Panama has coastlines on both its Atlantic and Pacific sides. Its interior is mostly rugged and mountainous with many rivers. Panama's weather is tropical and varies only slightly throughout the year. Its year-round average temperature is 80 F.
Founded in 1519, Panama City was Spain's first colonial settlement on the Pacific. Located near the canal's western entrance, it has become a major banking and business center. Panama City's modern high-rise offices and apartment buildings present a stark contrast to its older neighborhoods. The Casco Viejo historic district features a disarming combination of decaying colonial buildings and trendy shops and restaurants. It is also the center of Panama City's pulsating nightlife and bar scene.
To transit between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, about 14,000 ships each year pass through the Panama Canal. Sometimes called the "Eight Wonder of the Modern World," the 48-mile canal is vital to international commerce. It has three sets of locks that lift and lower the ships as they cross the Panama isthmus. Located near Panama City, the visitors' center at the Miraflores Locks features exhibits that trace the history of the canal and show how the locks work. To see enormous containerships, cruise ships and other vessels pass through the locks, call the center for the daily schedule.
Located near Panama's northern border with Costa Rica, the Bocas del Toro archipelago is one of Panama's top tourist destinations. Its many islands offer secluded Caribbean beaches and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling, as well as excellent sailing and fishing. Bocas Town is the region's transportation hub and hosts a lively party scene. The remote San Blas Islands archipelago, located off Panama's northeast coast, features beautiful islands and clear blue water. Tourists can stay in ecolodges and visit the villages of Kuna Indians, who have maintained their traditional culture. Mainland Panama also has many fine beaches along both its Atlantic and Pacific coastlines.
The mountain towns of Boquete and El Valle de Anton offer easy access to cloud forests teeming with rare and exotic flora and fauna. El Valle is a popular weekend destination because local indigenous people sell their crafts at the town's Sunday market. Located in southernmost Panama, Darién National Park protects rainforest habitat and attracts birders and adventurers from around the world. The Darién region is "one of the last true frontiers in the Americas," according to Lonely Planet.
Tourists can take reasonably priced domestic flights to Bocas Town, San Blas and other popular destinations. Long-distance buses travel between major cities. Driving in Panama City is not for the faint of heart, but exploring the rest of the country by car is less stressful. Driving in Panama requires constant vigilance to avoid axle-breaking potholes and to react to slow-moving vehicles and rash actions by other drivers. Driving after dark is hazardous because of potholes, poorly marked roads and people and farm animals walking on the roadway.
