Panama

This relatively small country, when compared to its neighbours, is famous mainly for its artificial canal, which forms a crucial transport hub and link between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. This great feat of engineering, which has recently celebrated a hundred-year anniversary of its opening, remains up to this day a monument to technology and is considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World, which visitors from all over the globe come to admire. The modern metropolis of Ciudad de Panama was built at the southern end of the canal, near the first Spanish settlement in the region. The colonial past of Panama contrasts here with the skyscrapers of the financial and commercial centre of this cosmopolitan city, which is a home to people of all nationalities.

Despite its size, Panama was gifted with beautiful nature. The humid, tropical climate, dense vegetation and low elevation create the ideal conditions for rainforests, parts of which are protected as national parks, easily accessible from the comfort of the cities. The Soberania National Park and the interesting area around the Gatun Lake lie only a short drive away from Panama City.

The exotic province of Bocas del Toro in the north-west of the country offers many small islands and picturesque architecture of small seaside villages washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. This destination is sought by all visitors who love water sports and tropical beaches.
The Chiriqui province lies inland in the south of the country and boasts the highest peak in Panama, the 3,475 metres high Baru Volcano as well as a milder climate, excellent for coffee plantations. The tourist activities include trekking, climbing, bird watching and whitewater rafting.
The Veraguas province is bordered by both oceans and apart from some forty islands offers also the port town of Puerto Mutis, which serves as a base for trips to the Coiba or Malpelo national parks.

The Valle del Anton area is attractive thanks to the mild climate throughout the year. The unique community of this inhabited crater offers a zoo, horseback riding, animal and plant watching or trekking.

The San Blas archipelago in the east of the country is one of the regions least affected by civilization. The Caribbean Sea is dotted here with more than 365 islands, 52 of which are a home to the indigenous Kuna Indian community. The locals make a living by producing hand crafted textiles and the traditional fishing. The warm and crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.