Cabasin - Fodors In Focus Panama

Panamas natural attractions, culture, and history are the main draws for travelers, and the countrys penchant for modernization makes it an international destination. Panama has had one of the fastest growing economies in the Western Hemisphere for most of the past decade, and that prosperity is apparent in Panama Citys proliferation of skyscrapers, malls, new restaurants, and fancy cars.

Successive governments have invested tax revenues and borrowed funds into an array of infrastructure improvements, the most expensive of which is the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal to accommodate more, larger ships. When the Panama Canals centennial was celebrated on August 15, 2014, work was well underway on the construction of a third set of locks, which should begin functioning in early 2016. Those locks will accommodate much larger ships than the Panamax vessels that have been a shipping standard for much of the past century, and shipyards and ports around the world are already preparing for the next generation of cargo ships.

Other new infrastructure includes dozens of shiny skyscrapersincluding apartments, office towers, and hotelsand Panama Citys first subway line, The Metro, which connects the interior district of San Miguel with the city center and Allbrook. The Biomuseo, a modern museum designed by the architect Frank Gehry and dedicated to the countrys extraordinary biodiversity, is one of the citys major new attractions.

These improvements have been accompanied by a steady consolidation of Panamas democracy, which was long manipulated by the countrys military. The election of President Juan Carlos Varela in May of 2014 marked the fifth free and peaceful elections since the U.S. invasion of December 1989 ousted military dictator Manuel Noriega and restored the countrys democracy. Though ongoing investigations of graft in the last administration indicate that corruption remains a problem, Panamas government is relatively efficient and it is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Despite the countrys stability, tourism growth has slowed in recent years, yet the number of hotels and attractions have increased. This is good news for travelers, because the ample supply of rooms and services and moderate demand should make a Panama vacation a relative bargain, at least for awhile.

Panama City. The capital is an obligatory stop, and a surprisingly pleasant hub for exploring the country. It is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with excellent dining, lodging, and nightlife, and an abundance of day-trip options.

The Canal and Central Panama. Central Panama holds an array of landscapes and attractions in a relatively small area. The Panama Canal is the regions biggest attraction, literally, and it can be admired from half a dozen vantage points or navigated on day trips.

Chiriqu Province. The western province of Chiriqu comprises everything from cloud forest to coral reefs, and white-water rivers to white-sand beaches. World-class surfing, river rafting, sportfishing, bird-watching, skin diving, and hiking make Chiriqu a destination meant for lovers of the great outdoors.

Bocas del Toro Archipelago. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago holds an impressive mix of beaches, jungle, idyllic cays, and coral reefs. The archipelagos dozens of islands are surrounded by turquoise waters and lined with pristine strands that provide access to great skin diving or surfing, according to the season.

Eastern Panama. The eastern province of Guna Yala is Panama at its wildest. This region also has the countrys best sportfishing and fishing lodges.

Getting Here and Around

Air Travel: Copa, a United partner, is Panamas flagship carrier. It operates flights from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, New YorkJFK, Orlando, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington Dulles. Copa also flies to many Central and South American cities. You can fly to Panama from Houston and Newark on United; from Atlanta on Delta; from Miami, Dallas, New York, and Newark on American; and from Fort Lauderdale on Spirit.

Air Panama is Panamas domestic carrier and serves destinations all over the country, including Guna Yala, Bocas del Toro, David, and the Darin. Domestic flights usually cost $100 to $250 round-trip; you can buy tickets directly from the airline or through a travel agent. Air Panama offers charter flights as well, although these tend to be quite pricey.

Car Travel: Driving is a great way to explore Central Panama and Chiriqu Province, but Panama City can be confusing, and youll want to fly to and from the other provinces. The Panamerican Highway runs between Panama City and David, Chiriqu, passing most of the countrys beach resorts, and with a car, you can also visit small villages and explore remote areas more easily. Most secondary roads are well signposted and in reasonable condition.