Panama offers cultural diversity, white sandy beaches, hundreds of islands, seafood and seven Indian populations that are native. You will find that Panama is a mix of American efficiency blended with Latin mentality. Panamanians have a command of the English language that makes travel there fun and easy.

Panama is between Costa Rica and Columbia and has a population of about 3.5 million. Panama is one of the most ‘globalized” countries in Latin America and has one of the highest GDP growth rates. Tourism is growing fast in Panama and more than two hundred cruise liners land there.

Panama City is not only the central hub for tours anywhere in the country it is a wonderful destination in itself. There is a blend of modern America, old Spain and Eastern bazaar atmosphere. The Panama Canal is the best-known feature but Panama borders one of Central America’s richest rain forests.

You will find cosmopolitan, historic and ultra-modern living in Panama. Panama City is one of the safest cities in the Americas. In Panama you can explore 16th century historic ruins of Panama Viejo as well as visit modern skyscrapers in the prosperous business district. The center of the city is full of cultural and live events.

Don’t forget about the Panama Canal that is an experience that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Spend hours watching freighters and ships move through the Canal at the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. The Panama Canal is called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and is a monument to human engineering and the power of perseverance.

Travel the Amador Causeway that extends from the mainland and connects four small islands offshore. The length of the causeway is lined with palms. You can stop along the way and rest at benches or bike and jog along the paths. Enjoy fine restaurants, sea breezes or visit the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research Aquarium. Also available are yacht clubs, a new cruise port, souvenir shops and residential projects to see.

If you are interested in eco tourism it begins on the outskirts of Panama City. Parque Metropolitano is a large tropical rainforest reserve. In this enormous park there are five trails to explore. You will see the diverse natural riches offered in Panama that includes toucans, orioles, sloths, parakeets, trogons, agoutis and Titi monkeys.

Panama offers something for everyone. If you want to relax on a beach there are many to choose from. The climate in Panama is excellent as there has never been a hurricane touch down there. Panama is a great location for a couple that wants to get away together. Families enjoy all that Panama has to offer in educational and cultural experiences. The next time you are planning a vacation and want to do something different take a look at Panama. There is a wonderful variety of things to do there that you will have the adventure of your lifetime. Explore Panama for your next holiday!

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Bocas del Toro is one of the top tourist attractions of Panama. There you can find beautiful beaches that are almost vacant and rainforests that are a biologist’s fantasy. Bocas del Toro is a laidback, fun seaside town. There is the aqua blue water of the Caribbean and beaches lined with palms against a dense rainforest backdrop. Colon Island is home to most of the hotels in Bocas. You will also find a variety of nightlife spots and good restaurants. English is the second language of Panama and they use US currency making is a great travel destination for citizens of the U.S.A.

You can take boat tours to nearby islands to dive, observe dolphins, snorkel or lay on the beach. You may also want to visit an Indian village or go into the rainforest. Bocas is a wonderful destination if you are a couple or family seeking to have a fun, nature, and educational experience.

The weather is usually great in Panama and Bocas Del Toro. There never has been a hurricane to touch the shores of Panama. Also the pristine beauty and relatively low prices make this an affordable luxury. Once there you may even consider purchasing a second or retirement home.

In 1502, Christopher Columbus was the first white man to anchor in Bocas waters. He repaired his boat in the calm waters of Panama. Since then the United Fruit Company established headquarters until banana blight in the 1920’s. But there is a park and historical buildings that are still standing. More recently there has been a real-estate boom but you can find some of the best buys in the Caribbean here.

Getting around is inexpensive by taxi on land or between islands on water taxis. You can find a hotel for every budget. There are hotels, eco-lodges, upscale eco-lodges and pensions for the back packer. The Playa Tortuga Resort has its own private beach. Tours to Dolphin Bay, Red Frog Beach or the Zapatillas keys are experiences you may wish to try.

If you snorkel you will want to go to Coral Key, Dark Wood Reef, Punta Juan Buoy or Hospital Point. There are amazing corals and tropical fish near Coral Key. You will find some of the best-preserved coral in the world here. See crabs, lobsters and stingrays. Even get certified for less than similar courses offered in the United States.

You can take a tour in a seaside laboratory of the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research. Or, take a river trip to the Ngobe Bugle Indian village and see how they have lived in much the same way as when Columbus landed. See stunning wildlife and scenery.

After your adventures of the day you may want to relax in the evening on the water in the Buena Vista Deli & Bar. If you want to dance visit the Barco Hundido. Other nightlife attractions include La Iguana and Mondo Taitu.

Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir before returning home. Beautiful jewelry, crafts and molas can be found in the shops on main street. Molas are colorful reverse appliqués. You will be purchasing directly from the Indians and know that your money is helping these people

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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.

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