With all the wonderful vacation destinations clamoring for your attention, why choose Panama? Why choose white sandy beaches with achingly blue water? Why choose charming Spanish-inspired, cobblestoned streets? Why choose one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, teeming with wildlife that you can see nowhere else? Why choose fresh fruit and seafood, delicious empanadas and tamales? Panama offers travelers wonderful and unique sights, sounds, and tastes. Why Panama? Why not!
Nature
Aside from the Amazon Basin, Panama has the largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Rivers criss-cross the land, providing a rich and fertile habitat for countless species. Many, including Geoffroy’s tamarin, can only be found in this region. Other residents of the dense forest include two-toed sloths, capuchins, anteaters, bush dogs, and capybara.
Life in the sea and air is just as rich. Dolphins, reef sharks, humpback and sperm whales, and an abundance of fish teem under the surface, while an array of bright parrots, parakeets, and toucans patrol the skies. Visitors can enjoy the wildlife and incomparable scenery while hiking, biking, trekking, diving, swimming, and lounging on a beach!
Manmade Wonders
Panama City is every bit as diverse as the country’s terrain. It blends multiple cultures from all corners of the globe, and is home to one of the most famous structures in the world: the Panama Canal. You can watch ships sail by from Miraflores Locks or take a cruise yourself. After you’ve had your fill of the Canal, explore the historic center of the city, Casco Viejo. The Colonial architecture is complemented by an expansive mix of entertainment, music, theater, dining, and fashion. There is something for everyone in this unique city, from high end shopping and bargain hunting to nature trails and parks.
Food
As with everything else in Panama, its cuisine is quite diverse and eclectic. It brings together Spanish, American, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous elements. Staples include corn and flour tortillas, meats, seafood, vegetables, including yucca, rice, beans, coconut, plantains, bananas, and banana leaves. The national dish is Sancocho, a thick, hearty chicken stew that is served steaming hot with a good serving of rice. Visitors can also try authentic French, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and Japanese food in the cities.
Panama is a fast-growing tourist destination. Before the crowds get thicker, make your way to this Central American paradise and discover its many treasures.
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