Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the BioMuseo -- or Museum of Biodiversity -- contains more than 43,000 square feet of galleries and exhibitions, all designed to illustrate 3 million years of evolution in this nation between two oceans. You'll see 45-foot-tall sculptures illustrating how tectonic forces shaped the Isthmus of Panama, statutes of the 72 species of animals that populated the region millions of years ago, audiovisual presentations of Panama's natural history and tall aquariums that house species from the Pacific and the Caribbean. Located at the Amador Causeway, where the canal meets the Pacific, the museum also houses an atrium, gift shop and cafe, as well as lush botanical gardens.
Set in the middle of the Panama Canal, Barro Colorado island is home to more than 120 mammal species -- including five types of monkeys -- and thousands of insect species. The island is part of the Barro Colorado Nature Monument, a nature reserve that plays an essential role in international rain forest and biological diversity studies. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed on Barro Colorado, so make reservations well ahead of time through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
For a dose of Panamanian culture and history, explore the Casco Viejo neighborhood. Streets in this small district in southwest Panama City are lined with historical buildings; the neighborhood has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the mid-1990s. Casco Viejo borders the first European settlement on the Pacific side of Central America, Panama Viejo. Dating from 1519, today's neighborhood contains an eclectic mix of the original Spanish -- and later French and American -- architectural influences, as well as cafes, shops and bars and the Teatro Nacional opera house.
No visit to Panama would be complete without a stop at the canal that revolutionized trade, travel and industry between the Pacific and Atlantic regions. The Miraflores Visitors Center provides views of the enormous ships as they traverse the lock system on their way through the canal. Explore the canal's past and future at the visitor center's theater, restaurants and three viewing terraces.
Step back in time at San Lorenzo National Park. This historic outpost on the Caribbean is home to the ruins of Fort Sherman, which served as a U.S. Army base through much of the 20th century, and San Lorenzo Fort, built -- and rebuilt -- by conquering forces in the 1600s and 1700s. The remains of the barracks, castles and batteries stand as examples of colonial military architecture. The park is also home to Devil's Beach, which is known for its surfing and is only a one-mile walk from Fort Sherman. Take a boat tour of Gatun Lake, which was at one time the world's largest man-made lake, or go bird-watching along the Achiote Road or Trogon Trail.
