Considering taking your group on an international vacation? Here’s why you should consider Panama.
1) It is easy to get to. Panama is a crossroads between the Americas and almost every major airline fly’s here. It is only 2.5 hours from Miami and 4 from Houston and with more and more flights to Panama, they are getting less and less expensive!! The tourist visa is now included in the price of your flight. You can bus here from Costa Rica, fly or take a boat from Colombia. Spain, France, the U.S. and many other countries have influenced the history of this country so you will find a lot of people speak more than 1 language. The currency is the U.S. Dollar (officially know as the Balboa, but its just a dollar).
2) The history. A small country with a big story to tell, Panama was once under water, separating the Americas. A land bridge now, in more ways than one. Yes, it connects North and South America but it was also the bridge used by the Spanish to transport gold from Peru to Spain. See the ruins of the 1st city (Panama Viejo) and walk the streets of Casco Viejo built in the 1600’s. Learn about famous pirates like Henry Morgan and see the forts they attacked. For a century 1/3 of the worlds gold passed through Panama and you can walk through the jungle on the original trail! You may also have heard of the Panama Canal. Visit through the famous Miraflores Locks and museum or experience them on a day cruise. Check out barefootpanama.com for City tours, Jungle tours and more.
3) The climate. In Panama, we get summer year round! Sure, it rains more in some month than others, but locals call the ‘rainy’ season the ‘green’ season. It rains more, but usually only for an hour/day and this IS the tropics: its hot and it is green! Can’t take the heat, head to the hills. The climate certainly cools off when you reach El Valle, Boquete and the highest ‘town’, Cerro Punta. Enjoy temps in the low 80’s during the day and high 60’s at night.
4) The culture. 7 Indian tribes still remain in Panama. Visit the Wounaan within an hours drive from modern Panama City. Go up river for a night with the Embera. Throughout the country you will see Guaymis influence. Deep in the jungle/national park shared with Costa Rica you will find the Bribri and friendly Teribe (Naso). The ultimate experience is still Kuna Yala. With almost 400 coconut clad islands, white sand beaches, crystal clear Caribbean water for snorkeling, small cabins for a more intimate setting (vs. big hotels), this is the place to visit.. for culture of course.
5) The adventure. Panama is a playground for adventure. Snorkel/dive in some of the most amazing places on earth, Caribbean and Pacific! Catch a wave on one of the many famous or unknown beaches. Sail, kayak or enjoy any water sport off the 2000 miles of coast or around some of the 2000 islands. Hike jungle trails that take you back in time, along a volcanic crater or to the top of a mountain over 11,000ft to catch the sun rise and a view of both oceans! Raft and /or kayak the class 1-class 4 rivers. Try one of the 3 zip line/canopy tours. But for the truly adventurous.. experience the nightlife out on Panama City’s ‘Calle Uruguay!!
Barefoot Panama’s extended tours explore the mountains, islands, and everything in between while providing you with the opportunity for any adventure you choose.
If you need any help planning your Panama Adventure, contact www.barefootpanama.com, the Panama Experts.
