With nearly 400 islands covered in coconut trees, white sandy beaches, crystal clear Caribbean waters for diving, and small cabins for a more intimate atmosphere (compared to large hotels), this is the place to visit. Panama is a paradise for adventure. Panama is teeming with vibrant and diverse marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling, diving, fishing and whale watching. The waters along Panama's Pacific coast that comprise the Gulf of Chiriqui are especially ideal for activities below the surface.
This region contains one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, including more than 760 species of tropical fish and 33 species of sharks. In addition, between July and October, more than 2,000 humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to hatch and raise their young in the gulf. Due to the incredible number of whales, Cala Mia whale watching tours have a 95 percent success rate during this time. If you're looking for idyllic islands, rolling waves, wild nature and spectacular wildlife, Panama is an ideal destination.
It is located at the crossroads of the Americas, connecting two oceans, and beyond its cosmopolitan capital and legendary canal, Panama is a biodiversity hotspot. Did you also know that it produces some of the best and most expensive coffees in the world? Is Panama City worth visiting? Yes, to a large extent. Panama City is a bustling metropolis full of culture and innovation. It has some beautiful areas to visit, such as Casco Viejo and the Metropolitan Natural Park next to the Panama Canal. The downtown district has many rooftop bars that offer great panoramic views of the Panamanian skyline.
Without a doubt, we think that Panama is worth visiting and, although it is not a cheap place, there are ways in which you can try to keep costs low, for example, considering where you are staying and where you eat, preparing meals at home and using local transportation to move. You'll find many of the country's tourists and expatriates in the capital, which is home to beautiful historic districts like Casco Viejo and man-made wonders like the Panama Canal. The humidity during the wet season can be quite unpleasant, but if this affects you, be sure to visit it during the dry season. However, if you don't mind a little rain, it may be cheaper to visit it during the wet season.
If you're heading to the coast for a beach vacation, due to the humidity, the most comfortable time to visit Panama is during the dry season, between December and April. English is widely spoken, especially in Panama City and Boquete, but mastering a few basic phrases in Spanish will endear you to the locals and help you if you travel far from the tourist spots. Another advantage of the country's climate is that visitors don't have to worry about hurricanes or earthquakes, as the country is outside the Atlantic hurricane belt. Foreign visitors are asked to carry their passports with them at all times, and the police sometimes check them, but it's safer to carry a photocopy or photo of the first few pages and the entry stamp and leave the original document in a safe place. If you plan to visit Playa Venao, you'll have fairly limited budget options, as the bay is still relatively underdeveloped.
The country usually receives around 2.5 million visitors and its capital is one of the most visited cities in Latin America. Visitors from major U.S. cities can reach Panama in less than five hours, while Miami is just a 2.5-hour flight away.
