Panama as a Tourist Destination

Posted By: Panama Expertos on 09.04.2007
Views: 476, Published in sections: Life in Panama ::

Panama has been the focus of international maritime trade ever since the Panama Canal was built in 1914. It saves thousands of miles of detour via South America for ships going from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Because of this focus on trade, the potential of other sectors of the economy like tourism has not been fully exploited. Many of the tourist attractions and natural wonders of Panama remain largely unexplored. Panama has scope for large scale tourist traffic due to its pristine beaches, lush green rainforests, mountains and valleys and scenic beauty.

The Pearl Islands archipelago has over 200 islands many of them uninhabited and unexplored. These provide secluded beaches and are a water sports lovers’ delight. They can do fishing, boating, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, etc. virtually undisturbed. The underwater snorkeling, the cabanas, clear blue water etc. are all what one normally sees in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Low living cost, friendly people and high safety for visitors are some of the other factors that visiting tourists are attracted by. There is no need for currency exchange for dollars as it is widely accepted and it is the only paper currency in Panama. Panama’s indigenous people maintaining their centuries’ old customs and traditions and unaffected by the modern world also attract the inquisitive traveler. Panama City is well connected by air with major cities of U.S. and is easy to reach.

The province of Bocas del Toro which is a group of islands near Panama’s Pacific coast is catching world wide attention of tourists. It has bars, cafes, and restaurants, are full of tourists from around the globe. There is vast scope for them to indulge in a variety of water sports. Tranquilo Bay in Bocas del Toro is an eco resort surrounded by virgin rain forests overlooking the Carribean Sea. It offers adventure tourism and charming bungalows with excellent service. It is like paradise on earth and it is hard to take leave of the place.