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Panama

Besides its legendary canal, Panama offers a fascinating showcase of diverse terrains and an abundance of wildlife and is one of the world’s best places for Bird Watching, featuring 972 species of birds. But most intriguing of all are the authentic indigenous cultures of Panama.

Panama City is the international business and banking center of Central America. This vibrant city boasts all the amenities of a modern metropolis, including skyscrapers, mega malls, high rolling casinos, and gourmet restaurants. Yet, just a few miles outside of the city, you can explore beaches, mountains, and rain forests.

Panama City also serves as a perfect travel hub to the rest of the country. Within an hour's drive from the hustle and bustle of the city, you find yourself in the highlands surrounded by fertile groves and award-winning golf courses. It takes a mere 90-minutes by car and boat, to reach a paradise-like jungle setting, and experience the mysterious world of the Embera Indian tribes; and with just a short hop by small aircraft, you can visit the pristine islands of the San Blas Archipelago and their inhabitants, the Kuna Indians.

General Information

Overview:
Panama is the southernmost of the Central American nations, and the home of the narrowest and lowest point of the isthmus, connecting North to South America, a key factor that made it the optimal spot for the canal. The building of the Panama Canal claims an unimaginable human sacrifice as well as an incredible financial investment. However, when finished it made Panama one of the most important key-countries in the world.

General Facts:

  • Size (land area): 74,340 sq km (28,702 sq mi). Panama is slightly smaller than South Carolina
  • or 5,000 sq miles larger than Ireland.
  • Population: 3,410,676 people divided to the following ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%
  • Border Countries: Colombia & Costa Rica
  • Elevation Extremes: lowest point: the Pacific Ocean 0 m; highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m (11 400 ft)
  • Religion: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
  • Languages: Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual

Source:  The World Factbook

When to Travel?

The busiest period for travel to Panama is during the dry season in mid-December and ends in mid-April. In the lowlands, the weather is very warm throughout the year; however, the humidity during the rainy season (mid-April through mid-December) can make the heat oppressive.

The above is true mostly for the Pacific side of Panama. When crossing the Continental Divide toward the Caribbean Sea it tends to rain throughout the year, but less during February, March, September, and October; so if your travel plans call for a lazy Caribbean retreat, you may want to travel during these months.

Carnival in Panama is one of the most popular as well as the largest in the world! It is celebrated virtually everywhere in the country with some major parades in Las Tablas, Panama City and Azuero. Carnival dates vary each year between February and March and take place during the four days prior to Ash Wednesday.  

Suggested Journeys

  • Highlights of Panama

    6 Days / 5 Nights  •  Recommended Tuesday Arrivals in Panama City; year-round

    A Journey by Private Car & Guide

    Featuring Panama City, Embera Indian Village, Panama Canal & Gamboa Rainforest

    Panama… a mere 5-hour flight from New York City and you arrive in a different world. The country is rich with history and culture and offers an unparalleled diversity of ecosystems & biodiversity hotspots. All within an easy reach from the modern and ever partying, Panama City
    is perfect for travelers of all ages, this journey is structured to allow a quick glimpse of Panama City’s Sky Scrapers, Colonial Heritage, the Panama Canal, the Rainforest and its native residents.
     

Featured Properties

  • Gamboa Rainforest Resort

    A Luxury Resort & Spa in the midst of the Gamboa Rain Forest at the Panama Canal, offering a perfect combination of spectacular views of the Chagres River and the jungle, as well as family-friendly activities and excursions, including on-site Aerial Tram.

Photo Gallery

  • Gamboa RainforestGamboa Rainforest

  • Aerial Tram at the Gamboa Rainforest ResortAerial Tram at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort

  • Welcome to the Embera Indians Village!Welcome to the Embera Indians Village!

  • Intercontinental Playa Bonita Luxury ResortIntercontinental Playa Bonita Luxury Resort

  • Interacting with the Embera Indians, PanamaInteracting with the Embera Indians, Panama

  • Fresh Water Swimming Hole, Jungle Excursion, PanamaFresh Water Swimming Hole, Jungle Excursion, Panama

  • Textile of the Embera IndiansTextile of the Embera Indians

  • Quality Time at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort at the Panama CanalQuality Time at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort at the Panama Canal

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