Panama is an attractive country in Central and South America, with some interesting places to visit. It is famous for the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal has a very important place in international shipping. Besides the canal, Panama City has modern skyscrapers, casinos, and nightclubs. It also features a beautiful rainforest.
El Valle de Anton
El Valle de Anton is a town located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Surrounded by mountains and cloud forest, the town is an ideal location for nature lovers. You can hike along the trails of Cerro Gaital National Park and enjoy the views of the ocean. The national park is also home to hundreds of native birds.
You can take a day trip to El Valle from Panama City, but the best time to visit is during the weekend. If you plan to stay overnight, you can consider staying at Cabanas Potosi or Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotell and Spa. You can also go for a mud facial in one of the hot springs. The valley is filled with natural beauty and is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
There is a rich biodiversity in El Valle de Anton, which is one of the places to visit in Panama. The city is located at 600 meters above sea level, making it cooler than the lowlands. This unique climate and landscape make it a popular tourist destination. You can also go hiking and bird-watching.
El Valle de Anton is a small town of seven thousand people located in the Province of Cocle, just 55 miles southwest of Panama City. It is nestled in the caldera of the world’s largest inhabited volcano, and the surrounding landscape is stunning. Although the volcano is not active, it is still a natural attraction with abundant wildlife.
Soberania National Park
If you’re looking for a getaway in the countryside, a trip to Soberania National Park is a must. This lush park is only 25 kilometers from Panama City and is home to a variety of wildlife. You can observe endemic birds, reptiles, and mammals. The park is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys hiking, mountain biking, or just being in nature.
The National Park is located next to Panama City and offers breathtaking views of the city, the Panama Canal, and Balboa Port. It covers an area of 265 acres, and features a wildlife center and nature trails. The park is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful birds.
The National Park is one of the most visited sites in Panama. You’ll be impressed by its tropical rain forest and lush tropical islands. You’ll also be able to experience the history of Panamanian plantations. The region was once home to indigenous Kunas who collected rubber and bananas. In fact, this region is characterized by its lack of modern development. No towering hotels litter the landscape, and the jungle is as wild and lush as it gets.
There are several parks and attractions in the area. One of them is the Cinta Costera, a scenic stretch of land connecting Punta Paitilla to Casco Viejo. It’s a great place to have lunch or relax. Local ceviche is available, and you can take a dip in the sea or visit one of Panama’s islands.
Portobello
Portobelo is a historic port located in Colón Province. The city has a population of 4,559 as of 2010. Located on the northern Isthmus of Panama, it is 32 km northeast of Colón, the modern port at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal.
The town was named by Christopher Columbus when he arrived in 1502. It soon became an important port on the gold route, and the Spanish built fortifications to protect the gold from pirates. The town’s cuisine is influenced by African flavors, and you can sample a bit of this in the town’s popular Casa Congo restaurant, which has a gorgeous terrace overlooking the water.
Another important sight to see in Portobello is the royal customs house, located at Calle Genea. It is open from 8am to 4pm daily. Next to it is the San Jeronimo Fort, the largest and best preserved fort in the town. This was built in the mid-1600s and is one of the most impressive forts in the area. It is a replica of a British fort and has 18 cannon embrasures.
If you are planning a visit to Panama, this is an excellent place to visit. The city was once one of the largest Spanish ports in Central America. Gold from Peru and other treasures were brought to Panama City by mules, and some of the fortresses remain, nestled among the villages.
Santa Catalina
If you love the water, Santa Catalina is a must-see place in Panama. This small fishing village has some of the best surfing in the country and scuba diving opportunities. Its laid-back atmosphere and lack of development make it a great choice for an active vacation. There are a few tour operators and dive shops in Santa Catalina, and you can also enjoy a drink at one of the two bars.
This laid-back fishing village is also known as a surf town. You can catch world-class waves from the beaches on the south side of the town. Popular surf spots include El Tamarindo and Caballito Beach. For beginners, there is also Playa El Estero, which offers rolling, small waves.
There are two seasons in Santa Catalina: the rainy season and the dry season. During the rainy season, the vegetation remains green while temperatures stay warm throughout the day. At night, temperatures fall to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Accommodation prices are low during this time of year.
Santa Catalina has two supermarkets, one veg&fruit store, and a couple of restaurants. There is a market where you can purchase fresh seafood and pineapples, and a few small shops that offer a range of other items. However, there is no ATM in Santa Catalina, and the nearest one is in Sona. Only a few places accept credit cards, so you’ll need to be prepared to pay with cash if you’re not using the local currency.
Darien
Located in eastern Panama, the Darién province is partially bordered by Colombia and the Pacific Ocean, and it is home to vast wilderness. The region is renowned for its “Darién Gap,” a roadless swath of forest that’s a “missing link” on the Pan-American Highway. The region is also home to the Darién National Park, which covers more than 500,000 acres and contains coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps, and serrated peaks.
UNESCO has recognized the Darien region as a World Heritage Site and has named Darien National Park a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity. The area is also home to indigenous tribes. The region is rich in wildlife, including spider monkeys, giant anteaters, jaguars, and endangered Central American tapirs.
If you’re a nature lover, a five-day tour through the Darien Jungle will provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to nature. On this tour, you’ll be guided through the jungle in small groups. Highlights of the trip include hiking through primary rainforest, sailing down the Sambu River, and learning about the local Embera tribe. You’ll start the day at the Albrook bus terminal at 7:30am and return around sunset.
The Darien National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful protected areas in Panama. It covers over 579,000 acres and is considered one of the largest in the world. The park is home to a number of native groups, including the Guna, Embera, and Wounaan.
