HIGHLIGHTS OF PANAMA
A bit of geography
Panama is a large isthmus of 75,500 km2, the thinest in Central America. This horizontal land stands between two continents, North America reaching from the west and South America reaching from the east. Panama is about one-ninth the size of France. It shares 225km of borders with Costa Rica and 725km with Colombia further to the east. It is bounded by the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean to the north about 1,300 km of coast and the Pacific Ocean to the south by 1,700 km of coast. As a center of geopolitical interests, Panama became an important transit route in the early 1900s because of the world famous Panama canal (beginning of the construction in 1904). It is now safe to join the beautiful country by flight from anywhere and to drive its own rental car for more autonomy. Transfers are also a solid option that works pretty well.
Surrounded by rainforest, the 77km long Panama Canal, shared with the metropolitan capital of Panama City, connects the two seas from Panama City to Colon. The mountain range of the Central Cordillera, which separates the Caribbean Sea from the Pacific Ocean, runs parallel to the entire country along its entire length. Panama has more than 500 rivers, these rivers are generally short, originate in the central mountain range, and he on either side flows into two seas. Both sides of the two seas. You’ll see in this article that there is amazing things to do in Panama.
Islands of Panama
With an impressive coastline, Panama has many archipelagos rich in stunning islands paradise beaches with turquoise and crystal clear waters. The archipelago of Bocas del Toro has an area of 400 km2. It is located on the northwest Caribbean side of Panama and is a crush favorite for many travelers who had the chance to discover it. Then there is the very well-known archipelago of San Blas on the gulf of Guna Yala. It is a self-governing territory of 370 islands on the northeast coast of Panama. Located on the coast of this fabulous Isthmus, the archipelago of Islas San Balas is inhabited by the Kuna tribe. A true miracle for the eyes and soul! From extanded white sand beaches to relaxing natural coves and bustling beaches, everyone will have the impression to live an awake blue translucid dream.
You can drive to all the beaches of the Pacific coast. Also, the Azuelo Peninsula is an authentic place of Panama’s folklore and a gathering place for surfing beaches. Coiba is Panama’s largest island and a sanctuary for many endemic species like everywhere in the wonderful Chiriquí gulf.
National Parks
Panama has almost 80 National Parks (protected areas). Some are terrestrial or marine national parks marked by it. A representative of the local fauna, flora and natural environment. Protected from human activity, they are also very important because of great scientific interest. These national parks are attracting more and more travelers each year. In fact, if you are in search of diving, hiking and coexisting with nature far from mass tourism – this is for you. The common objective is to maintain a sustainable way of traveling to avoid the landscapes to be modified and shaped by human mass activities. With all this possibilities you will know, for sure, what to do in Panama.
The heart of Panama
In just a two-hour drive from Panama City to El Valle de Anton, the stereotypical Panama and its famous canals and beaches leaves the scene to something differently awesome. The luxuring valley of El Valle de Anton enjoys spring-like temperatures from 18°C to 25°C as in the Boquete region of Chiriqui province, which is an ideal place to enjoy a quetzal flight in the middle of the rainforest or visit a coffee farm. The Central Mountain Range and its summit of Mount Baru will transport you at an altitude of 3,474 meters. Near by the most popular volcan in the country : Baru volcano. Traverse Panama and pass through the beautiful region of Santa Fe, extending most of its length to Gatun Lake.
Biodiversity
Nature lovers will find what they are looking for : Panama is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with many protected nature reserves for wildlife conservation. Due to its special geographical location, the animals fauna is one of the richest in the world. It offers extraordinary and exceptional viewing conditions of the wildlife. This small piece of land between two seas is home to many animals. Over 1,000 species of butterflies, over 200 species of mammals, reptiles and thousands species of fish and amphibians. For example like the famous “Lana Dorada” (Golden Frog). Among the animals of Panama, we can mention the capuchin monkey, the quetzal, the famous sloth and many others.
Thanks to its climate and ruggedness, Panama has lagoons, rainforests, dry forests, plains, mountains and mangroves. This very small country full of surprises contains 5% of all plant species on the planet. These thousands of plant species, nearly as many as in all Europe, are still fascinating biologists and the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.
So, what to do in Panama? As you understood, there is a lot to discover here. You won’t be disappointed!
