PANAMA

The southernmost of the Central American nations, Panama is south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia. The Panama Canal bisects the isthmus at its narrowest and lowest point, allowing passage from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Panama is marked by a chain of mountains in the west, moderate hills in the interior, and a low range on the east coast. There are extensive forests in the fertile Caribbean area. Panama City is one of the most cosmopolitan, culturally distinct, and enjoyable capital cities in all of Central America. Modern commercial buildings blend with cobbled streets and Spanish colonial architecture of centuries past. West of the capital lies the Panama Canal, the legendary feat of humankind that unites two entire oceans.
Explored by Columbus in 1502 and by Balboa in 1513, Panama was the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial days. In 1821, when Central America revolted against Spain, Panama joined Colombia, which had already declared its independence. For the next 82 years, Panama attempted unsuccessfully to break away from Colombia. Between 1850 and 1900 Panama had 40 administrations, 50 riots, 5 attempted secessions, and 13 U.S. interventions. After a U.S. proposal for canal rights over the narrow isthmus was rejected by Colombia, Panama proclaimed its independence with U.S. backing in 1903. 

Panama’s most striking and popular archipelagos are Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands in the Caribbean, and the Pearl Islands in the Pacific. The San Blas islands are noteworthy for being populated by the Kuna Indians—remarkable artisans. Book a long-term room on a major island (specifically, Bocas Town in Bocas del Toro, and Contadora in the Pearl Islands), and use it as a base to explore Panama’s hundred of remote islands and islets. Panama’s rainy season usually between June and November, with rainfall much higher on the Pacific side of the country. In Panama, Holy Week (the week of Easter) is similar to Semana Santa in Guatemala, with colourful religious processions and festivities. In February or March, Panama celebrates Carnaval, a boisterous nationwide fiesta most notable for its lively water fights. Visit Kuna Yala in February to see the grand Independence Day celebration of the indigenous Kuna people. Book a room early during any holiday. Panama Beaches: Long, serpentine Panama merges the Pacific with the Caribbean. It's no surprise Panama's islands and mainland beaches are practically flawless -- some of the best in Latin America, by far.  Like Red Frog Beach, in Bocas del Toro, Panama, home to countless teeny red frogs. Cocle is the central province of Panama, an area which has natural spaces, warm Pacific beaches and is also the only place in the country where you can see the famous square trees. The region hides a beautiful love story between a warrior, a Spanish officer and the Princess Luba. The nearby hills, now called 'The Sleeping Indian', perpetuate the figure of the princess reminding this beautiful and mysterious history of the tribe. You'll find several museums, archaeological sites and ancient cities that maintain their rich culture and tradition of its people.