Why Panama has something for everyone

From engineering marvels to colonial history and some partying dictators, Panama has something for everyone.

I have to admit that I was like most people when you think of Panama – you only think of the canal – but there is so much more to this small Central American country.

From the moment you land in Panama City and see the skyscrapers dotting the skyline, you know that this is one of the major commercial hubs of the world.  But soon enough you are whisked to the charming streets of Casco Viejo – the old town of Panama City.  When you first learn that this is actually the “new” town, built in 1673 after pirates destroyed the original town, you know that you are in for an interesting slice of history.  Even the traditional Panama hat (which is actually Ecuadorian) has its important part in the local history.

As you wander the compact old city of Panama and marvel at all the influences that have come through this region over the centuries, you will be amazed that so much has been able to be preserved in this charming colonial town.

From Panama City, it is a relatively short 90 min drive across the country from the Pacific Coast to Colon on the Caribbean Sea.  I was then lucky enough to board the National Geographic Quest to commence my journey with Lindblad, not only through the Panama Canal, but also along the Panamanian Pacific coastline.

Lindblad were fantastic at showing us all the engineering obstacles that had to be overcome to finally create this path through what was considered impenetrable jungle, and the importance it has in global trade – certainly demonstrated by the number of ships making their way through the lock system.

But no journey with Lindblad would be complete without a focus on nature.  Even with all this commerce happening right in front of us, Lindblad were able to take us into the jungle to show us one of the most biodiverse environments in the world.  Within moments we heard monkeys screeching, whilst tiny hummingbirds fluttered right in front of us.

Soon enough it was time to leave the Canal behind, and it was onto the Pacific Coastline.  Here we swapped the jungle for beautiful sand beaches and reefs teeming with aqua-life.  So many fish were schooling just metres from the beach that it almost felt like a scene from Finding Nemo.

Our final stop in Panama was a special treat organised by Lindblad.  Through Lindblad’s extensive connections they were able to arrange for an old penitentiary to be opened, just for us.  As a result, we were some of the first ever tourists to visit the last gaol of many of Panama’s “disappeared prisoners”, as well as being the site of countless, secretive parties hosted by General Noriega and his buddies.  Shown around by the current army guards, this was definitely not your standard tour! 

After just a few days in Panama, I was left wanting more and knew that I had only scratched the surface of this fascinating and beautiful country.