Panama is a land of wonders, where you can experience the marvel of engineering and the beauty of nature in one day. The Panama Canal, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is a lock-type waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allowing ships to save time and fuel by avoiding the long route around South America. But Panama is more than just a canal. It is a vibrant country with a rich culture and history, influenced by its indigenous roots and diverse immigrants. It is also a paradise for nature lovers, with lush rainforests, stunning beaches, exotic wildlife and volcanic mountains. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, Panama has something for you to discover.
Their cultural mix - Panama is a country of diverse cultural influences, reflecting its history as a crossroads for trade, migration, and colonization. Its culture is a blend of African, American Indian, North American, and Spanish elements , which are expressed in its traditional arts and crafts, music, religion, sports, and cuisine. Panamanian music is popular throughout Latin America, and the country is known for its many festivals. Some of its ethnic groups have distinctive customs and languages, such as the Kuna and the Guaymí. Many Panamanians have African heritage (most of them of Caribbean descendants whose ancestors immigrated to Panama for the construction of the canal), which adds to the richness and diversity of their culture.
Their very authentic cousine - Panama is a country rich in cultural diversity and culinary traditions. Its cuisine reflects the influences of its indigenous, African, Spanish, and Caribbean heritage. Some of the most authentic dishes that showcase the flavors and ingredients of Panama are:
- Yucca Cakes (carimañolas): Fried pastries made of mashed yucca and stuffed with cheese or meat. They are usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
- Panamanian rice and beans (Gallo pinto panameño): A staple dish consisting of rice cooked with red beans, onion, garlic, cilantro, and spices. It can be served with eggs, meat, or plantains.
- Frybread (Hojaldra): A simple but delicious bread made of flour, water, salt, and baking powder. It is fried until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It can be eaten plain or with cheese, jam, honey, or butter.
- Ceviche: A refreshing appetizer made of raw fish marinated in lime juice, onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper. It is usually served cold with crackers or corn tortillas.
- Guacho: A hearty soup made of rice cooked with meat (usually chicken or beef), vegetables (such as corn, squash, carrot), and herbs (such as culantro). It has a thick consistency and a savory taste.
- Cabanga: A sweet treat made of shredded green papaya cooked with coconut milk honey brown sugar until caramelized. It is wrapped in banana leaves and chilled before serving.
- Trip (Mondongo a la Culona): A spicy stew made of beef tripe cooked with tomato sauce onion garlic hot peppers oregano bay leaves vinegar salt black pepper. It is often accompanied by white rice yucca bread or plantains.
- Bienmesabe (panamanian dulce de leche): A creamy dessert made of milk sugar vanilla cinnamon cloves nutmeg lemon zest cornstarch egg yolks butter. It is cooked until thickened and spread over a sponge cake layer. It can be topped with whipped cream nuts or fruits.
These are some examples of the authentic food that Panama has to offer to its visitors and locals alike. They represent the history culture and diversity of this beautiful country.
Their pristine beaches - Panama is a country blessed with stunning beaches on both coasts, offering visitors a variety of options to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Whether you prefer the calm waters of the Caribbean or the waves of the Pacific, you will find a beach that suits your taste and budget. Some of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Panama are:
- The San Blas Archipelago: A group of 365 islands inhabited by the indigenous Guna people, who preserve their culture and traditions. The islands have white sand beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Cayos Zapatilla and Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro: Two paradisiacal islands located in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, famous for its biodiversity and nightlife. Cayos Zapatilla are part of a national park and have pristine beaches surrounded by mangroves and rainforest. Starfish Beach is named after the abundance of starfish that can be seen on its shallow water.
- Playa Venao in the Azuero Peninsula: A crescent-shaped beach that attracts surfers from all over the world for its consistent waves and laid-back atmosphere. The beach also has several hotels, restaurants and bars to cater to different budgets and preferences.
- Playa Blanca in the Cocle Province: A long stretch of white sand beach that is part of a resort complex that offers all-inclusive packages and activities for families and couples. The beach has calm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- The beaches on the Gulf of Chiriquí: A region that encompasses several islands and coastal towns that offer diverse attractions for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The beaches on this area have clear water, coral reefs, marine turtles, whales, dolphins and other wildlife. Some of the most visited places are Boca Chica, Isla Coiba, Isla Secas and Isla Parida.
- Playa Larga in Isla Contadora: A secluded beach located on one of the Pearl Islands, a group of islands that were once a hideout for pirates and now a destination for luxury travelers. Playa Larga has soft sand, crystal water and palm trees that create a relaxing ambiance.
- Santa Catalina in the Veraguas Province: A small fishing village that has become a hotspot for surfers who come to ride its world-class waves. The beach also serves as a gateway to Coiba National Park, one of the largest marine reserves in Central America.
- Isla Grande in the Colon Province: An island that combines Caribbean culture with natural beauty. The island has colorful houses, restaurants serving local cuisine, music and dance festivals, as well as sandy beaches with coral formations.
This country rich and varied natural heritage, with different types of ecosystems that support a wealth of biodiversity on land and sea. Its natural parks encompass tropical mountains, tropical dry forests and tropical lowland humid forests, each with its own distinctive flora and fauna. Moreover, this country has some of the most astonishing freshwater wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs in the world, which provide essential habitats for many aquatic species and ecosystem services for human well-being.
The almost1600 islands, each with its own unique charm and attractions. One of the most popular islands is Taboga Island, also known as the Island of Flowers, for its rich tropical plant life and colorful birds . Taboga Island is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Panama, about 20 kilometers from Panama City. It has a history that dates back to treasure-hunting pirates, the Gold Rush, French occupation and World War II. Visitors can enjoy various activities on Taboga Island, such as hiking to the highest point of Cerro Vigilia, fishing for mahi-mahi, taking a historical walking tour, or relaxing on the sandy beaches. Taboga Island is a perfect day trip from Panama City for those who want to experience nature, culture and adventure.
Its rich biodiversity, with many natural habitats that support a variety of wildlife. One of these habitats is the rainforest, which covers about 40% of the country's land area. The rainforest regions include Gamboa, Darien and others, and they are home to many species of animals like the jaguars, anteaters, armadillos, deer, tapirs and sloths. These animals share the forest with at least 650 species of birds and 93 amphibians, some of which are endemic to Panama. The rainforest is not only a source of ecological wealth but also of cultural and historical significance for the indigenous people who live there.
Panama has a unique monetary system. The official currency of Panama is the Balboa, which is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. This means that one Balboa has the same value as one US dollar. However, Panama does not issue paper money for its own currency. Instead, it uses the US dollar as a legal tender for all transactions. The only Balboa coins that circulate are equivalent to the US coins in size and value. If you want to learn more about the currency of Panama and its history, you can visit https://usfirstexchange.com/the-currency-of-panama-explained
This is a diverse and captivating destination that offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers. Whether you prefer the comfort and convenience of a well-known hotel chain, the charm and personality of a boutique hotel, the affordability and social atmosphere of a hostel, or the privacy and flexibility of a short-term rental, you can find your ideal lodging in Panama. No matter what your budget, preferences, or travel dates are, we are here to help you plan your trip to Panama and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in this stunning country. Let us guide you through the best places to stay in Panama and make u are looking for a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city, you have come to the right place. Whether you want to rent a car and be your own driver; rent a driver and relax while he takes you wherever you want to go; or just take tours to certain attractions, we are here to connect you with the right people. We have partnered with reliable and reputable car rental companies and tour operators who can offer you the best deals and services. You can choose from a variety of vehicles, from compact cars to luxury sedans, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of traveling at your own pace. Or you can opt for a chauffeured service and let a professional driver take care of the traffic and parking hassles. Or you can join one of our guided tours and learn more about the history and culture of the city from our knowledgeable guides. Whatever your preference, we are here to make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
We have partnered with some of the best tour operators in this country to offer you a wide range of options for your next adventure. Whether you want to explore ruins, marvel at the Panamanian natural wonders, or immerse yourself in a different culture, we have something for everyone. Click on the links and take a look at the different tours we can connect you with and start planning your dream trip today. ---->
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