Covering a land-bridge which links North and
South America, the
Republic of Panama is best known for its 40-mile long (65km) shipping canal, which is cut along a gap between mountains, linking the
Caribbean Sea to the
Pacific Ocean. The country is largely unexplored by tourists; only a few hardy adventurers, researchers and spirited travelers have had the joy of discovering its amazing diversity of flora and fauna, secluded beaches, tropical beauty and historic treasures. The name, Panama, means 'abundance of fish and butterflies', in an indigenous language, which gives a good indication of the
wild wonders to be found here, beyond its rather daunting, but fascinating capital,
Panama City.
Panama has a significant history stretching back thousands of years, from its eight indigenous peoples (including the colorful Kunas of the
San Blas Islands) to its turbulent colonial occupation. Spanish forts stand along the coastline, overlooking the blue waters once patrolled by famous pirates like
Henry Morgan, and where
Sir Francis Drake was buried at sea.
It is the natural beauty of the isthmus that offers so much for visitors, however. Around 30 percent of Panama is made up of 15 national parks and forest reserves, and 10 wildlife sanctuaries, like the incredible Parque Nacional
Darién, just a short drive from Panama City, which is the most magnificent wilderness area in
Central America. Archipelagos of about 1,500 offshore islands, their white soft beaches lapped by crystal clear waters, sport virgin rainforest and are an untouched paradise for divers, snorkelers, deep-sea fishing, water sports and sunbathers.
Those 'in the know' can be forgiven for keeping the delights of Panama a secret from the flood of modern tourism, because this has preserved the integrity of this overlooked part of the world where the sun always shines and it is possible to swim in two oceans in a single morning.
