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The Cinderella of Latin-American tourism has recently been showing clear signs of
discovering its own great potential. Yet while Costa Rica is covered by herds
of tourists, its pretty southern sister still offers more adventure for less money,
and all in a calm atmosphere of friendly people and authentically untouched
nature. |
Whenever we imagine ourselves on a remote tropical island, we tend to supress the
inevidable question "Yeah, but what if I need a dentist?".
In Panama
there's no problem. Within its humble 78,000 sq km, Panama seems to have it
all: International business and banking centers like Panama City and Colon's free
zone, rain forests inhabited by colorful birds and wild animals, white beaches
perfect for sunbathing and surfing, high mountains with cooler temperatures
and beautiful walking trails, and hundreds of picturesque islands, which look as
if they were taken out of pirate stories or dreams of a tropical heaven. All
without having to actually lose all connection with civilization, unless you want
to. |
Canal to Independence
It was indeed the canal that put Panama on the map, literally speaking. Independence
spirits, which were always there, were inflamed by Colombia's refusal to approve
the canal contract with the United States. Backed by the Americans, the people
of Panama declared their independence in 1903. Colombian troops couldn't even
reach the rebellious county, as the border was blocked by the jungle and the
sea approach was guarded by US battle ships.
Ever since then, except
the eight traumatic years of the Noriega era, Panama has been a peaceful country
that was never involved in any serious international or internal conflicts.
In fact it is considered today one of the safest countries for the traveler.
With the exception of very few clearly defined areas, there is practically no
danger to travel anywhere in Panama, and wherever you go you will find friendly
and helpful people. |
      Tolerance as Way of Life
One of the most amazing things about Panama, is to see how in that small area several
cultures and peoples live side by side, with none of them bothering the other.
That enables the Kuna Indians to sleep peacefully in their shacks at a distance
of 40 minutes flight from the skyscrapers of Panama
City, and the Caribbean inhabitants of Bocas
del Toro cruise between their
province's
beautiful islands with hardly any
contact with their southern
neighbours
from Chiriqui.
This phenomenon
somehow reflects
in the country's road
system. Roads in Panama are usually
very good,
yet no roads lead into the
Kuna territory, only one route links
Bocas
del Toro to Chiriqui, and some
zones like the isle of Colon or the
remote areas of Darien can be reached
only by plane or boat.
The distant areas are definately
worth the little effort required to get there. The nature in Panama is stunning.
In some places you will feel as if you are the first human to ever set
foot there, while in others you can simply relax on a tropical island and forget
about the whole world. The fact that the
country is still making its first steps toward the tourism's big boom, makes
it the perfect spot: not too many tourists around, yet quite a few hotels, even
in rural areas, offer the basic services for today's typical traveler, who expects
more than just a bed and a shared bathroom. So wherever you go, Panama is
sure to provide a pleasant experience you will never forget. |
 Area: 78,000 sq. km.
Population: 3 million (est)
Capital: Panama City
Language:
Spanish and local dialects
GDP: $6300 (per capita)
Currency:
Balboa
(1 Balboa = $1) |
What is the meaning of the name Panama?
(Click for the answer) |
|
