Panama City, the spirited capital of Panama, is the perfect place to explore on a cruise from Fuerte Amador. Obtain insider knowledge about the Panama Canal by visiting the Miraflores Visitor Center, which includes a history museum and observation deck. Enjoy jogging trails, boutiques, restaurants, and guacho - a traditional Panamanian stew made with rice and broth - along the Amador Causeway. Two-toed sloths are among the 300 species of animals at the Metropolitan National Park. You can also visit Fuerte Amador before your cruise if you like.
A narrow little country located at the confluence of two oceans and two continents, Panama offers various adventures, including tropical beaches, wildlife, history, and rich culture. The region is largely unexplored and has much more to offer than you think. Listed below are the highlights of why you should visit Panama at least once in your lifetime.
Unexplored islands make Panama such an attractive destination for travelers who enjoy wandering off the beaten path. In addition to 100 nameless islands, there are 113 with names and 30 islands composed entirely of coral, making it one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. Around 300 tiny islets and nine inhabited islands can be found in Bocas del Toro. There are smaller famous islands in natural parks, such as Coiba Island on the Pacific side of Panama City.
Panama's incredible biodiversity can be experienced without traveling far. A wildlife-rich urban jungle of 265 hectares, the Parque Natural Metropolitano is located near the downtown center. The city's panoramic views are your reward for taking a loop walk here. In addition to tropical bird species, wildlife enthusiasts can see Geoffroy's Tamarin, a cute native creature. Various furry friends might also be spotted there, including marmoset monkeys, white-tailed deer, and sloths. Iguanas and tortoises aren't just furry but also non-furry creatures.
Also, Read: Activities to Enjoy During a Panama Canal Cruise
Panama is a melting pot of cultures due to its location at the crossroads of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous cultures. Pollera, Panama's national dress, is a large skirt covered with colorful flowers made of one large fabric (usually white). In addition to cumbia, salsa, congo, and more, Panamanian music is another integral part of its culture.
Guna-Yala, Emberá-Wounaan, Ngäbe-Buglé, Madugandí, and Wargandí are the five indigenous tribes of Panama. Visit the Embera and Wuanaan tribes on the banks of the Chagres River on the Panama isthmus. Take a hand-carved canoe ride along the river, watch a dance, and purchase a finely woven basket.
There is no better place to experience a lifetime experience than Panama, with its unique location. Within driving distance of a cosmopolitan city, we have rainforests, deserts, and beaches on both coasts. Have you got your curiosity piqued?
Boas Del Toro represents Panama's vibrant Caribbean culture, which includes part of the country's mainland and several Caribbean islands. There is a friendly, laid-back atmosphere in Bocas, and the landscape is relatively undeveloped. Furthermore, Bocas is home to many of the country's best beaches, a tropical rainforest, and indigenous cultures. Bocas Del Toro has three main islands: the main island, Isla Colon; Isla Bastimentos, Panama's largest; and Isla San Juan, a smaller island. As well as Isla Carenero, a small island. Panama's first Mission Blue Hope Spot, a program aimed at protecting and restoring the marine ecosystem, is located in Bocas Del Toro, a natural laboratory for climate change and evolutionary science.
Casco Viejo, the Old Town, is one of the most beautiful areas in Panama City. After the marauding Captain Morgan ransacked the original city, about 7 kilometers up the coast, it was founded in 1671. There are still some impressive buildings from the late 17th century in the Old Town, a mix of ancient ruins and less ancient architecture. From a former urban slum to the city's central attraction, Casco Viejo has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. The narrow streets of this historical oasis attract tourists who enjoy strolling around, shopping, and taking pictures.
Downtown Panama City may be ultra-modern and resolutely urban. Still, it's only 45 minutes from a smoky rainforest clad in rivers, Soberania National Park. A popular birdwatching destination in Costa Rica, the park offers over 400 species of birds, including parrots and eagles, along its easy-to-access Pipeline Road. This is remarkable, considering that it is only half the number found in Costa Rica. On the deeper jungle trails, there are still many more things to see.
Also Read: Top Places to Visit in Panama City on a Cruise
Punta Culebra Nature Center, operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, is located on one of the Amador islands. A little zoo with rehabilitated sea turtles is located adjacent to the forest trails and a small beach. The exhibits offer a glimpse into Panama's biodiversity and Central and South America's diverse environments and ecosystems.
Three seasons of Survivor were filmed heavily on Panama's Pearl Islands in the Pacific. Forested islands and pearl-white sand beaches make these islands some of the most beautiful in the world. Contadora Island is the most developed and boasts two luxury resorts. Still, the majority of its beauty lies in its isolation. The Pearl Islands were once home to native Indian tribes until the 16th century when the Spanish began colonizing the islands in search of pearls. Contadora Island ('Counting Island' in Spanish) was well known for its pearl industry. Playa Larga, Contadora Island's largest beach, lies on the far side of a shipwreck that is rusting away on the ocean's edge, a popular spot for sunbathers.
From January through mid-April, Panama is at its best. A tropical country looks its best during this driest time of the year. The rest of the year is also an excellent time to visit Panama when you can participate in local festivals and events.
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