Trips to Panama – what attractions await you?

Casco Viejo in Panama City – a charming old town

Panama's old city was founded in 1673 by the Spanish, two years after the original settlement was plundered by the Welsh privateer Henry Morgan. Nowadays, the old town is a popular place among locals and tourists alike: it is full of green squares, ancient churches, boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants and trendy rooftop bars. Casco Viejo is also a scene of developing nightlife. Places worth visiting in the old town are the Iglesia de la Merced, the Plaza de Catedral and the Presidential Palace. For those looking for excitement, we have good news: Panami City is the most entertaining and lively capital of Central America!

Panama Canal

One of the country's greatest attractions is the famous Panama Canal, which is over 80 kilometers long and has 12 locks. This is one of the biggest "shortcuts" in the world. Officially opened in 1920, it connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. For over 75 years, the canal area was under American influence. The Neutrality Treaty was signed in Panama on September 7, 1977 and provided the country with rights to the canal, with its final transfer to Panama taking place in 1999. In 2014–2015, the canal was modernized: it received an additional set of locks, was widened and deepened, and in Lake Gatun, through which a more than 30-kilometer section runs, the water level was raised by half a meter.

Azuero Peninsula

The Azuero Peninsula is a large area of ​​land in southern Panama. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south; the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Bay of Montijo and the Gulf of Panama to the east. Panamanians, as befits Latinos, like it when something is happening around them. And the most is happening here, on the Azuero Peninsula: from hedonistic carnivals, through grand celebrations of Corpus Christi, to extensive shamanistic rituals - this is the essence of Panama! Among the 500 festivals held annually, there will be lively music, extravagant costumes, singing, dancing and solemn religious ceremonies combined with pagan practices.

Rich fauna and flora and the paradise islands of Bocas del Toro

Panama is, above all, lush and wonderful nature, exotic animals and birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, as well as lizards, turtles and alligators. The Bocas del Toro archipelago is the most popular place in Panama for dolphin watching. Located on the country's Caribbean coast, the area includes 9 main islands and over 200 small islets and mangrove forests, covering a total area of ​​approximately 650 km². This place is also famous for its coral reef, Caribbean atmosphere and beautiful, pristine beaches.

Isla Taboga & Pearl Islands

Isla Taboga is literally a haven for biodiversity. The island's most important attractions for people looking for contact with nature are the Taboga y Urabá nature reserves, created in 1984 to protect mainly wild animals and bird habitats. Taboga Island boasts pristine waters perfect for swimming and water sports. It also offers several trails and viewpoints, the main of which is the Tres Cruces Trail - it is a path used mainly to reach local homes, and along its route you can observe unparalleled beauty and a rich diversity of fauna and flora. The Pearl Islands archipelago, in turn, consists of over 200 islands and islets - most of them uninhabited - off the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Panama. The largest of the islands is Isla Del Rey, but tourists' favorites include Contadora with over 13 beaches and Isla Saboga.

Rituals, lifestyle of the Kuna (Guna) Indians, handicrafts and hand-embroidered molas

The Guna Yala region is an indigenous territory in the Republic of Panama, inhabited by one of the most visible indigenous communities in Panama - the Guna (Kuna) ethnic group. There are approximately 62 indigenous Kuna Indians. The Guna Yala territory consists of a narrow strip of land located on the Caribbean side of the country, which stretches for 000 km, and an archipelago of almost 200 islands (only 400 of which are inhabited). These islands are known for their beautiful pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and natural surroundings. In turn, the indigenous Guna tribe is famous in Panama for its colorful costumes and still living customs. The Guna Yala region has its own legislation governed by its inhabitants. Thanks to its coastal location, Guna Yala is one of the largest coconut plantations in the world.

A trip to the Guna Yala region will undoubtedly be a unique experience. However, it is worth preparing that it will not be like any other vacation. Traveling to Guna Yala is synonymous with disconnection from civilization, learning about the local cuisine and customs of the Guna group. There is no wifi, not all islands have electricity, and credit cards simply do not exist. US dollars are the only form of payment accepted, so you'll want to make sure you have enough cash. There are no luxury hotels in Guna yala, and accommodation is in thatched cottages, although you can also rent a tent or a hammock.

Pushers

Molas from Panama are gorgeous handmade fabrics that are part of the indigenous Kuna culture. They are made and woven by Kuna women as a traditional part of clothing. Women learn the art of making molas, which is part of their traditional clothing, as girls or teenagers. Authentic molas tell the history, customs and beliefs of the Guna Indians. In each molas, women create designs that depict sacred animals or cosmogonic origin stories. They are based on the local belief system: God, Nature and Cosmos. For Guna Indians, human beings and nature are part of the same matter, and therefore the principles of nature apply equally to human life from birth to death.

According to one of many legends, molas were born at the beginning of time, but they were hidden in an invisible place called Kalu Tuipis, where man could not enter. Pab Tummat, the creator of the universe, gave his people beautiful fabrics, and it was the goddess Kabayaí who taught women to make clothes from them. Molas are wonderful works of art that are famous all over the world. They can be purchased in Guna villages and local markets.

National Park Darien

It is a natural link between South and Central America. Darién National Park has exceptional diversity - from sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangrove swamps, to mountains and tropical forests that are home to unique fauna and flora. Darién National Park in Panama was created in 1980 and has an approximate area of ​​560 hectares, representing 000% of the total area of ​​the Darién Province. The park is the largest in Panama and the largest protected area in Central America and the Caribbean. The reserve is characterized by a large diversity of ecosystems, and its forests are home to unique species of plants and animals in the world, such as the harpy eagle and the jaguar. Darién National Park is a place of adventure and unforgettable experiences, direct contact with the jungle and indigenous groups. You can watch birds here or simply walk around, admiring the dances and customs of the indigenous people.

Trips to Panama combined with Costa Rica

Trips to Panama and Costa Rica are a popular option for tourists who want to discover the beauty of Central America. Both countries offer many tourist attractions, including beautiful beaches, lush jungles, waterfalls, hot springs and cultural monuments. Panama, located in the south of Central America, is known primarily for the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. It is also worth visiting the capital of the country - Panama City, where there is the famous Casco Viejo district with numerous monuments and the Miraflores observation tower, from which you can admire the Panama Canal. There are also beautiful beaches near the city, including the popular Playa Blanca. Costa Rica, located north of Panama, is famous for its rich nature and wild adventure. The country has numerous national parks, including Manuel Antonio National Park with beautiful beaches, rainforests and rich fauna and flora. Other popular national parks include Tortuguero National Park, known for protecting sea turtles, and Corcovado National Park, which is considered one of the wildest places in Costa Rica.

Panama and Costa Rica trips often include visiting both countries and combine relaxation on beautiful beaches with wildlife adventures. Sightseeing tours can be booked, which include many of the tourist attractions in both countries, as well as beach holidays, such as resorts on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. These tours also offer the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of these countries, including local cuisine, music and art. You can also admire colonial architecture by visiting old cities such as Casco Viejo in Panama or San Jose in Costa Rica. Holidays in Colombia and Panama are a great option for people who want to discover the beauty of America, combine beach holidays with adventures in wildlife and learn about the culture and traditions of these fascinating countries.

Trips to Panama combined with Colombia

Panama and Colombia are beautiful countries in Central and South America, full of interesting tourist attractions. When it comes to combining these two countries into one trip, the trip usually starts by visiting Panama and then continues to Colombia. A trip to Panama can start with a visit to the Panama Canal, which is one of the most important engineering heritages in the world. Then it is worth going to the capital of the country, Panama City, where you can admire modern architecture and visit the Panama Canal Museum. Other popular tourist attractions in Panama include the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Darien National Park, and the Chiriqui rainforest.

Cali is a city located in the western part of Colombia, known for its beautiful colonial architecture, rich culture and famous salsa dancing. In Cali you can visit museums, art galleries, parks and many other places that allow you to learn about Colombian culture and history.

Cartagena is a charming city on the northern coast of Colombia, known for its beautiful colonial architecture, historic walls and wonderful beaches. Cartagena is a great place to rest and relax, but also to explore and learn about Colombian culture.

The Colombian Islands are an archipelago located in the Caribbean, consisting of several dozen small and large islands, the largest of which is San Andrés Island. The Colombian Islands are a paradise for lovers of beautiful beaches, wonderful landscapes and water activities.