Panama

Panama is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, sitting between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in South America. Home to the famous canal that makes use of its narrow land mass to form an important trade passage; visitors can also find mountains and rainforests within its borders. Panama City, the country’s capital, has a thriving arts scene and plenty of destinations for fashion and fine dining. 

Panama has plenty to offer visiting tourists; the Coiba National Marine Park has earned a reputation as the Galapagos of Central America, home to a wide range of unusual species both in the sea and on land. It is an excellent spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The islands in the Chiriqui Gulf are renowned for their sport and game fishing trips. For those who appreciate vast areas of unspoilt beauty a visit to La Amistad International Park has to be included in their itinerary, sitting half in Panama and the other half in Costa Rica. Another area for wildlife is the Parque National Marine Golfo de Chirqui, where wale watchers gather to see the huge creatures as they migrate down the coast.

Panama is ideal for exploring by car, where you can stop whenever you see something interesting, which is often. Flying into Tocumen International Airport you will find a number of car rental options. Head out on the Inter-American highway to El Valle, situated in an extinct volcano, here you can sample the hot springs and admire the huge waterfall. Then head for Santa Ciara where you can stop for the night in a beach side cabana. The next day, make your way to Isla Canas, where leatherback turtles come to nest; here you can take a boat trip to explore the beautiful coastline and view clear blue waters.