Another primary objective of preserving this natural forest is maintaining supply of drinking water across cities like La Chorrera, Panama and Colon. The preservation of the region’s rain forest also helps in proper electricity generation for Colon and Panama. Other than all these, one should also know that for proper working of the Panama Canal, its water levels must be maintained. This is because every ship passing through this canal requires a minimum of 52 million gallons sweet water (non recoverable).

Besides being such an important project for the people of Panama, the Chagres National Park is also a popular tourist destination of the country. As a result several restaurants and hotels have been established in the neighboring areas of the park. Are you looking to visit the Chagres National Park; then the following guidelines will help you immensely:

1. If you are on Transisthmian Highway i.e. the highway running between Colon and Panama, you can reach the park through 3 different ways. They are: taking Calzada Laarga road leading to Alajuela Lake, opting for the road leading to Madden Dam and from Nuevo Vigia, a town of Panama.
2. Another way of reaching the Chagres National Park is through the road leading to the famous volcano Cerro Azul.

The Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama was inaugurated in the year 1980, on 23rd of December. The exact location of the museum is in Panama’s Maranon neighborhood. This area was originally created in 1850 for the railroad workers; then, this place used to be called as ‘Guachapali’.

What you can expect to see in this museum? The most prominent exhibits of this museum are the historic photographs of Antilleans, who first inhabited this part of the world during the mid 1800s. Visitors will also get to see a number of other interesting objects belonging to that era. There’s a room dedicated to photos depicting the arrival of the Antillean immigrants in Panama. There are also photos expressing the engagement of these people in construction of Interoceanic Canal and railway. This building, in which we have the Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama today, was built in the year 1909, which is long before the inception of the museum. During its early days, the building was a Chapel for Christian Mission. It was built by a Barbarian group, who wanted to use this place for holding their religious meetings.

Exploring the museum will educate you thoroughly about the history of Panama. If you want to gather more knowledge, opt for a guide. The museum authority has arranged several well trained and well-behaved guides for people visiting this place. In the month of August, every year, the museum hosts a special event, during which talk shows, contests and photo exhibitions are organized in the museum premises.

Coiba National Park is not only famous for encompassing such a wide area, but also for the many as 39 islands housed by it. The biggest island housed by the park is Isla Coiba. Isla Coiba is not only the biggest island of Coiba, but also the largest one in whole of Panama. Some of the other notable islands of Coiba are: Brincando, Jacarita, Jicaron, Pajaros, Afuerita, Coibita and Uva. Islands of this park include beaches and unspoiled coastline of more than 150 miles.

One of the most visited parts of the Coiba National park is its biological station. Currently, the park’s biological station is home to 36 mammal species, 39 reptile and amphibian species and 147 avian species. Here, you will come across several animal species that are either absolutely extinct or endangered in other parts of Panama. Examples of two such species are: Crested Eagle and Scarlet Macaw. The national park also has animals that are not found anywhere else on earth, for instance Mantled Howler Monkeys and Coiba Island Agoutis. Besides all these, the park houses 12 echinoderms, 69 fish species, 13 crustaceans and 45 mollusks. The place also acts as the habitat for aquatic animals like bottlenose dolphins, pan tropical dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, orca whales and humpbacked whales. The wide variety of plant life housed by Coiba is also worth a mention. The park has more than 1,450 plant species, out of which majority are rare varieties.

The other most prominent attribute of the Coiba National park is the wonderful diving opportunities offered by the park amidst the rugged coral reefs. Damas Bay, one of the regions of the park experiencing maximum number of footfalls has the Central America’s biggest coral reef.

You will need only around 10 minutes for reaching  Metropolitan National Park from Panama City’s downtown district. The most convenient route will be the Pablo-II Road through Tumba Muerto. You can also opt for taking the Pablo-II exit on the Northern Ringroad; this route will take you to the Visitors Center of the park, located 1 Kilometer away from the actual park premises.

Many prefer going to the visitor center first as there they can obtain detailed information about the facilities they can enjoy in the area and things they can do in the park. The Visitors Center will provide information about things like restaurants, hotels and tour operations available in Panama City. You can also hire guides from the Visitors Center for accompanying you as you explore Metropolitan National Park. Other than all these, the Visitors Center is itself an exciting place to explore. Visit the projection room housed it for getting familiar with the environment of the park. There’s also a library, an ecostore and permanent exhibition.

The Metropolitan National Park houses an Orchid Green House. There, you will get the opportunity of seeing orchid species found only in Panama; one of the most talked about species among them is the National Flower of Panama, Espiritu Santo. The park authority organizes conferences for educating the visitors on varied streams of science. These conferences are organized on the final Wednesday of each month.

Panama Canal cruises are world-renowned for providing the best that the Americas have to offer on both coasts. The Pacific and Atlantic coasts are very different from each other, so cruisers get the best of both worlds without having to travel the entire length of South America. Panama Canal Cruises usually focus on North and Central America, with Panama being the southern-most point. However, some southern cruises are also available along with partial Panama Canal cruises that enter and exit the canal on the same side.

Panama

The Panama Canal is known not only throughout the Americas but throughout the world. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt played a major part in its construction. Since opening in 1914, millions of people have visited Panama simply to witness the marvel of the canal and be able to quickly move from ocean-to-ocean and to stop off and enjoy all that Panama has to offer. While most of the ships that go through the canal are there for business or military reasons, cruise ships enjoy a special privilege is using the canal. Passengers can marvel at how the locks work, making the ship rise up to 85 feet from sea level. Many cruises have a Panama Canal historian onboard to explain the canal and the attractions that can be enjoyed while passing through.

Departure Ports

Panama Canal cruises are available that depart from either ocean. In the United States, they generally depart from Los Angeles or San Diego on the Pacific Side and Miami or Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic side. However, cruises can depart from as far away as Alaska, Hawaii or Europe. Other departure ports include San Francisco, New York, and Costa Rica. Most cruises from Los Angeles to Miami/Fort Lauderdale are 15 nights long.

Shorter, single day excursions are also available for those who are already in or near Panama. Some partial Panama Canal cruises enter and exit through Pacific side, going through both Pacific locks twice, once on the way in and once on the way out. However, many originate in Florida, stop off in various ports of the Caribbean and Mexico before or after Panama and then return back to the original port.

Ports of Call

The ports of call on a Panama Canal Cruise can be numerous, allowing cruisers to visit several cities in different countries. Some of the most popular ports include the following:

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Puerto Chiapas, Mexico
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Acapulco, Mexico
• Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
• Fuerte Amador, Panama
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Bahamas
• Aruba

Cruise Lines

Several cruise lines offer Panama Canal cruises. Each line will have specific ports of call and different amenities. Some cruise lines with Panama Canal cruises available are as follows:

• Azamara Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard
• Holland America
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Caribbean International
• Regent Seven Seas

Get thrilled with the most amazing and internationally recognized cheapest place for scuba dive. Here, the whale shark and many marine lives add immense joy in your adventure. The Central America bag packers lay down the street that shows the inner beauty and closeness to nature.

Antiqua – Guatemala

Guatemala is a very well maintained colonial city that has plenty of things on its ground. Guatemala, an equatorial Europe is occupied by Pubs, Spanish schools & Hostels, Coffee shops, International restaurants.

Santa Elena – Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most astonishing, charming, blended with the bless of nature, trees on the streets, howler monkeys and a small canopy tour with the very less distance from town.

Bocas Town – Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Panama is decorated with adoring beaches, lined up by huge cruise, an ideal portal for driving into the isles of the Bocas Del Toro Archepelago. It is known as the most popular travel destination with the attractive tourist packages.

Caye Caulker – Belize

Celebrate your life with an exclusive luxurious isle especially during the yearly Lobsterfest in July. Sink into an island that has the Snorkeling, sunbathing, strolling and sipping Belikin beer daily.

The Corn Islands – Nicaragua

The corn island is the core heart of Caribbean culture and a unique place that blends Miskito Indians, Mainlanders, Caribs and occasionally back packers. A tropical paradise that enjoys the position of being third largest exporter of lobsters has best quality at very less price.  The soft sand, nature’s land, the astounding trees and the beaches makes it a most incredible place to visit.

Bocas Del Toro is a great destination in Panama. The water is the biggest draw in the islands, but there are a huge number of other attractions in the vicinity as well. There are a number of day trips that set out from the islands and take you to nearby places of interest. There are a number of sights to be seen on the island itself.

Smithsonian Research Station . . .

This is a free tour, and is one of the most rewarding experiences, whether you are a lover of nature or not. There are a huge number of research projects that are conducted by the Smithsonian, from wet lands, to the ocean, to mangroves. There are a number of fascinating insights to be shot, and some excellent displays to be seen. The tours are conducted on Thursdays and Fridays at 3 a m and 5 p m.

Botanical Tour at Los Manos . . .

Los Manos is known for its botanical tours. There are a huge number of things to do and see, the highlight of which is the thirteen different kinds of bananas.  The twenty acre property is shown to visitors by Lin, the owner, a self taught lady who knows a great deal about the flora here. The tour is priced at $ 10.00. Make sure you wake up early enough in the morning.

Taxi tours to Paunch and Bluff Beaches . . .

Taxi drivers offer round trip tours to Paunch and Bluff Beaches. This is inclusive of lunch at the La Coralina, which overlooks the miles of ocean and beach. This costs about $ 15 for the round trip.

Kayaking at Zaigon Bay

If you are a guest at the Bahia del Sol or the Koko Resort, you can kayak free of cost to the neighboring mangroves at Zaigon bay. If you are not a guest, the cost is $ 10 for 2 hrs.

The town is home to a huge number of attractions that fascinate tourists from all over the world, and there is no dearth to quality facilities or amenities here. The town is a legitimate tourist destination that is filled with rewarding activities and sights.

1) ATV tours to the Caldera Hot Springs

The Hot Springs are definitely worth visiting when you are in Boquete. The Hot Springs are situated at a distance of about twenty kilo meters from the downtown area of Boquete. You can take ATV tours from the downtown area, and this will take you right upto the Hot Springs, with a number of interesting sights on the way.

2) Rent a scooter

Renting a scooter is the best way to explore the beautiful city from a variety of different angles. As you go out of the city, the view becomes more and more beautiful and the heavenly mountains that tower over Boquete come into view. The scooters are powerful enough for the climb and the roads pretty safe.

3. Climb the Volcan Baru

Volcan Baru is the highest peak in Panama, and you can actually see both the Atlantic as well as the Pacific oceans with the naked eye from the pinnacle. The trek is not suitable for novice hikers, but more advanced climbers can attempt to scale the height.

4. Hike the Quetzal Trail

Questzal Trail is one of the most popular tours in Boquete. The trail starts from Boquete and Cerro Punta. The trail head is about three kilo meters.

Tourists thronging Panama City stand a good chance of visiting popular attractions, such as Canal Museum, Bolivar Plaza, and Metropolitan Cathedral. The rainforest of Metropolitan National Park, which is tropical in nature, is a particular hit with the tourists. The hill of Cerro Ancon provides splendid views of the city. Alternatively, watch the renowned Bridge of Americas situated on top of Panama Canal. Tourists may also learn about Old Panama’s ruins in the historic district of the city. The following are the most important Panama City Resorts.

Breezes Panama

This all-inclusive resort can be reached in 1 hour and 45 minutes from the airport. Breezes Panama is not just a premier resort in Central America. It is the first resort in the Breezes chain located along Pacific Ocean’s shoreline.

Breezes Panama offers a super-inclusive holiday. This all-inclusive package includes the premier amenities of the hotel at an unbelievable price.

The resort overlooks a fascinating beach stretch in the region of Santa Clara. This stretch is also known as The Dry Arc for its predominantly dry climate for most parts of the year. The resort offers lush-green vegetation that is tropical in nature on one hand. On the other hand lie splendid views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort is a dream-come-true for nature lovers and adventurers. The resort is home to white water rafting and hiking. Several ecological and archaeological tours are organized here.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Panama

This hotel is situated 12.4 miles from the international airport. The Crowne Plaza Hotel Panama is luxury hotel catering to business and international tourists. The hotel has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The hotel is designed to meet the needs of business travelers.

The hotel has 187 rooms spread across 11 floors. The hotel is replete with a gym, beauty salon, outdoor pool, and laundry service. There are umpteen meeting facilities and business services.

InterContinental Miramar Panama

This hotel is situated 12 miles from the international airport at Tocumen. It is ideal for business deals and family vacations. Amenities include swimming pool, gymnasium, massage, Jacuzzi, and health club. There is an exclusive, private marina offering opportunities for fishing and water sports. It offers splendid views of the ancient and contemporary world.

These were the Panama City Resorts.

As you move out of sight, you will see the mountains pass the valets and all this is left on the horizon, when you go past all of this, you will see it hutting on the tip of what seems to be an amazing dormant Volcano called Baru. As you go higher and gain altitude, the air thickens for a little while and the pine trees eventually get replaced with tough leafed tropical plants which are on the lowlands. Explore Panama with the sour heat of the day, it would finally give way to what seems like the clean smell of sea salt.

As you keep going further, you will see something that looks like  many bungalows that look as good as millions of dollars. The many palm filled porch roods and the landscaping here is just amazing.

When you do get out of your vehicle, you should be sure to check out the different houses here, some of them almost look as though they have been made out of coral, like it has almost be tossed out onto the sea. This would probably be an angular mass of Cement. So when you go behind the gate, be sure to accessories and run your eyes along the  white washed skin. Later on you will see that you might just find yourself feeling quite strange about it on your adventure while you explore Panama.

There is a large metal gate at the barrier, which after you could see the littered courtyard. These have many empty plastic bottles and  there are boxes and bags of crumpled trash that come from the night gathering spots from where people go and drink local beer.