Why Panama?
Panama was picked as the number one place to travel to in 2012 by the New York Times.
This is because, although Panama is a relatively small country, about the size of Austria, it has a huge variety of world-class attractions:
Not to mention that 8th wonder of the world and engineering marvel; the Panama Canal.
It is hard to think of any other destination in the world that has such a variety of attractions so close by and so easy to get to.
Some special features:
The Panama Canal
This is the country's biggest tourist attraction, with a grandstand to view to the entire operation of the Canal, with vessels approaching from the ocean and entering through the locks of the Canal. There is also a museum showing the full history of the Canal, with a video room, a model of the Canal, historic pieces of machinery used in the construction of the waterway, and a restaurant on the terrace of the building.
There are also mini cruises that you can take along the Canal, which also give a detailed history about the Canal and its construction.
Old Panama
Panama is the old city where explorers set out to conquer the Inca Empire of Peru in 1532. This city was also the terminus of trade routes for gold and silver, and in 1671 it was looted and destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan.
Casco Viejo Panama - "Old Panama"
The Old Town of Panama City was founded in 1673 after the destruction of Old Panama first city. The new city was built and protected by a large stone wall to prevent further attempts by pirates to loot the new city. Throughout the Old Town you will find religious architecture, and many relics of the civil and military history of the city.
Beaches in Panama
Panama has beautiful beaches in each of the provinces, where you can enjoy the sun, the cooling breezes and in such a tropical setting, it really is a taste of paradise.
Pearl Islands
In the middle of the Gulf of Panama there are 200 islands that form the archipelago of Las Perlas, named after the large number of these gems were taken from their waters during the colonial era. The whole island is an exquisite setting that is based on a fascinating sea of blue and green. Beautiful mansions and hotels complement this Pacific paradise, the whales also frequently visit. In the Pearl you can scuba dive, snorkel, kayak and sail. The white sand beaches are splendid and the surrounding waters are traditional for marlin, dorado and sailfish fishing.
On the Pacific coast, less than two hours from the capital city, there is a string of beautiful beaches that make up the Dry Arch, a region that remains sunny most of the year. On this eternal sunshine coast, you will find resorts that offer all inclusive accommodation and this area is a favorite with Panamanians and tourists alike.
Extreme Sports in Panama
Given the geographical richness of the city of Panama, with rivers, mountains and beaches, it lends itself very nicely to a variety of extreme sports such as mountaineering, parachuting, 4x4 racing, surfing and canoeing.
Best areas for these extreme sports are Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro. Chiriquí is a province to practice rafting, and with such a variety of rivers and the power of its waters, it makes the ultimate experience for the thrill seeking white water rafting enthusiasts. Surfing in Panama gains the upper hand with international activities specifically Venao beach in Pedasi region (Province of the Saints).
The Mountains
Mountain people around the majestic Volcan Baru enjoy an atmosphere of coolness amid stunning mountain scenery and flourishing fields, in these parts they call it an eternal spring. The known populations are Boquete, Volcan, Cerro Punta and Caldera, located over 2,000 meters high, offering many activities and places to visit, including thermal water wells charities and archaeological remains of ancient indigenous cultures. People in these parts are devoted primarily to agricultural production and the cultivation of coffee.
A two-hour road trip from the capital city will take you to a mountain town settled in the crater of an extinct volcano. The Valley is an idyllic place with perfect weather for flowering orchids, and where the golden frogs breed. The mountains offer crafts, swimming in hot springs and fantastic hiking.
In the mountains you will find an excellent climate and a beautiful landscape, especially in the protected area of Altos de Campana National Park. Also go to Chica, picturesque town that offers visitors the opportunity to see beautiful specimens of birds and other animals.
This is because, although Panama is a relatively small country, about the size of Austria, it has a huge variety of world-class attractions:
- Exotic tropical rainforests
- Beautiful mountain refuges
- Caribbean and Pacific coast beaches
- More than a 1,000 islands
- Seven living Indian cultures in their own reservations
- A Miami-style sophisticated capital city
- A vibrant nightlife
- Full service resorts
- Exotic off-the-beaten-path getaways
- Scads of Spanish colonial historical sites
- World class golfing, diving, sport fishing, and surfing
Not to mention that 8th wonder of the world and engineering marvel; the Panama Canal.
It is hard to think of any other destination in the world that has such a variety of attractions so close by and so easy to get to.
Some special features:
The Panama Canal
This is the country's biggest tourist attraction, with a grandstand to view to the entire operation of the Canal, with vessels approaching from the ocean and entering through the locks of the Canal. There is also a museum showing the full history of the Canal, with a video room, a model of the Canal, historic pieces of machinery used in the construction of the waterway, and a restaurant on the terrace of the building.
There are also mini cruises that you can take along the Canal, which also give a detailed history about the Canal and its construction.
Old Panama
Panama is the old city where explorers set out to conquer the Inca Empire of Peru in 1532. This city was also the terminus of trade routes for gold and silver, and in 1671 it was looted and destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan.
Casco Viejo Panama - "Old Panama"
The Old Town of Panama City was founded in 1673 after the destruction of Old Panama first city. The new city was built and protected by a large stone wall to prevent further attempts by pirates to loot the new city. Throughout the Old Town you will find religious architecture, and many relics of the civil and military history of the city.
Beaches in Panama
Panama has beautiful beaches in each of the provinces, where you can enjoy the sun, the cooling breezes and in such a tropical setting, it really is a taste of paradise.
- The beaches of the province of Bocas del Toro are stunning with crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs.
- Beach on Isla Colon, with miles of sand to walk.
- Istmito beach, great for swimming and walking on the beach especially for children.
- Bluff beach, ideal for learning to surf, Province of Bocas del Toro.
- Playa Boca de Drago.
- Beaches in the Keys Shoes, great for swimming and relaxing under palm trees.
- Beaches of Isla Bastimentos, home of the National Marine Park.
- Turtle Beach, this beach on the shores of the Atlantic with a Caribbean atmosphere, has a charming 5-star resort, ideal for vacations.
- Province of Cocle, warm water and lovely white sandy beach.
- Santa Clara and Playa Playa Farallon, ideal for swimming and sports like beach volleyball. Both beaches have accommodation.
- Beach John Hombrón, special beach for a family getaway.
- Rio Mar Beach, another ideal beach in the province of Cocle, has fresh and salt water.
- Palmar beach - a spectacular beach.
Pearl Islands
In the middle of the Gulf of Panama there are 200 islands that form the archipelago of Las Perlas, named after the large number of these gems were taken from their waters during the colonial era. The whole island is an exquisite setting that is based on a fascinating sea of blue and green. Beautiful mansions and hotels complement this Pacific paradise, the whales also frequently visit. In the Pearl you can scuba dive, snorkel, kayak and sail. The white sand beaches are splendid and the surrounding waters are traditional for marlin, dorado and sailfish fishing.
On the Pacific coast, less than two hours from the capital city, there is a string of beautiful beaches that make up the Dry Arch, a region that remains sunny most of the year. On this eternal sunshine coast, you will find resorts that offer all inclusive accommodation and this area is a favorite with Panamanians and tourists alike.
Extreme Sports in Panama
Given the geographical richness of the city of Panama, with rivers, mountains and beaches, it lends itself very nicely to a variety of extreme sports such as mountaineering, parachuting, 4x4 racing, surfing and canoeing.
Best areas for these extreme sports are Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro. Chiriquí is a province to practice rafting, and with such a variety of rivers and the power of its waters, it makes the ultimate experience for the thrill seeking white water rafting enthusiasts. Surfing in Panama gains the upper hand with international activities specifically Venao beach in Pedasi region (Province of the Saints).
The Mountains
Mountain people around the majestic Volcan Baru enjoy an atmosphere of coolness amid stunning mountain scenery and flourishing fields, in these parts they call it an eternal spring. The known populations are Boquete, Volcan, Cerro Punta and Caldera, located over 2,000 meters high, offering many activities and places to visit, including thermal water wells charities and archaeological remains of ancient indigenous cultures. People in these parts are devoted primarily to agricultural production and the cultivation of coffee.
A two-hour road trip from the capital city will take you to a mountain town settled in the crater of an extinct volcano. The Valley is an idyllic place with perfect weather for flowering orchids, and where the golden frogs breed. The mountains offer crafts, swimming in hot springs and fantastic hiking.
In the mountains you will find an excellent climate and a beautiful landscape, especially in the protected area of Altos de Campana National Park. Also go to Chica, picturesque town that offers visitors the opportunity to see beautiful specimens of birds and other animals.