for limited use. In the lodges you will get good meals but nothing like those of the continentals. You may also stay as a guest with a Kuna family. You will not get cable television. The Kuna people are very simple and friendly and hospitable. They will treat you with preparations made of lobsters, octopus and fish fresh from the sea, and of course with coconuts.

Now come out from your cabins and watch the Kuna men sailing on the small boats and canoes with nets and spears for fishing in the sea since the early morning. Many of them toil in the field to yield vegetables, coffee and different fruits. You may see one lone man climbing up a coconut tree. You will definitely meet the ‘coconut women’ and remember Harry Belafonte’s immortal song.

You will never miss the Kuna women. They usually remain busy with works for the Molas. The Molas are famous as the indigenous crafts of the region. These are dresses of the women with designs of geometric and non-geometric impressions, impressions of fish, birds, forests animals and many other things. The Kuna women with necklaces of sea shells and bracelets of beads will appear from the palm-thatched homes and stare at you with smiles in the eyes as you will visit an island village.

Call of San Blas Panama is not wild and not ignorable also.

Panama can give a new definition to versatility. This American country is what you call God’s favorite place. It has been bestowed with every gift of nature. It is that perfect getaway you had been looking for after months of “all work and no play”. Well you already must have turned into the “dull boy” then. Get set to recharge yourself at this very bed of nature.

Panama is the southern most American country known for its rich natural wealth. This country has a total population of around 3,360,475. It has been divided into nine provinces and ten cities altogether. The people generally follow Roman Catholic as a religion and speak Spanish in this region. However English is very much prevalent with almost everybody knowing this language.

The tropical climate and perfect holiday weather of the Panama will just do the needful for you. At Panama you can enjoy the beauty of the pristine beaches along side clear blue seas. You could admire the mighty mountains and be startled by their beauty every single minute. It is a different world altogether, away from the hustle bustle and pollution of big cities and towns; overall a perfect place to relax and de-stress yourself.

The country holds the best eco tourism sites of the world. The rich flora and fauna of this country will leave you awestruck. The multi canopied swamps that are present on one side of this country is a great tourist attraction. After years of seeing only bricks and walls all around, nothing could appeal to you as much as the abundant greenery of the Panamas. For all you adventure enthusiasts, the famous Canopy Adventure at Panama will take you through the enriching experience of ecotourism while rock climbing. That is you get to experience nature at an unbelievable close proximity. You could also plunge in for the amazing water adventure at the San Blas Archipelago.

Panama is famous for it’s “the golden toad”. The locals actually believe this gold skinned frog once found in this country in abundance to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity. No wonder, it is this golden frog that they use as their National Symbol. However this amphibian is believed to be extinct now.

When in Panama, how can you forget the “molas”? This is a fabric made by the natives of this country. They earn their livelihood by manufacturing and selling this fabric. Tourists from all around the world come here and buy these “molas” known to be a part of the Panama heritage. When at Panama, you just cannot miss the soothing local music. This music, again strongly influenced by Spanish music, will make that evening of yours where while relaxing you can forget just about everything and be drowned deep into its soulful rhythm.

Panama is the ideal place when you need to enjoy an amazing holiday and yet not burn a hole in your pocket. The place is extremely affordable unlike most of the holiday destinations in the world. It is extremely safe for the foreigners and the locals are all happy to help and very welcoming and warm. It has all tourism facilities that you could require. Be it with your family or friends, for that budget holiday of yours, choose the Panamas.