An Overview For Tourists Visiting Panama

By Lela Perkins


There are many reasons for visiting Panama, the crossroads of America and an international port linking Europe with Asia. The Panama Canal provides a direct shipping route between the Pacific and the Atlantic via the Caribbean. Enjoy duty-free shopping, modern cities, rainforest, indigenous populations, warm seas, fishing and every kind of water sport.

Panama City is urban and modern. There's upscale hotels, shopping, art galleries, local vendors, bars, clubs, cafes, eateries, and a busy nightlife. The city is a fascinating mix of old and new. The original look has been preserved in the historic neighborhood of Casco Antiguo, also called Casco Viejo, the old city first settled in 1673.

The archaeological site of Panama Viejo preserves the original Spanish trading town. It was founded in 1519, and burned to the ground in the late 17th century. Crumbling remains of towers, water installations, churches, forts, and houses have been preserved for public viewing.

Visit the Interoceanic Canal Museum to learn about the planning and construction of the Panama Canal. Operating since 1914, it remains an international shipping route. Tourists can take a boat tour that travels through 2 sets of locks. Walk, ride, or bike the 4 mile long Amadour Causeway with spectacular views of the Canal, the city, and the Bridge of the Americas. Stop for shopping and eating at the many establishments along the way.

The city of Colon is the northern gateway to the Canal. The Colon Free Zone is a massive shopping complex where wholesalers, retailers, and the general public shop for duty-free merchandise. A scenic way to travel here is the Panama Canal Railway with wood-paneled and carpeted rail cars with a 19th century design. The ride includes an hour long journey through the rainforest.

See tribal life as lived by the Embera Indians. Arrive via a traditional canoe ride. Enjoy traditional dancing and music and partake of a traditional meal of fried fish or chicken with fried plantains. Native crafts for sale include carved Cocobolo wood, masks and plates woven from palm leaf fibers, and woven baskets.

The San Blas Islands are a popular spot for sailing, boat tours, and underwater activities. The surfing and fishing are best at Pedasi on the Pacific Coast. It's a quiet area not inundated with tourists. You can still find quiet and uncrowded beaches.

Explore butterfly and botanical gardens on the main island at Bocas Del Tora. Red Frog beach on Isla Bastimentos offers a zip line canopy tour for thrill seekers. This island is also the home of the indigenous Ngobe community. The warm seas off the islands are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Chiriqui Province is a popular destination for adventure and ecotourism. There's jungle tours, bird watching, coffee estate tours, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, white water rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing. For horseback riding visit the beaches of Bocas Del Toro or the mountains on Boquete. Best whale watching is at Parque Nacional Marini Golfo de Chiriqui.

Visiting Panama offers activities of interest to everyone, young and old, male or female. There's modern cities and nightlife, fishing and water sports. Eco-tours explore the jungle and the incredible biodiversity. There's an international feel to the cities. The tribal life of indigenous populations continues to this day. There's warm weather and warm seas year round.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment