While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal, the country’s natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to far-sighted travelers. This overlooked country offers some of the finest birding, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing in the Americas.
Panama, which means “abundance of fish”, is officially known as The Republic of Panama. It is a country of nearly four million and a little over 29,000 square miles in area. If you have ever wanted to explore the rainforest, travel to Panama is certainly the choice for you. Next to the Amazon, Panama boasts the largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and the many exotic flora and fauna are astounding.
Panama is often a tourist destination because of the Panama Canal. This engineering marvel connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Each year hundreds of thousands of people cruise the eight-hour waterway. However, there are some other things in Panama worth visiting. Here’s a few:
- Presidential Palace, the official residence of the country’s president and a beautiful example of Colonial architecture.
- When visiting Canal, be sure to begin your tour at Miraflores Locks, an interactive center that will fill you in on the Canal’s history.
- Grab a bike or lace up your walking shoes for the mile-long exploration of the Amador Causeway, a breakwater connecting four islands, which will give you great views.
Panama has two seasons. The dry season lasts from January to mid-April and the rainy season from mid-April to December. Rainfall is heavier on the Caribbean side of the highlands, though most people live on or near the Pacific coast. To avoid the heavy rain periods, plan your visit around December or later.
