Hotel La Cresta Inn

Panama Destination Overview

The small nation of Panama has long been a holiday destination and is becoming increasingly popular as interest in eco-tourism and ethno-tourism grow. Within its borders, the cultures of ancient civilizations are preserved and respected. Panama also provides visitors with an abundance of protected areas: 15 national parks, a dozen forest reserves, and 10 wild life sanctuaries. Parque Nacional Darien at the extreme eastern end of the Isthmus of Panama, contains rain forest so thick that parts of it have never been explored. The preserve is home to hundreds of endangered animals. Panama has the best of all worlds within its boundaries. It is crossed by mountain ranges, covered with large areas of rain forest, and bounded by two long coastlines studded with islands and bays. At several points there is a distance of less than one hundred miles between its Atlantic coastline and its Pacific shores. Most of its residents are located in the central region surrounding the Panama Canal. This major waterway has played a decisive role in the history of the country. Panama City, the capital and largest city, is on the Pacific coast. The highlight of any trip to Panama is, of course, the Panama Canal. Tours are offered to the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side of the Canal, and to the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side. At the state-of-the-art museum at Miraflores, visitors can view three floors of Canal history. There is an observation platform from which to view and photograph ships passing through the locks as they transit the canal. The best time to visit is before 10:00 in the morning for a view of the complete process of moving a large ship through the lock. It takes 8-10 hours for the average ship to transit the Panama Canal.

By train, visitors can cross the isthmus in less than an hour. The train provides travel in style and comfort, in creatively refurbished coaches from the best of the classic 1950s U.S. streamline trains. Some have been fitted with ten-foot-long open observation decks, and one has a full-length dome with roof-level seating. The capital of Panama is a modern, thriving commercial center stretching six miles along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panamá Viejo in the east to the edge of the Panama Canal in the west. The old district of San Felipe (also known as Casco Antiguo or Casco Viejo) juts into the sea on the southwestern side of town.

Attractions include the 17th-century Metropolitan Church, the Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama, the Plaza de Bolívar, the presidential palace, the History Museum of Panama and the sea wall built by the Spaniards four centuries ago. Via España's banking and convention center district moves in counterpoint to this graceful elegance of centuries past. This modern sector sizzles with the bold designs of modern buildings and venues for sophisticated entertainment. Panama City, as a major business center, boasts magnificent luxury hotels designed with the business person and upscale tourist in mind as well as attractive middle range and budget hotels. Panama City is known for its lively night life. It all takes place in three sectors of the city: The business district, Casco Viejo, the historic Spanish Colonial sector of the city and spectacular Amador Causeway connecting a string of Panama Bay islands with ocean and city views both day and night. The city offers a wide variety of nightlife spots-bars, discos, pubs and casinos. Restoration and refurbishment within the city has made Casco Viejo one of the city’s most fashionable destinations for a night out. Elegant bars, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés are opening. The charm of the old continues to be revitalized. Attractions outside the city include the Panama Canal, the 16th-century ruins of Panamá Viejo, the Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo, the tropical rain forest of the Parque Nacional Sobreranía and the 655 acre Parque Nacional Metropolitana.

There are hundreds of islands off both coasts of Panama, and snorkeling, diving, fishing, surfing, and swimming are all popular pursuits. Panama is a natural land bridge that connects North and Central America with South America. Both the northwestern and eastern halves of Panama as well as the canal zone are dominated by rain forests teeming with animal and plant species from both continents. More bird species live in Panama than in all of North America. Experience this fascinating connection between two vast oceans for yourself. Visit the Republic of Panama, and prepare to encounter a vacation that will never be forgotten.

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Panama Destination Overview