Panama Destination Guide Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama's key location between North and South America makes it one of the world's fastest growing tourism destinations. Offering green mountains, lush rainforests, pristine beaches and untouched islands, Panama is ideal for an outdoor adventure. But if you are a city person, don't worry, its urban cityscapes rival the world's biggest metropolises. Visit the country known as the 'Crossroads of the Americas' on Panama holidays and prepare yourself for an amazing trip. Choosing Panama tours is never easy, as the country is home to countless attractions and diverse natural beauty. Luckily for visitors, the country is small enough to see a little bit of everything. A good Panama travel guide will be able to recommend a great route exploring everything from the bustling capital and its historic monuments to the gorgeous beaches, mountains and jungles of the Panamanian countryside. With frequent flights to Panama from airports around the world, there is no excuse to put off seeing this incredible destination any longer. To truly understand Panama, you must know something of its history. Once a Spanish colony, traces of its past are prevalent in many of its modern cities, especially in their old town sections. It was only after declaring independence from present-day Colombia in 1903 that Panama became an independent country and one of the first things the state did was build the Panama Canal. The 77-kilometre canal connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean quickly became a vital world trade route and helped put Panama on the map. Today it is a sight to behold, best appreciated from above -- although walking across it is also possible. The Pacific entrance to the canal is located in Panama City, the capital of Panama and an important international city. A 2003 Capital of American Culture, Panama City offers multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many more notable monuments. Old Panama is where the Spanish city once stood and today it offers a glimpse of the past with its impressive colonial architecture. The Old Town of Panama is home to the city's most important monuments, among them the National Theatre and Las Bovedas, a gorgeous waterfront promenade. Panama is much more than the sum of its important canal and capital and heading off the beaten path is highly recommended. Grab your boots and go hiking in one of the country's many national parks, or trek the Quetzal Trail for a real adventure trying to spot the elusive Quetzal bird. If you are even more of a thrillseeker there are many companies offering adventure activities like zip line canopy rides, horseback riding, white water rafting and rock climbing. For a truly unforgettable experience you should check out the Coiba National Marine Park, known as 'the Galapagos of Central America,' offering a unique look at rare species on both water and land. Consider scuba diving or snorkelling for an even closer peek and then head to any of the local restaurants for some mouthwatering Panamanian seafood. Boasting world class cities and natural wonders alike, in Panama you can truly experience it all.

• published: 25 Sep 2013
• views: 15