Panama appeals to ecotourists because of its array of flora and fauna. Estimates vary, but approximately 900 to 1,000 species of birds, 1,500 species of trees, and 7,000 to 10,000 plant species inhabit the country. According to Ecotourism Panama, nearly 30 percent of Panama consists of national parks, with additional land set aside for forest and wildlife preserves. Coral reefs and mangrove swamps in coastal areas add to the country's appeal. The government encourages ecotourism as a responsible, low-impact way to appreciate and sustain Panama's unique natural and cultural heritage.
Many tourists travel to Panama to observe the country's abundant reptiles, amphibians, mammals and avians. With its diverse jungle, coastal and island ecosystems and its commitment to preserving natural habitat, Panama is an ideal destination for animal lovers. Jaguars, monkeys, endangered sea turtles, brightly colored frogs, harpía eagles and quetzal birds are just a few of the many species that attract visitors to Panama.
Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and whitewater rafting are all popular in Panama, according to the Panama Tours website. Just off the country's coasts are an abundance of coral reefs, shipwrecks and underwater life in crystal-clear water for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore. Large waves attract surfers from around the world, and numerous surfing competitions take place in Panama each year. With rivers that cut through mountainous terrain, the country also is popular with whitewater rafters who enjoy tackling rough rapids, while beginners can hone their skills on calmer waters.
The Panama Canal opened in 1914, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and more than halving the distance for ships traveling between the East and West Coasts of the United States, according to "Panama Canal Tours" on the Ecotourism Panama website. Several tour companies offer cruises of the canal, allowing passengers to travel from one ocean to the other through a series of locks.
Ethno-tourism in Panama centers on the country's indigenous peoples and archaeological sites. Indigenous groups include the Emberá-Wuonán or Chocoes, who live in traditional forest huts and observe ancestral hunting and gathering traditions; the Ngobe-Bugle or Guaymíes, who practice traditional rites and are known for their colorful clothing; and the Kunas, who have served as popular subjects for anthropological studies and documentary coverage, according to "Ethno-tourism" on the Panama Tours website. The Kunas also are known for their textiles and miniature sculptures, according to the article "Panama Tourism: Destinations Around Panama" on the Tours Panama website. On the archaeological front, digs in the Chiriquí and Coclé provinces have uncovered important ceremonial centers and are also popular destinations for ethno-tourists.
Panama is a popular destination for medical tourism, also known as "health tourism," according to the article "Panama Is the New Mecca of Health Tourism" on the Tours Panama website. Visitors undergo cosmetic procedures, dental and eye surgeries, and fertility assistance at much lower costs than they would pay in the United States or Europe, according to the site, which notes that many of Panama's doctors trained in the United States and use cutting-edge technology.
