Panama shines as it is not subject to the tourist crowds. Backpackers to Central America generally go to Guatemala and Costa Rica, but these areas are packed with tourists. Panama is currently a secret that the traveling world has yet to discover. The overdevelopment seen on the ‘gringo trail’ that turns south to the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro also affects Costa Rica’s coastal towns. Refreshingly, this overdevelopment is absent in Panama. Panama is off the beaten path for now, but you may 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 rainforests, mountains, and beaches, you have endless opportunities to explore. Your entire trip could be occupied in the Pearl Archipelago with its crystal clear waters and endless beaches on islands and islets. The Volcán Barú National Park is the location of the only volcano in Panama and offers many opportunities for hiking. The interior of Panama offers a bonanza of colonial towns, crafts and friendly people. The Kuna are an independent indigenous group of Panama and live in the Comarca de Kuna Yala. The province of Darién is one of the last true frontiers of America.
Panama is only about fifty miles wide, but it’s packed with world-class entertainment. Things to experience in Panama include rainforests, Caribbean-style beaches, the Panama Canal, scuba diving, sport fishing, and scuba diving.
These days traveling can be an unsafe activity. You will be relieved to know that Panama has the highest rating for tourist security from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. English is the second language of Panama and this makes it a great vacation spot for Americans. Panama uses US 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 most biodiverse rainforests in the world. There are five million acres of tropical forests in Panama. There are more than 944 species of birds that you can see. Viewing these sites is more convenient as they are easily accessible. Panama is a tropical country, but the temperatures can be dramatically different. There are mountains and lowlands. The rainy season in Panama is usually between April and December, but it can vary between seven and nine months. Precipitation determines the different climatic regions, some regions receive less than 1.3 meters of rain per year, while others receive more than 3 meters. Rainfall in Panama is generally heavier on the Caribbean side of the country than on the Pacific side. Panama is out of the hurricane path, but may 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. Everything you want to do can be found in Panama, from coffee to wine and from hiking to whitewater rafting. Panama is a great vacation destination for everyone.
