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Panama is not the most well known whitewater rafting destination in Central, but those familar with Panama, regard it to be the best.

In West Panama near the Costa Rican border, the Chiriqui River and the Chiriqui Viejo River are the two main rivers used for rafting, which range from categories III-V. Both rivers are scenic rides through forests, by sheer rock walls and with waterfalls nearby.

Panama is the place for some of the finest and most exciting kayaking excursions. World renowned experts like instructor John Miller of the USA Nantahala Outdoor Center, the largest kayaking school in the world, regard Panama's kayak river runs as the best in Central America.

Major locations are in West Panama(Chiriqui/ Bocas Del Toro) and East Panama (Colon/ Panama province / Darien). Sections that are Class III, IV, and V, some 20 kms long await the white water enthusiasts.

Sailing

With its majestic entrance to the Panama Canal and Manhattan-like skyline, Panama Bay is a dramatic setting for a day sail or sundown cruise. Day sails to Taboga Island and the Archipelago Las Perlas are also popular.

Panama Canal Cruises and The Journey Between the Seas Yacht Cruise: You don’t have to take a cruise to sail through the Panama Canal. From Panama City, take a tour with a half or full transit of the Panama Canal. Contact a tour operator for details.

Panama Surf Report
By Jon Hanna of http://www.panamasurftours.com

Panama has some of the best surf breaks in all of Central America! Whether you like point breaks, beach breaks, hollow tubes, or long peelers, Panama has a variety of surf breaks to accommodate your style.

Panama" means "abundance of fish" in Indian language and Panama lives up to its name. It has several world class fishing area including Panama’s Pinas Bay, home to more world fishing records than any place in the world - 250 to be exact and the Gulf of Chiriqui and Coiba Island area in West Panama.

Near to Panama City another top spot is the Pearl Islands, a short boat or plane ride from the city.

The Best Place in the World for First-Class Medical Treatments at Affordable Prices

Panama is fast becoming a Mecca for “health tourism”. Why? Because Panama offers first-class medical treatments by American-trained doctors in hospitals that are on a par with the USA at 50% less cost.

What is health tourism? Medical care is extremely expensive in the United States. A “health tourist” goes to another country to get a similar treatment done but at a fraction of the cost. But only in Panama can a health tourist:

Panama's varied terrain makes for a great variety of adventure experiences. On water, sea and land. With Panama's pristine nature and "paths less traveled", the offerings are world class.

Water Sports & Adventure

Historical Portobelo on Panama's Atlantic coast is the beautiful venue for one of the world's most challenging sporting events- the Triathlon- a three part competition consisting of swimming, biking and running.

Americans John and Judy Collins are the original organizers of the Portobelo Triathlon, now in its seventh year. Triathlon pioneers, they participated in the very first triathlon in California in 1974 and went on to found the now famous Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 1978.

The Panama Canal is the unique venue for the world's only ocean-to-ocean Regatta for paddling, rowing and kayaking. Originally organized by Americans who lived in the former American Canal Zone, this unusual event has taken place every April for 43 years. Until 2000 it was open only for paddlers in Panama's native Indian dugouts called "cayucos".

RECOMMENDED DAY TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

1. Embera Indian Village Tour