Tourism in Panama

Tourism in Panama
The bridge between Central and South America, Panama is best known as the home of the famous Panama Canal, but it offers much more. The country has highland jungles, beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage crammed into an area so small it can all be seen in a single vacation. While seeing the country is easy, Panama presents some hazards to be aware of and avoid, especially in the southern part of the country.

• Outdoor Activities

Panama is fringed with beautiful beaches and warm, clear water, giving  to a host of oceanic activities. Frommer's describes both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama as "the destination for a surfin' safari." Both sides of the country also host snorkeling and scuba diving sites.

• Attractions

One of the major draws of Panama is the famous Panama Canal, although a detailed tour  the canal zone is likely only of interest to fans of engineering or maritime shipping. Casco Antiguo is the oldest city in Panama and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and thanks to numerous fires over the years, it reflects architectural styles from Spanish colonial to art deco.

• When to Go

There are only two seasons in Panama: rainy and dry. Rough Guides recommends the dry season of mid-December to April as the best time to visit Panama, but the rainy season does have one thing to recommend it: Cloud cover offers some protection from the strong, almost equatorial sun. Temperatures hover between the upper 70s and upper 80s all year, with high humidity a constant even in the dry season.