Central American southernmost country, bordered by
Colombia to the southeast,
Costa Rica to the northwest, Pacific Ocean to the south and Caribbean Sea to the north, Panama is mostly known for its canal, although it has much more to offer.
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the capital of Panama, Panama City, situated on the Pacific coast, is an interesting mix of colonial Spain and modern America, with just a hint of eastern market atmosphere. The most interesting sights, such as the Plaza de Francia, the Paseo de las Bóvedas, San Jose and Santo Domingo churches are in the old part of the city, also known as Casco Viejo. The most interesting building is President's Palace, which is overlooking the bay.
Many find excursion to the Panama Viejo very interesting. It used to be the capital until it was destroyed in 1671 by famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan.
Opened in 1914, Panama Canal is main tourist attraction. It's possible and recommended to take a train or bus ride alongside or the boat trip on the Canal itself. Barro Colorado, the largest island in Gatun Lake, which was manmade during the Panama Canal construction, a biological reserve managed by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute can be visited on a tour on foot or by boat.
Visiting national parks Bastimentos, Darién, La Amistad or Volcán Barú is a real treat for nature lovers.
One of the numerous 17th- and 18th-century military fortifications along the Caribbean coast, also a World Heritage Site, is the 17 th century Spanish fortress of San Lorenzo, located on the estuary of Chagres River into Caribbean Sea. Portobelo, as well one of those military fortifications, used to be a Spanish garrison town with treasure house for silver and gold from Peru and Bolivia put away to later be shipped to Spain.
Pacific Peninsula de Azuero with many quiet villages and small colonial towns is much more peaceful part of Panama that some find as a perfect vacation spot.
There is more than one way to get to the Panama – flying is very good idea, and it's probably the easiest way. However, visitors from North or South America might want to come by bus or by a private car. Coming by boat is also an option. There are taxis, buses and rental cars in the cities, as well as Kuna merchant vessels carrying cargo and passengers along the San Blás coast, although the later isn't the safest option, so hiring a local boatman is definitely wiser.
Panama has only two seasons; the dry one from mid-December to mid-April and the rainy one from mid-April to December. It rains throughout whole year on the Caribbean side. Lowlands are hot – temperatures vary between 22°C (72°F) and 32°C (90°F). Humidity during the rainy season makes the temperatures even harder to endure. Mountain parts have much cooler temperatures, varying from 10-18°C (50-64°F) in a day.
