The Panama Canal links the Pacific with the Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean Sea. This important shipping route, the largest free trade zone in the Americas, makes this a popular tourist destination. Visiting Panama is affordable. It's a diverse country with a modern, urban capital, densely forested wilderness, warm seas and warm weather year round.
Panama City is cosmopolitan and international. There's top-quality hotels, shopping, restaurants, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife. Red brick roads and the original Spanish architecture have been preserved in the historic district called Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo). Old and new, local and foreign influences combine in the busy shops, eateries, clubs, and bars.
The archaeological site of Panama Viejo preserves the original Spanish trading town. It was founded in 1519, and burned to the ground in the late 17th century. Crumbling remains of towers, water installations, churches, forts, and houses have been preserved for public viewing.
Completed in 1914, the Panama Canal is still an international shipping route. The Interoceanic Canal Museum documents the planning, construction, and modern day operations. Boat tours take tourists through two sets of locks. Walk the 4 mile Amadour Causeway linking the mainland with 3 islands with a view of the city, the Canal, and the Bridge of the Americas. The causeway offers upscale shopping centers, local vendors, and a bustling nightlife.
The second largest city is at the Caribbean end of the Canal. The Colon Free Zone is a huge shopping complex where retailers, wholesalers, everyday shoppers and tourists find duty-free bargains. A scenic way to get there is the Panama Canal Railroad with its carpeted rail cars. The picturesque ride offers views of the Canal and passes through lush rainforest.
See tribal life as lived by the Embera Indians. Arrive via a traditional canoe ride. Enjoy traditional dancing and music and partake of a traditional meal of fried fish or chicken with fried plantains. Native crafts for sale include carved Cocobolo wood, masks and plates woven from palm leaf fibers, and woven baskets.
For water adventure, sail by the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean or book a boat tour. Warm clear waters are perfect for diving and snorkeling. Surfers might want to visit Pedasi on the Pacific, still an off the beaten path destination of quiet beaches, warm water, and excellent tuna fishing.
Eco-tourists will love the butterfly and botanical gardens at Bocas Del Tora. Island hop to Isla Bastimentos to visit the native Ngobe community. If you're a thrill seeker, continue on to Red Frog beach for a zip line canopy tour. The warm seas off these islands are great for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Chiriqui Province is a popular destination for adventure and ecotourism. There's jungle tours, bird watching, coffee estate tours, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, white water rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing. For horseback riding visit the beaches of Bocas Del Toro or the mountains on Boquete. Best whale watching is at Parque Nacional Marini Golfo de Chiriqui.
There's nature and urban life, water sports and fishing, jungle adventure and bird watching, cultural heritage and centuries of history. Enjoy the most amazing variety of flora and fauna to be found in the lush rainforest just a few miles down the road from the city. When visiting Panama tourists will enjoy warm temperatures and warm ocean waters all year round.
Panama City is cosmopolitan and international. There's top-quality hotels, shopping, restaurants, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife. Red brick roads and the original Spanish architecture have been preserved in the historic district called Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo). Old and new, local and foreign influences combine in the busy shops, eateries, clubs, and bars.
The archaeological site of Panama Viejo preserves the original Spanish trading town. It was founded in 1519, and burned to the ground in the late 17th century. Crumbling remains of towers, water installations, churches, forts, and houses have been preserved for public viewing.
Completed in 1914, the Panama Canal is still an international shipping route. The Interoceanic Canal Museum documents the planning, construction, and modern day operations. Boat tours take tourists through two sets of locks. Walk the 4 mile Amadour Causeway linking the mainland with 3 islands with a view of the city, the Canal, and the Bridge of the Americas. The causeway offers upscale shopping centers, local vendors, and a bustling nightlife.
The second largest city is at the Caribbean end of the Canal. The Colon Free Zone is a huge shopping complex where retailers, wholesalers, everyday shoppers and tourists find duty-free bargains. A scenic way to get there is the Panama Canal Railroad with its carpeted rail cars. The picturesque ride offers views of the Canal and passes through lush rainforest.
See tribal life as lived by the Embera Indians. Arrive via a traditional canoe ride. Enjoy traditional dancing and music and partake of a traditional meal of fried fish or chicken with fried plantains. Native crafts for sale include carved Cocobolo wood, masks and plates woven from palm leaf fibers, and woven baskets.
For water adventure, sail by the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean or book a boat tour. Warm clear waters are perfect for diving and snorkeling. Surfers might want to visit Pedasi on the Pacific, still an off the beaten path destination of quiet beaches, warm water, and excellent tuna fishing.
Eco-tourists will love the butterfly and botanical gardens at Bocas Del Tora. Island hop to Isla Bastimentos to visit the native Ngobe community. If you're a thrill seeker, continue on to Red Frog beach for a zip line canopy tour. The warm seas off these islands are great for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Chiriqui Province is a popular destination for adventure and ecotourism. There's jungle tours, bird watching, coffee estate tours, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, white water rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing. For horseback riding visit the beaches of Bocas Del Toro or the mountains on Boquete. Best whale watching is at Parque Nacional Marini Golfo de Chiriqui.
There's nature and urban life, water sports and fishing, jungle adventure and bird watching, cultural heritage and centuries of history. Enjoy the most amazing variety of flora and fauna to be found in the lush rainforest just a few miles down the road from the city. When visiting Panama tourists will enjoy warm temperatures and warm ocean waters all year round.
