Home of the world-famous Panama Canal, the Central American country of Panama has much more to offer then merely an easier route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The official language here is Spanish, and though the local currency is the Balboa, the US dollar is still widely accepted. Most visitors to this southernmost nation in the Central American isthmus come from the US and Canada, though an increasing number of visitors are making their way to the region from Europe. Attractions range from the impressive canal itself to the vibrant capital, Panama City, and from the largest rainforest outside the Amazon to slowly developing beach resorts.
Most tourists will arrive into Panama City, and though the temptation may be to head straight to the beach or your eco-tour of the rainforest, it is worth spending at least a couple of days getting to know this lively capital. Unlike many towns, Panama City actually has two old quarters, the original Spanish settlement dating from the 1500s and a “newer” harbour which was built in the 1600s. Throughout the streets in both areas, many original buildings are still standing, although Panama Viejo (Old Panama) is mainly in ruins, with grass growing over its stone streets.
There are several must-see attractions, including the BioMuseo, a museum dedicated to the country’s biodiversity and housed in an unusual building by the famous architect Frank Gehry. Mi Pueblito is a theme park with recreations of many traditional Panamanian and Central American communities from throughout history, while the island of Taboga in Panama City’s bay is just a 45-minute boat ride from the harbour. Here, visitors can walk or bathe on almost-deserted beaches or relax in the typical fishing village where the island’s only residents live.
Several areas of the Panama coast are starting to attract visitors, not just for their stunning beaches but for their protected environments, both on and offshore. Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean Sea does feel very like a Caribbean destination, with a relaxed atmosphere and lively nightlife, while the island of Coiba, in the Pacific, is now a protected marine reserve. Whale watching is popular here, along with scuba diving and snorkelling to explore the coral reef and abundant marine life. The Panama Canal itself has become something of a tourist attraction; you can either watch the impressive piece of engineering from dry land as it allows traffic through, or take a special trip on a pleasure cruise through the canal itself.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Panama? then below is a selection of villas in Panama and apartments in Panama that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
