Panama — Way More Than a Big Canal

Thanks to its unique geography — a narrow isthmus only 30 miles across in places — Panama makes it easy to visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts on a single vacation.

Bordered by Costa Rica to the north and Colombia to the south, the southernmost country of Central America harbors hundreds of small islands and sheltered coral reefs where visitors can dive into spectacular snorkeling, sailing and scuba.

The fabled San Blas Islands on the Caribbean side are inhabited by the indigenous Kuna Yala people who have managed to keep their traditions alive in the modern world of Panama. They make their living from handicrafts, farming and fishing, and worship the “Gran Madre Tierra” (Big Mother Earth) in the believe that she keeps their life in balance.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Panama City, the nation’s modern capital with its high-rise buildings and air-conditioned shopping malls. In contrast, the “Casco Viejo” old town offers colonial architecture and historic buildings.

The fabled Panama Canal cuts right across the middle of the country on its journey between the two oceans. More adventurous travelers can trek the mountainous jungle areas of western Panama or explore the remote rainforest waterways of the Darien Gap.
 
From snorkeling with whale sharks to cruising through the Panama Canal, Travel Pioneers is ready to design your dream trip to Panama.