Tourism Attractions From Beaches to Birding: Travel to Panama and Have It All

You will definitely see colorful diablo rojo buses when traveling around Panama.

Learn more about traveling in Panama in IL Postcards.

Panama is a travel destination that is rapidly growing in popularity and the reasons for that are obvious. This gorgeous, tropical nation is most famous for its canal - which is of course a must-see, unforgettable attraction - but has much, much more to offer to travelers. Panama's natural beauty is astounding and there are endless beaches, rainforests, and mountains for you to enjoy. Additionally, Panama City offers a city rich in both fascinating history and modern diversions.

Panama City is Full of Excellent Attractions

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Panama? No doubt it is the Panama Canal - the country's principle tourism attraction as well as one of the county's largest sources of income. Seeing the "Eighth Wonder of the World" is an obligatory experience for anyone traveling in Panama, and watching a boat pass through this marvel of engineering is a memory that will last a lifetime. 

Another popular attraction in Panama City that all travelers should visit is the historical, colonial section, known as Casco Viejo. This neighborhood of old colonial architecture is quickly being restored and becoming a very hip area. Some buildings remain as crumbling tenements while others have gained new lives as gorgeous restaurants, art galleries, etc. International Living's Panama office is located in a beautifully restored building in this section of town.

Modern Panama City is in itself a great tourism destination. Whether your ideal travel itinerary involves shopping, theater and jazz clubs or casinos, bars and night clubs, Panama City has what you are looking for. There are also countless hotels for any price range, so accommodation should not be a concern.

Traveling for Some Fun in the Sun

There is no question that one of the biggest draws of traveling in Panama is the country's lengthy coastline. Panama enjoys a seemingly endless list of picture-postcard beaches on both its Atlantic and Pacific shores. These beaches provide a perfect place to spend lazy days in the sun where your only concern is keeping your rum and coke icy cold. Looking for more activity? Many people travel to Panama to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and fishing, all of which are easy to incorporate into any trip.

One of the most popular and well-known beach destinations for Panama travelers is Bocas del Toro, near the Costa Rican border on the Atlantic/Caribbean side. This idyllic archipelago is famous for its beautiful Caribbean islands of stunning white-sand beaches, fringed by lush tropical rainforests. Bocas town itself is very laid back, but also offers lots of daytime watersports activities and an enjoyable nice nightlife scene.

Other fabulous Panamanian beaches include those of the San Blas Islands. San Blas is an autonomous region of Panama's Caribbean coast that is home to the Kuna Indians, one of Panama's many indigenous groups. Tourism adventures to the San Blas Islands are dreams come true for those with an affinity for undeveloped, idyllic beaches. The presence of the Kuna also makes for a fascinating visit and San Blas is an excellent place to buy molas (embroidered textiles), Panama's most famous handicraft.

Panama's Majestic Rainforests

Those hoping to visit a rainforest during their travels to Panama will be thrilled with Panama's numerous rainforest reserves. Travelers with little time can visit the Parque Metropolitano, which is a beautiful rain forest reserve located inside of Panama City. It offers incredible vistas of the city. Visitors with more time and a sense of adventure can head off to the Darién National Park, near the Columbian border. The Darién National Park is Panama's most incredible national park, and boasts a massive area of thick, untouched rainforest. It is also one of Panama's many excellent bird-watching destinations.

Learn more about traveling in Panama in IL Postcards.

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