Touring the Isthmus of Panama

Republic of Panama is a small country located in Central America. It is an isthmus (Isthmus of Panama) that connects the North American and South American continents. The country is flanked by the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the south. To its east lies Colombia while Costa Rica forms its western border.

Panama controls the strategically important Panama Canal linking The Atlantic Ocean with the North Pacific Ocean via the Caribbean Sea. With an area of 75,420 square kilometres, Panama is the eighth largest country in Central and North America while 124th worldwide. Panama is the third or fourth largest and the fastest growing economy in Central America. The standard time of Panama is GMT minus 5 hours while its ISD code is 507.

The population figure of Panama stands at over 3 million. National capital is Panama City and the currency is Balboa. Spanish, Kuna are among the major languages spoken in Panama.

Geography:

Panama’s landscape is dominated by mountains and hills forming the continental divide between the two American continents. The highlands form part of the Andean mountain system near Colombia while near the Costa Rican border, the mountain range is called Cordillera de Talamanca near the Costa Rican border. The range between Costa Rica and Panama Canal is known as Cordillera Central. Volcán Barú (formerly known by the name of Volcán de Chiriquí, height 3,475 metres) is the highest point of Panama.

Climate:

December to April is the dry season at the Pacific side of Panama. However, the Caribbean side can receive rainfall throughout the year. The rainy season can be hot and humid in the lowlands.

Best time to visit Panama Canal:

The dry season is the best time to reach and tour Panama. Although occasional rainfall occurs in the south of the continental city including Panama City, the dry season is the best time to enjoy the country’s beauty to the fullest. However, owing to the increase in tourist flow, the air fare and the lodging price also shoot up during this time.

Bodiversity:

Panama is a land of great biodiversity. It is home to 218 mammal species, 226 reptile species, 164 amphibian species that are rare worldwide. It also has 940 bird species, largest than any other country in Central America.

How to Get to Panama:

Panama City is served by the Tocumen International Airport, located at about 24 km from Panama City. The airport, which is a hub of Copa airlines, is connected to the Caribbean, South America, North America and Central America besides the European cities of Amsterdam and Madrid.

Top attractions at Panama:

• Panama Canal (an engineering marvel bordered by dense jungles. It has been a focal point of world politics in the past)
• Parque Internacional La Amistad (a bi-national park and top destination for trekkers)

• Archipiélago De Bocas Del Toro (beaches, surfing and sun make it a perfect holiday destination)
• Boquete (Famous for its fresh air, mountain trails, cloud forest hiking and coffee)
• Parque Nacional Volcán Barú (highland park and also home to fantastic mountain trail)
• Parque Nacional Coiba (terrestrial and marine ecosystems)
• Santa Catalina (surfers’ paradise)
• Península De Azuero (bastion of traditional Spanish culture, it is known for its folklore festivals)
• Parque Nacional Soberanía (rainforest known for bird viewing)
• Archipiélago De San Blás (Coconut palm-covered islets are the major attractions here)
• Panama City (Central America’s one of the most cosmopolitan city)

• Isla Taboga (sandy beaches and flower-decorated villages are the top attractions of this charming island)
• Parque Nacional Darién (known for its infamous wilderness)

Hotels:

• At Panama City: Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City, Bristol Panama
• At Boquete: Kalima Suites, El Oasis, Hostel Beiro, Kalima Suites, Colibri Lodging, Hotel Ladera
• At Isla Colon: Hotel Angela, La Coralina, Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, Hotel Bocas del Toro
• At Coronado Beach: Coronado Golf & Beach Resort