Next Stop: Panama - Discover this thriving Central American paradise

Today the next stop is in summer weather and beautiful beaches. Today, you will learn a little about Panama, a Central American country that is full of lush landscapes and incredible attractions. Owner of a stunning coastline, Panama is bathed by both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic across the Caribbean Sea.

Panama currently has a population of about 3.5 million and a total land area of ​​75, 517, 000 square kilometers. The official currencies of the country are the Panamanian Balboa and the US Dollar. When it comes to languages, Spanish is the official language, but English is also spoken throughout the country.

The country borders Colombia to the south and Costa Rica to the north, and is considered to be the "crossroads of the Americas" due to its privileged position that has the link between South and Central America. Moreover, a point that makes the country extremely well known, precisely for this connection, is the existence of the Panama Canal, which turned 100 years old last year.

The Channel connects the Atlantic Ocean across the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean, being one of the most important sea lanes in the world and having such a huge structure that it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

The project allows large vessels to cross from one ocean to another across the continent without having to go around to the end of South America (as was necessary before its existence), a fact that greatly facilitated the routes and consequently world trade.

But beyond all that, the country is quite open to tourism and boasts excellent attractions for adventure and water sports, biodiversity observations, incredible landscapes of forests and mountains and of course its majestic coastline. But the urban part is also worth the visit.

The capital

The country's capital, Panama City, is a vibrant, modern metropolis that resembles Miami in many ways. The city has a strong and diverse trade, and offers great options of museums and galleries, sights, monuments and excellent cuisine.

In the historic center of the city, the colonial architecture stands out, having influences of Spanish, French and Antillean colonization with structures that were made at the time of the construction of the Panama Canal. Already in the most modern areas of the city, the big buildings gain the landscapes and every day new skyscrapers are erected.

Panama City has numerous visitor attractions such as the Interoceanic Canal Museum, Plaza de la Catedral, Palacio de las Garzas - which is the official name of the presidential palace, named after the numerous herons that inhabit the building -, the Metropolitan Natural Park, the Plaza de Francia and, of course, the promenade to see the Panama Canal entrance in Miraflores.

In addition to all this, it is quite interesting to explore the city to know its small charms and know the local culture, as well as find good surprises in small shops, restaurants, cafes and cycling.

In 2003, Panama City was chosen as the Capital of Culture in America along with the city of Curitiba, Paraná, according to International Living magazine.

Biodiversity

Did you know that the meaning of Panama in the indigenous language is "abundance of fish, trees and butterflies"? And the country really shows all this and a little more in its rich biodiversity.

Covering almost half of the country's land surface are huge swaths of verdant forests, mangroves and mountains. All this splendor of nature results in an incredible infinity of local fauna and flora.

To give you an idea, Panama has over 10, 444 different types of plant species, including 1, 200 orchid varieties, 678 fern species and 1, 500 tree varieties. In addition, there are about 255 mammal species and 972 bird species, according to Panama's National Society for Nature Protection.

The reason for such ecological abundance is the country's privileged geographical position due to the isthmus, which serves as a "biological corridor".

economy

Panama's government has one of the strongest growth rates in the Americas and maintains ties with the United States in supporting business, development and tourism. And the country's economy has become so rich and reliable that the country has a highly developed banking sector with about 80 banks from various countries in local branches.

Also, of course, one of the drivers of all this force in the economy is the Panama Canal. The country also excels in the quality of other sectors, with modern hospitals, as well as great airports and highways, being far more developed than its Central American neighbors.

Culture and religion

Panama has a very rich culture and owns a cultural multiplicity that makes it unique in the region. Its population is made up of 67% of mestizos and mulattos, 14% black, 10% white, 6% indigenous 6% and 3% people of varied ethnic backgrounds.

Panama's culture has many European influences on the art and traditions that were brought by the Spanish, but African culture also has a strong presence there. For example, the drum is a Spanish dance that has been mixed with African rhythms, both in themes and movements.

Local folklore can be observed through many dance festivities and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Among the most appreciated music styles in Panama are reggae, reggaeton, salsa and jazz.

As far as religion is concerned, although all beliefs are respected, the population of the country follows mainly Catholicism, which is deeply linked to the traditions and cultural expressions of the people. For example, in the interior of the country, the largest popular festivals are related to the most diverse Catholic saints.

Gastronomy

Panamanian cuisine is a unique blend of African, Spanish and Native American influences. Like its neighboring countries, Panama also has a cuisine that uses large-scale corn in its recipes in options such as tortillas, arepas, tamales and cakes (which are very similar to our mush, and also prepared in banana leaf). ).

Other specialties are also the mazza torrejitas: a fresh corn cake, empanadas, hojaldras: a type of donut topped with sugar, patacones, fried discs of green earth banana dough, among others. In addition, as the country is very well served in oceans, fish are also very present in the menu.

Beaches

Perhaps the most sought after by tourists are Panama's paradisiacal beaches for relaxing, tanning and also having fun with water sports and surfing. Among the most beautiful and appreciated are:

• Bocas del Toro: This region is on the Caribbean side and has several islands such as Isla Colón, Bocas main point with good structure for backpackers looking for beach parties. The other islands, such as Bastimentos, offer quieter beaches away from the hustle and bustle.
• Boca Chica is on the Pacific side and has hundreds of uninhabited islands with white sandy beaches and clean waters.
• The San Blas Islands are on the Caribbean side and closest to Panama City. In addition to enjoying the beach with sand and sea bathing, it is possible to take boat trips.
• For surfers on duty, Santa Catalina is the most sought after spot. The place is a small beach town on the Pacific side that offers some of the best surf spots in Panama.

More attractions for visitors

In addition to all this, Panama has many other attractions and fun for tourists, just have the time and willingness to visit the most varied types of tours. Check out some more suggestions below:

• Rafting: With more than several hundred rivers, Panama offers incredible places to practice, such as the Chiriqui Viejo River.
• Hiking and Species Observation: There are many hiking trails in Panama in its many National Parks. Most are affordable and easy enough to go through with a guide, which is most recommended. On many of these trails, wildlife and bird watching are possible. Prefer guided tours as they are safer.
• Scuba Diving: Both Atlantic (Bocas del Toro) and Pacific (Gulf of Chiriqui) beaches offer incredible water sports opportunities. Isla Coiba, known as the Panama Galapagos, offers shark, turtle, big fish and rays diving services.

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