10 Reasons Why Panama is a Great Tourist Destination
Panama is just beginning to promote itself as a tourist destination. You can come before the crowds.
1. Panama is the best place for ecotourism today.
Panama has some of the world's most beautiful and biodiverse rainforests. As one indicator of biodiversity, Panama has more bird species than the US and Canada combined: 934. Furthermore, all that great nature is very accessible. Some of the best locations are just 30 minutes from Panama City. There is a saying that in Costa Rica, there are 20 tourists to look at one bird, while in Panama there are 20 birds for one tourist to look at. There is much truth to this. An article in an Audubon Society Magazine rates Panama's Canopy Tower as one of the top eight nature lodges in the world
2. Panama is economical.
Because tourism is just beginning, prices are still modest and you can really stretch your tourist dollar. Within Panama City, taxis and meals and hotel prices in all categories are particularly pleasing. Yet, even though it is economical, you will find that Panamanians know how to do things right. They want you to be happy and come back again.
3. Panama is safe.
In fact, it is one of the safest tourist destinations anywhere. According an article on tourist safety in Newsweek , Panama was rated by the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency in the highest category for tourist safety. Unlike some other places , you'll find honest taxi drivers and the crimes that plague foreigners in other countries like purse-snatching and pick pocketing are rare. You are safe in Panama- relax and enjoy!
4. Panama is tourist friendly.
This may be Latin America, but you don't need Spanish. Most people here speak English as a second language. Calculating the value of the local currency versus the American dollar? No problem! The currency of Panama IS the American dollar! Panamanians have been working closely with foreigners - the Americans in the Canal Zone - for nearly a hundred years. They are accustomed to us, understand us, like us and have a sense for what Americans appreciate.
5. Panama is a first-world country in many ways.
Panama has a sophisticated service-based economy, tap water you can drink, high quality services, excellent roads and highways. There is a long tradition of service to foreigners as an international crossroads and the educated populace speaks English as a second language. Serious political difficulties are a thing of the past and Panama now has one of Latin America's most exemplary democracies.
6. Panama has a wide selection of beaches, island venues and activities.
With two coasts, countless islands and Caribbean style beaches ,there is much to choose from for beach vacations: full service resorts ( Coronado, Contadora, Banana Village) exotic off-the-beaten-track getaways (Bocas del Toro), Indian reservation islands (San Blas) etc.
7. Panama has some of the best and most accessible places in the world for bird watching and nature observation.
Pipeline Road, the scene of a world record (350 bird species counted in one day) is scarcely a half an hour from Panama City. In Panama, you can get very close to the best of tropical nature without traveling long distances, giving up your creature comforts or putting yourself in any kind of danger.
8. Panama has an unusual variety of attractions.
Panama has exotic tropical rainforests, cool gorgeous mountain refuges, Caribbean-style beaches, Indian tribes, a pretty Miami- style capital city, historic venues (Balboa and Columbus left their mark in Panama) adventure tours, kayaking, white water rafting, not to mention one of the engineering marvels of the world- the Panama Canal.
9. Panama has world-class fishing, diving, snorkeling and sailing.
One place in Panama, Bahia Pina, holds 170 world fishing records. There are five world-class diving and snorkeling areas- Bocas del Toro, Coiba Island, the Pearl Islands, Isla Grande and for historical diving, the Panama Canal itself.
10. Panama is a great place to visit living Indian cultures.
Panama has not one, but 6 colorful Indian tribes right out of the pages of National Geographic. Each of them has preserved its own fascinating life lifestyle. Many live in accessible locations and happy to share their life and culture with visitors.
Those are 10 very good reasons. What are you waiting for? Come to Panama!