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Panama is an attractive Central American country bordered by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. A chain of mountain peaks runs through almost its entire territory, surrounded by coastal lowlands with fantastic beaches. The state also includes several islands, one of which is mined for pearls.
Who and why goes to Panama
Most tourists associate Panama only with the canal of the same name. In fact, the country’s tourism potential is impressive. Fans of unusual architecture will appreciate Panama City, as bold projects and unusual solutions have been implemented here.
Due to the fact that the state is located in the zone of humid equatorial forests, people have practically not affected the state of the local nature. 220 species of mammals, 978 species of birds, hundreds of species of insects and reptiles, tens of thousands of species of plants live in these territories.
To get to know the indigenous people of the country, it is enough to go on a canoe on the Chagres River. The thatched houses of the Embera tribe, the indigenous people of Panama, were built in the jungle. It will be very interesting to look at the traditions of their life.
Of course, one of the reasons for visiting the country is the bright holidays. And it doesn’t matter when a tourist arrives in Panama — he can always witness colorful events.
Architectural sights of Panama
panama city
Panama City is a true accumulation of architectural sights of the country. You can walk along Balboa Boulevard, go to the National Theater and the Church of San José, the fortress of Las Boevdas, which was built to protect gold and silver from pirates, and is now used as an art gallery. A monument to the national hero Simon Bolivar was also erected here.
Panama Viejo
This city was built back in 1517, and is now part of Panama City. The inhabitants were forced to regularly defend themselves from the Indians and pirates, but in 1671 another invasion left ruins from their dwelling. Now every tourist can look at the ancient architecture of Panama Viejo.
Bridge of the Americas
This is the first fixed bridge between the south and north of America. In 2004, work was carried out to expand it, as a result of which the structure can pass about 35 thousand cars a day. The bridge takes on an incredible view in the evening, when it is adorned with lights.
Museums and galleries
Biomuseum in Panama City
In 2014, the Biomuseum was opened in the suburban part of Panama City. The popular architect Frank Gehry was responsible for the project. The building with an area of 4,000 square meters turned out to be bright and catchy.
The museum has excellent displays of natural history. Of greatest interest is the room with 12 screens, which creates the effect of immersion in nature. They are placed not only on the sides of the visitor, but also under the feet and above the head. Monkeys jump in front of tourists, sharks swim under them. And how the heart stops from the recreated storm!
Museum of Sacred Art
This museum was erected on the site of an old chapel destroyed by fire, like most buildings of the colonial era. The restoration of the building in 1974 made it possible to recreate its original image. Nearby are the ruins of the monastery of Santo Domingo.
The Museum of Sacred Art exhibits objects of religious heritage that came from the colonial era, personal belongings of religious figures, ministers and their family members. The exhibits date back to the 16th-18th centuries.
The 18th century altar made of gold attracts the most attention. Tradition says that the old attendant once painted the altar black so that it would not be stolen by pirates. In addition to the regular exhibition, temporary exhibitions are also held here.
Panama Canal Museum
The museum was founded as a non-profit public organization. Since 1997, its doors have been open to travelers who want to know the details of the canal’s construction.
The museum occupies three floors, which contain various posters, streamers, photographs, sketches, etc. In one of the halls, a film shot on the bow of the ship is shown. Other rooms show the life and technology of the construction period: workers’ clothes, tools, telephones. Here you can even see soil samples.
Diablo Rosso Art Gallery
The gallery was founded in 2006 and is an experimental project that helps young artists show their work to the world. The founders of the gallery are trying to encourage their unusual view of art, to develop young talents.
Diablo Rosso is a multifunctional innovation center that includes a showroom and a concept store. It organizes exhibitions, film screenings, lectures and master classes. The store sells items and clothes from young designers.
Weil Gallery
The motto of the gallery is «Art as the fuel of life». Here are exhibited excellent paintings and sculptures, handicrafts of local and international experts. This is the only art auction house in the country. The owner of the institution put his whole soul into the work, searching for exhibits around the world.
Marion Gallery
The institution is engaged in the development of new types of contemporary art. The gallery includes three large halls. A characteristic feature of Marion is the exposition of Carlos Cruz-Diz, presented on a regular basis. His works made of plastic surprise with the play of colors that deceive the eyes of a simple spectator. So visitors are offered to look at art from a new angle.
Interesting places
City of Boquet
The mountain town of Boquet is located in the foothills of the Baru volcano. This place is considered a paradise because of the pleasant climate and picturesque views. In Boquete, you can taste the most delicious coffee in the world, including expensive varieties — for example, Geisha worth $ 1,600 per kilogram or 40 per cup. Elderly people adore this city for its ecology and good living conditions.
Mercado de Abatos
This is a farmers’ market where almost everything is sold — from beans and coffee, to aromatic herbs, fruits, vegetables and ready meals. All products are high quality, fresh and tasty. Onion, pineapple, avocado, mango, pepper are sold quite cheaply on the market. Travelers often come here to sample the local street food, experience the flavor of the market, and buy souvenirs.
Azuero Peninsula
This place is rightfully considered the soul of Panamanian culture. There are many farms and ranches here that did not suffer from the influence of the Spanish colonialists. Incredible landscapes of hills, quiet and calm beaches, soothing sound of the waves. Here you can forget about the world around you and be alone with yourself.
The culture of Spain still left its mark on the local architecture. The buildings in the colonial style look curious. Noisy parties are often organized on the peninsula. And surfers are advised to visit Venao Beach.
Fish market
This is the best place to try traditional Panamanian food. At first, it is worth walking around the malls to feel the indescribable atmosphere. In addition, the cost of delicious seafood here does not bite, but quite the contrary.
All products are incredibly high quality and always fresh. After examining the goods, you can go up to the second floor, where the restaurant row is located.
Chocolate Farm La Loma
The chocolate farm is just an incredible place, cut off from civilization and devoid of electricity. It is located on a distant island called Bastimentos (Bocas de Toro archipelago). Travelers will be told and shown here how chocolate is grown and produced, and they will also be given a chance to taste the fruits of cocoa beans at any time of the year.
Even on Bastimentos, walks through the mangroves descending to the beaches are allowed. The attention of brave tourists is attracted by the mysterious half-flooded cave Nivida, under the arches of which you can swim.
souvenir market
From each trip, I want to bring nice gifts for friends and relatives, and even grab something for myself as a keepsake. The choice of goods in the souvenir market is amazing. Here you can, for example, buy a molas — a woven bedspread embroidered by local craftsmen.
These bedspreads feature abstract designs or natural designs. The product is durable and strong, so such textiles are very popular among tourists.
Natural attractions and islands
San Blas
This is a tropical archipelago, which includes a huge number of islands with white sand and clear water. The local population of San Blas calls «Guna Yala» — the name of the Indian people living here. The islands are located in groups and separately, bamboo houses are built on them. The inhabitants of the archipelago make a living by fishing and breeding domestic animals. By the way, natives love to receive tourists.
San Blas is a great place to relax in a hammock between palm trees. You can lie like this all day, enjoying the scenery and drinking coconut milk.
Ankolahill
The 360-meter-high hill is considered a historical treasure of the country. Previously, the land on it belonged to the American authorities, and only in the eighties did it pass to the rightful owner. The Panama flag now flies on Ancolahill. This is the only high point around the capital, and the view from the hill is amazing.
Volcano Baru
The volcano is located in the national park of the same name in the province of Chiriqui, near the Talamanca mountain range. Baru is considered the highest point in the country and reaches 3.4 thousand meters. The volcano is popular due to its healing thermal waters, so tourists from all over Central America come here to improve their health and relax. Also, this place will be appreciated by climbers and climbers.
Paths are laid along the slopes of Baru to observe the beautiful quetzal bird, exotic orchids, tapirs and other representatives of the local animal world. The volcano looks beautiful at dawn. It is not easy to get up there, but the spectacle is definitely worth the effort.
Contadora Island
The island is located 50 kilometers from the Panamanian coast in the Pacific Ocean and is included in the Pearl archipelago. Travelers consider it a paradise, because there are beautiful sandy beaches, and the water has an amazing turquoise hue. The island of Contadora has the only nudist beach in Panama.
National parks of Panama
Chagres
The reserve was established to protect the ecosystem of the river of the same name, which provides drinking water to the capital of Panama. The conditions for the rest of tourists are well organized: you can go water skiing or a scooter, go fishing, live in the open air of the rainforest. There is a unique opportunity to buy goods of local artisans.
Coiba
This park is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Here you can see marine life: dolphins, coral reefs and bright tropical fish swimming among anemones and algae. In local waters, it is easy to meet hammerhead fish or even whale sharks.
The national park has excellent beaches. Coiba is an archipelago of 38 islands in Chiriqui Bay. The park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the main natural attractions of Panama. Interestingly, there are not so many tourists on Koibe, so the infrastructure is not very developed and the park has retained almost its original appearance.
Collections
Half an hour from Panama City — and you find yourself in a national park where you can watch birds and animals. The park runs along most of the isthmus, passing along Lake Gatun and reaching Paraiso.
Soberania is considered the most accessible rainforest in the country. Several routes for tourists have been formed here, along which people meet sloths, black howler monkeys, and monkeys. Also, more than five hundred species of a wide variety of birds live here — from toucans to tanagers.
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