Panama

Photo courtesy of expertvagabon.com

Pass Through

Probably the most unique thing about Panama is that it is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Panama is probably the wealthiest central American country because of the Panama Canal. Unlike other countries in central America, there is very low unemployment in Panama. Revenue from the canal generates more than a third of Panama’s income. The 50 mile canal runs north/south and provides transit from the Atlantic to the Pacific (and reverse) for more than 14,000 vessels each year.

The Famous Canal
The canal is considered one of the engineering marvels of the 20th century. Each of the canal’s locks are 7 feet thick, and more than 121 million cubic feet of concrete was used to create the canal’s locks and dams. A new wider canal was opened in June 2016 to accommodate the larger ships that have been built since the original canal opened.

 

Get in touch with nature
Panama’s bio diversity also makes it a desirable destination. There are more species of birds both native and transitory than there are in both the US and Canada combined. In addition, there are many animals and plants that are unique to Panama. On a recent visit, I saw species of butterflies that don’t exist any where else in the world.

 

Panama City is the only capital in the world that has a rain forest inside the city limits. In recent years the number of sky scrapers has increased. If you were to land in Panama City and not know where you were, you would probably never guess your location correctly. Panama has used US currency since 1904, so it is not difficult to figure out what things cost. There is no need to exchange currency.

 

Beaches as far as the eye can see

Photo courtesy of travelweekly.com

There are more than 1500 miles of coast line in Panama. The country borders Costa Rica for 205 miles and has a 140 mile border with Columbia. There are beautiful beaches with many resorts. JW Marriott, Secrets, and the Westin Playa Bonita are among some of them.

 

Worldly Influence
The historic area of Panama City, Casco Viejo (Spanish Quarter) has been named a a World Heritage site since 1997.

Photo courtesy of panorama2go.com

The original city began in 1673, however it has gone through many transitions. You can see Spanish, French, and American influence as all of these countries had an interest in Panama. Recently, the area got a face lift for the Pope’s visit in January, 2019 for World Youth Day. It is a quaint place to walk, eat, and stay and it is actually now located in the suburbs.

 

Tropical Location

Photo courtesy of spiceddestinations.com

Last, but not least, Panama has Gamboa Rain Forest. You can enjoy birding, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, aerial tram, Chagres river boat tour, tour to Monkey Island, fishing, and more. If you take the Gamboa Resort aerial tram, you will get an incredible view of the Panama Canal. On a good day you will also see some of the rain forest wild life. You can stay at the resort in the rain forest if you choose.

All in all, there is a lot to see and do in Panama, and it is the second largest duty free zone in the world (Hong Kong is the largest). Between the excitement of Panama City, the beauty of the beaches, and the wild life and plants in the rain forest, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Ready to visit Panama?

 

Let's talk! (443) 852-1330 or (443) 306-7646