Most English-speaking tourists from the US and Canada who are interested in traveling to a tropical location usually go to either Mexico or Costa Rica, which is fine.
Yet, over the last few years, Panama has been coming up on their radar, and much to their satisfaction, they’ve found all of what they were looking for here, and then some!
Just like Mexico or Costa Rica, Panama has beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The difference here is the distance between them: you could be in both in just one day! Not that many people do that, but it goes to show you the tourist potential this country has, to be able to allow visitors to experience two very different tropical environments within a small distance.
And in Panama, our Pacific and Atlantic beaches boast a special extra flair: culture! Each coast has special cultural interests that entice the tourist. On the Atlantic side you have both the Guna tribe of the San Blas archipelago, with deserted beaches where you need the local tribe leader’s permission to swim in, and a rich history found only in this part of the world; as well as the Afro Panamanian vibe of Bocas del Toro and Portobelo, both towns boasting deep roots and colorful traditions unlike anywhere else in the region, except perhaps the Caribbean Islands.
And in Panama’s Pacific coast you also have sport fishing, which is a major activity here. You can choose the season according to your favorite catch, and we have all the big ones here, from sailfish to tuna and more. There’s even whale watching, for those of you who are not fishing, which is amazing enough as it is. Surfing is big on both coasts as well.
Yes, perhaps Mexico, Costa Rica and the Bahamas are closer to North America, but Panama’s small land mass makes traveling around the country much easier and faster. There’s also the country’s dollarized economy, where all money exchange hassles can be avoided.
Then there is the art, the history and the culture. Panama has the Panama Canal and its former Canal Zone, places where unique things happened that had an effect around the world. The country has more art galleries and museums that any other country in Central America, as well as big shopping malls and any kind of restaurant and food experience you can image. Shopping and fine dining are a huge part of traveling, and this where the scale tips in Panama’s favor.
So, next time you’re thinking of traveling to someplace warmer and friendlier, think of Panama.
Panama: Tourist’s Best Kept Secret
Most English-speaking tourists from the US and Canada who are interested in traveling to a tropical location usually go to either Mexico or Costa Rica, which is fine. Yet, over the last few years, Panama has been coming up on their radar, and much to their satisfaction, they’ve found all of what they were looking for here, and then some!
Las compras y la excelente comida son una gran parte de los viajes, y aquí, donde la escala se inclina a favor de Panamá.
