An unknown destination, a hotel stay in Panama is a real adventure between history, traditions, encounters and natural wonders.

Panama is located on the isthmus connecting South America to Central America. Here the sun rises in the Pacific and sets in the Caribbean Sea. Crossed by the famous canal, Panama stretches over 725 km. Its width does not exceed 190 km and is reduced even to about fifty kilometers in its narrowest part, between the Gulf of San Blas and the estuary of the Río Chepo.

Wonder of engineering, the Panama Canal is a must. It stretches for 80 km between the capital, on the Pacific coast, and Colón, on the Atlantic Ocean. From the Miraflores locks, you can see some of the 12,000 boats and other container ships that pass through it every year. The three sets of locks function as hydraulic lifts that take the ships up to Lake Gatún, 26 m above sea level. A fascinating spectacle.

The discovery of Panama begins with its capital, Panama city, lively, cosmopolitan, noisy... and also very endearing. Among other things, the bohemian district of Casco Antiguo, listed as a World Heritage Site, plunges into the country's historical past between typical alleys and colourful buildings. On the outskirts stand the ruins of Panama La Vieja, which was the first capital of the country before being destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan.

A flight to Panama
The jungle, mangrove and tropical forest await you in the Soberania National Park. This is where the Emberas Indians live. The opportunity to discover their way of life and their tradition, including the art of tattooing.

The Kunas Indians are established in the idyllic setting of the San Blas archipelago. 378 islands scattered along the Caribbean coast, from the Gulf of San Blas almost to the Colombian border. The Kuna Indians have retained their own economic system, language and customs. The archipelago depends on the coconut trade, fishing and tourism. Achutupu, Kagantupu and Coco Blanco are the most interesting islands.

To the west of the country, nicknamed the valley of eternal spring, the small town of Boquete is an excellent base to undertake the ascent of the Barú volcano (3,475 m), or visit the 14,300 hectares of the national park that surrounds it.

South of Panama, the island of Taboga, known as the island of flowers, has a pleasant beach and splendid expanses of protected virgin forest. It is home to one of the largest pelican colonies in Latin America.

Finally, whether on the Atlantic or Pacific side, on the mainland or on the islands, the Panamanian beaches are magnificent: white, grey or black sand, lush vegetation, water temperature between 24 and 30 degrees... The tourist period covers the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April. During the rainy season, the weather can be hot and moist on the plain. Famous for its canal, Panama is also and especially a tropical country, covered with jungle. Its deep forest and coral islets are populated by seven native American Indian peoples. They live in symbiosis with nature, take care of themselves with plants and roots, hunt and fish as their ancestors did.

In Panama, a few hours are enough to pass from a forest populated by wild animals to a dream beach lined with coconut trees, from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

A link between Central and South America, Panama is a country of extreme diversity, both in its landscapes and its fauna and flora. In Panama, lakes, mountains, volcanoes and small islands are home to tropical birds, monkeys and exotic flowers. Through its modern capital, Panama City, its colonial-inspired cities and its authentic islands, Panama offers a rich panorama in the most faithful respect of its culture and traditions.

Art and culture in Panama
Partying is part of the Panamanian way of life. The folklore is very rich like the Tipico in central Panama. It includes music, cooking, dancing and costumes. Music and dance are omnipresent, including mejorana, punto and tamborito. On this occasion the dancers wear the pollera (traditional costume worn during the festivities). As for crafts, there is a tradition of woodcarving, weaving, ceramics and mask making. On the other hand, the hats called panama do not originate from the Isthmus but from Ecuador. The elegant hats that Panamanians wear are called pintado. You will meet some during your escapades in rented car in Panama, especially in the interior of the country.

What to visit in Panama
Panama is tirelessly watching the Panamax parade, the name given to the ships whose size allows them to use the Panama Canal, even if some of them do not allow the Panama Canal to be used.