Panama is blessed with nature's beauty. It has pristine beaches and turquoise seas, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains blessed in a hurricane and earthquake free tropical climate. It is likewise blessed in its people. They are the warmest and friendliest people in the world due the different ethnics and cultures that compound the population, with seven thriving Indian tribes co-existing peacefully with other Panamanians. Panama itself has had a long and colorful history, with unique heritage sites as reminders of that history. Panama City, one of the most sophisticated cities in the industrialized world. Throw in the Panama Canal, one of the world's modern engineering wonders, and you have an explosion of tourism in Panama. Indeed, in Panama, you have a potent mixture of people, places, and pleasures.



Of course, the explosion of tourism in Panama is also because its infrastructure is modern and first-class, the presence of excellent tourist accommodations, ease in communicating with a bilingual people, an excellent medical care system at a reasonable price, affordable cost of living, accessibility, and an enviable peace. Tourism in Panama is taking off because of the favorable environment the country and its government has established to attract tourists.

With oceans bordering it on both sides, Panama is ideal for sun, sea, and beach lovers. With more than a thousand islands to choose from, the Pearl Islands and Boca del Toro of notable mention, you can go from public beaches to private resorts, from sunbathing to deep-sea diving. Panama's rainforests boasts of biodiversity and even in Parque Metropolitano in the center of Panama City is an excellent place for birdwatching with 944 bird species. River sports such as rafting and kayaking also flourish in Panama, with land sports such as canyoneering, rappelling, and trekking are also present. Indeed, tourism in Panama is booming because of its growing reputation for ecotourism. Panama's culture also lends itself well into tourism. Local culture and folklore is reflected in a colorful, cross-cultural array of festivals, dances, and traditions, with the seven indigenous Indian groups of Panama adding spice to the cultural melting pot. The heritage and historical sites of Panama such as the Casco Antiguo are important tourist destinations. The urban centers also significantly contribute to the explosion of tourism in Panama. The shopping centers, museums, restaurants, cinema and theater, the fashion scene, city architecture, and the whole gamut of sights and sounds in Panama City is a mixture of Panamanian tastes and European influence, doused with a liberal splash of American capitalism. These are enough to make you want to stay and live in Panama. Of course, tourism in Panama is complete only when the Panama Canal is visited. The Panama Canal is not only of trade value but is also of historical and engineering value, making it a tourist destination especially for cruise ships.

With all these beauty, tourism in Panama is rapidly being touted as the best exotic destination in the world. With ecotourism, adventure, culture and people, modern conveniences, and urban sophistication, one cannot help but be a tourist in Panama. Go ahead and savor the places, people, and pleasures of Panama.