| Panama has been dubbed as one of the world's | | | | Considering the city was the first European Settlement |
| friendliest countries, and with a wealth of things to do | | | | on the pacific, founded in the 16th century, parts of it |
| and tourist attractions, it's surprising to hear that it is a | | | | are considerably well preserved. Outside of the towns |
| country often overlooked by travellers. | | | | and cities, Panama's beauty continues, with its 15 |
| Situated at the heart of Central America, bordering | | | | national parks, 10 wildlife sanctuaries and numerous |
| Costa Rica to the north and Columbia to the south, | | | | forest reserves. |
| Panama is probably best known for its canal. | | | | As Panama has always been an international |
| The 50 mile long shipping canal joins the Pacific and | | | | crossroad, and trade hub, its people are used to |
| Atlantic oceans, which has dramatically improved | | | | meeting people from all corners of the world. This has |
| shipping times from the East and West coast. For | | | | created a nation of people who are friendly, |
| instance, a ship travelling from New York to San | | | | approachable and more than welcome to offer a |
| Francisco via the canal travels around 6,000 miles, | | | | helping hand. |
| compared to the 14,000 miles it would travel around | | | | Off the mainland, there is an archipelago of about 1,500 |
| Cape Horn. | | | | islands, which, with their sandy white beaches lapped |
| Today the canal provides passage for over 12,000 | | | | by crystal clear waters offer visitors the ultimate in |
| vessels a year and there are plans in place to expand | | | | seclusion. For the more adventurous, Panama's coast |
| it considerably by 2014. | | | | is a paradise for divers, snorkellers and various water |
| On the Pacific end of the canal lies the countries | | | | sport enthusiasts. |
| cosmopolitan capital - Panama City. The main part of | | | | Whatever you want from your holidays, you're sure to |
| the city is comprised of ultra-modern skyscrapers, | | | | find it in one of the many corners of Panama. Too |
| stylish bars and restaurants where it's possible to dine | | | | ensure you are getting the best deal on your holidays, |
| on world class cuisine. Venturing away from the | | | | then its best to have a look online where you will find |
| beautiful bay on which the main part of the city lies, are | | | | an abundance of cheap holidays. |
| the ancient and atmospheric ruins of the old city. | | | | |