World’s Top Travel Destinations: Why Panama?

When most people think of the country of Panama, their minds automatically envision the canal.  I mean, what else is there to see?  Turns out, plenty.  From 1995 to 2011, tourism numbers have more than quadrupled, and they are not just heading south to see the famous Panama Canal!

https://www.indexmundi.com/facts/panama/international-tourism

So, why Panama?  History, nature, and big city thrills collide to make this country an excellent vacation spot with something for everyone.

Any history buffs out there?  Even if you slept through geography class, chances are you have heard of someone by the name of Captain Morgan.  One of the world´s most infamous pirates (or ¨privateer¨, from the English perspective), Captain Henry Morgan did considerable damage to the Spanish strongholds Fort Lorenzo (which at the time was thought to be indestructible), Portobello, and later Panama City.  These ruins are incredible to see.  We highly recommend the city of Colon, where the Spaniards had felt secure until Captain Morgan and his fleet sailed into town.  Just a short ride away is Portobello, where English sea captain and fellow ¨privateer¨ Francis Drake´s lead coffin is said to be buried somewhere deep in the bay.  For those who love history, or those who can appreciate where the name for Captain Morgan´s Rum originated, Panama is the premiere country to explore.

For big city folks, look no further than the capital of this nation, Panama City.  Considered a global city, or world center, Panama City is only one of three Central American destinations which can boast this title.  What does it mean?  Panama City is considered an integral part of the global economic systems.  And wow, is it ever growing!  Soaring skyscrapers wrap around the coastline, with new buildings going up what feels like daily.  For those travelers who appreciate the finer things in life, welcome to this shopping mecca with luxurious hotels and resorts with loads of options in fine dining.  Along the beach you can indulge yourself in some of the best and freshest seafood around.  If you enjoy mingling with the locals, we highly suggest the Seafood Market right off the Cinta Costera highway at Casco Viejo.  Do not expect a 5 course meal, but DO indulge yourself in the very best ceviche (cebiche in Panama): an overflowing Styrofoam coffee cup of raw fish or shrimp marinated (or literally cooked) in citrus juice combined with onions, celery, and habanero pepper for the right price at $2!  The outdoor stands are best for those who might get overwhelmed with the fresh fish smell and lack of air-conditioning inside.

Finally, for those vacationers who prefer to immerse themselves in nature, Panama certainly has you covered.  Take your pick:  beaches, mountains, or rainforests.  Better yet, experience them all!  Known for its fishing, anywhere along either coastline will almost guarantee success and an exciting fishing trip.  Big game seekers will want to stick to the Pacific side, and prepare to haul in a huge marlin or tuna.  Love the rainforests?  Zip line through them, take a nature hike, ride horses or ATVs, and enjoy a front row seat of over 1,500 types of trees, 800 types of birds, and every animal imaginable from the butterfly to the howler monkey.  Rainforest tours are not as popular here as in other countries, so you do not have to fight the crowds to truly enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

When planning for your next world vacation destination, keep in mind Panama.  And, don´t put too much pressure on yourself to make the 8-10 hour tour through the canal.  There are plenty of other amazing things to do in Panama to write home about!