Panama Holiday
Panama's wealth of attractions and intriguing stories will literally make you take your hat off to it.
Famous for its canal and its hats, Panama has a great deal more to offer tourists, with some delightful beaches and fascinating wildlife.
The Central American nation has a total population of just three million and is a long thin country that spans the area between Costa Rica and Columbia.
Panama was settled by the Cuevas and Cocle tribes, but they were virtually eradicated by disease and Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Spanish settlements were established in Panama and Panama City became a flourishing port.
The threat of piracy and declining trade saw Panama become a province of Colombia in 1821 and the country broke away in 1903, helped by the United States. A treaty was signed with the US agreeing to the construction of the Panama Canal, which was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914.
The treaty governing the canal was a source of tension between the two nations for decades. An agreement was signed in 1977 transferring total control of the canal from the US to Panama by the end of 1999. The US entered Panama and deposed dictator Manuel Noriega in 1989 and the country has enjoyed relative stability in the intervening years.
The capital, Panama City, is home to around half a million people and is a bustling city on the Pacific coast. It incorporates the ruins of Panama Viejo (or Old Panama), the edge of the Panama Canal, several interesting museums and the lively Casco Antiguo old colonial district, with some interesting shops, restaurants and architecture.
The Panama Canal is a must see, for both its historical and engineering significance, with a museum and viewing platform located at the edge of Panama City. Stretching 49 miles (80km) across the country, it is one of the most significant waterways on earth and the narrow channel often carries the world's largest ocean liners and ships.
Panama has a host of islands off its Caribbean coast, tropical rainforests, highlands, imposing mountains, lush valleys and rich wildlife that provide a host of natural sights and experiences for travellers.
Those looking for peace and quiet should head to the breathtaking Isla Grande in the Caribbean Sea near Portobelo. The tiny island is home to just 300 people and has accommodation for tourists.
The Chiriqui Province in west Panama on the border of Costa Rica is a haven for animal and plantlife, with the tiny town of Boquete set in a picturesque mountain valley. The region, with its cool, fresh air attracts hikers, walkers, botanists, cyclists and birdwatchers.
Snorkelling and diving are popular pursuits off the Panamanian coast, with operators at most of the major resorts. Panama has numerous paradise beaches and a growing number of tour operators offer holiday packages to its coasts.
The country has a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from April to December. Warm in the lowlands for most of the year, temperatures in the mountains tend to be cooler.
The official language of Panama is Spanish, but English is also widely spoken. Accommodation is readily available in the most popular destinations and ranges from luxury resort hotels to eco-lodges in the mountains.
Flights are available to Panama from most central American countries and both North and South America, with few operators offering direct flights to the country from Europe at present.
