Panama Travel Guide

The canal running through this isthmus may be its most famous attribute, but Panama is a special tourist destination for reasons beyond its importance to shipping routes. You should go to Panama if you want more than the usual resorts and beaches on your vacation. Although you have the option of lounging on beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean, Panama really shines when you spend your time outdoors, hiking and birdwatching.

What to do

Panama is attractive to travelers as an outdoor paradise, so you should plan as many excursions and activities as possible. The Pearl islands, an archipelago off the coast, are a beautiful destination and may look familiar if you're a fan of the TV show Survivor. Swim, snorkel and hike till you've either exhausted the island's possibilities or yourselves.

Another archipelago to visit, the Bocas Del Toro islands are developed in such a way that even when you're exhausted you won't have to leave the beauty of this seaside enclave. Restaurants and lodging are built right above the water and incorporated into the environment.

Getting there

Flights to Panama arrive just outside of Panama City at Tocumen International Airport, although if you've got your own plane, Panama has more private landing strips per square mile than any other country in the world and you can try plunking your plane down on one.

Where to stay

As Panama's watersports and ecotourism gain popularity, Panama's hospitality industry booms. Big hotel chains like Marriott have moved in and smaller hotels that you can book online are popping up everywhere. If you want to do Panama on $20 a day, you can book youth hostels for about half that in several cities. If you need more advice on where to stay or what to do in Panama, check out the message boards. Or read about crazy Panama adventures in a bootsnall travel story.

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