Panama Travel Guide

Panama is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Latin America. Although nearby Costa Rica still takes most of the Central American incoming travelers, Panama is gaining the lime light as a premier destination for eco tourism, retirement and and for its cosmopolitan lifestyle. The greatest asset of Panama is its diversity of activities, which make it absolutely worth a visit.

Panama city, the capital, is lively, modern, cosmopolitan, and fast moving. Hip and smart bars and restaurantes, great shopping, beautiful Casco Viejo, Old Panama ruins, the Panama Canal, and the metropolitan park all make Panama city a destination unlike any other in Central America.  For accomodation, Hostel Mamallena (www.mamallena.com) is regarded as one of the best budget accomodation options in Panama.  They have a great atmosphere and also have lots of information on getting to the San Blas Islands, Colombia by boat and most other destination in Panama.

David-City Panama is Panama's second largest city. In the last few years it has become popular with a growing number of international 'backpackers' crossing the frontier at Paso Canoas from Costa Rica. They have discovered Panama's beauty and value. In the last few years  Backpacker hostels of note have opened and they include Bambu Hostel http://www.bambuhostel.com that bills itself as a 'backpackers resort with a pool' The Purple House Hostel, which is the oldest hostel in david and the Waterfall Hostel located just outside of David on the road to Boquete which sports several waterfalls, swimming hole and two huge pools next to the famous bar that has live music on the weekends. www.waterfallhostel.com, finally Lost and Found Jungle Lodge in the National Park 'Fortuna' is a must see in the Chiriqui David Panama area.

The San Blas Islands are hard to get to, but offer a unique insight into the Kuna Native american life. The Darien gap in the south is the most exciting bit of the Panamerican. There is a road all the way from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but here it just stops. Thick jungle that can be crossed on foot or in little canoes is what you'll find, as well as very friendly locals and a once in a lifetime experience.

If you want to go snorkeling, scuba diving and enjoy the Caribbean livestyle the Bocas del toro archipelago offer the finest possibilities in the country.

Volcan and Boquete in the Chiriqui province to the West, offer the great opportunities for mountain hiking, ecotourism, water rafting, and great weather. It is a must destination for strawberry and raspberry lovers.