Panama Vacations

Overview

Panama is situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America. Being an international business center, it has the fastest growing economy and the largest per capita consumer in Central America. It also has a rich cultural heritage with a wide number of native populations that existed long before Christopher Columbus first visited the region.

Panama was ruled by the Spanish empire from the 16th century until 1821, when it then became a part of the Republic of Columbia. In early 1902, mostly with U.S. military backing, a Constitution was drawn up and the first president for the new Republic of Panama was elected in early 1903. It was bisected by the Panama Canal in 1914, but since 1999 the country has full administration of the Canal and works hard to keep it functioning properly.

Activities & Attractions

Panama has a large number of white sandy beaches on both coasts and some of the largest and best maintained Wildlife preserves and national parks in Central America. The Volcan Baru National Park, Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui, and Coiba National Marine Park are just some of the great attractions in Panama. Archipielago de la Perlas, the Pearl Island, is famous for the large pearls found in its waters.

Panama Viejo is the first city of Panama that rapidly grew to a prosperous point from gold merchandise. This historical site has ruins like the Royal House and Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO protected site, is another tourist destination well known for its buildings reflecting Panamanian society. Another is the Panama Canal, where the Canal Museum and the museum at the Miraflores Locks are located. You can cross the Canal if you are interested with the help of a guide.

There are also fun activities like hiking, surfing and rafting, but these are weather dependent. One of the colorful festivals in Panama is the Peninsula de Azuero; Panama City's carnival. Lastly, if you are looking to do some shopping, there are many open-air marketplaces that are friendly and offer different native products only found in Panama.

Lodging

Panama has hotels not only in the city, but in the mountain and seaside areas. They vary from international standard to inexpensive country inns, from simple hotels to lavish resorts. Prices are slightly higher than other parts of Central America, but still very reasonable. You can also find budget hotels and backpacker-friendly hotels throughout the country equipped with a kitchen and living room.

Transportation

Travelling in and around Panama is quite easy. Although people there may seem to avoid signals and road rules, rental cars are still available to tourists. You can also find taxis, but make sure they have a proper meter to track the cost. As with most developed countries, Panama has a functioning and convenient bus system.