Panama City, Panama

Panama City, Panama is often referred to as the “Crossroads of the world”, primarily because of the massive number of people that pass through. Located in Central America between Costa Rica and Columbia, Panama has long been used as a route from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Historians tell us that the earliest inhabitants of Panama were the Cocle and Cuevas cultures but because of overwhelming disease and fighting with the Spaniards in the 16^th century, the numbers quickly diminished. Although it took a little time and effort, the Spanish finally established a settlement in 1510 at the mouth of the Rio Chagres called Nombre de Dios. Eventually, this coastline area became a popular target for invasions of Peru and wealth generated by the incursions was brought over land from the port of Panama to the Spanish settlement.

Because of the abundance of wealth, pirates were attracted to Panama as well and by the 18^th century, the Caribbean had become such a dangerous place that even the Spanish ships would go completely around Panama, sailing directly to Peru. At that time, Panama started into a decline, becoming a province of Colombia with the South American nation finally getting its independence. Then by 1846, a treaty was signed by Colombia, allowing the United States to construct a railroad, as well as use military force to protect it.

With this came the idea of a canal across isthmus but when the French tried to construct one in 1880, 22,000 workers lost their lives from yellow fever, malaria, and unfortunately, bankruptcy for all. Even so, a new contract to build the canal was negotiated with both strategic and financial interest from the United States. Although there was friction as a result of the treaty, issues were ironed out and in 1904 the building of the canal again began, this time by the United States. Then 10 years later, the first ship made its way successfully through the canal.

Since that time, there has been some unrest in Panama but under the leadership of General Manuel Noriega, drug trafficking, money laundering, and democracy problems were corrected. Today, crime rates are down and the city has worked hard to make it a wonderful place to visit. When you go to Panama City, you will see a lot of diversity due to a wide ethnic mix. Because of this, the food, entertainment, and even traditional arts are quite diverse.

The Panama Canal joins South and Central America, bordering on Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. The arch shape is unique in that the canal serves both as a bridge that passes between two continents and a passageway of oceans. The narrowest point of the canal is just 30 miles but at the widest, 720 miles. In addition, the Panama Canal is 50 miles long and works by effectively dividing the county.

All around Panama are hundreds of beautiful islands. Then, there are two primary archipelagos, which include Bocas Del Toro and San Blas. There, you can enjoy a number of water sports to include deep sea fishing snorkeling, and scuba diving. In addition to the ocean, Panama also has flat coastal lowlands as well as two mountain ranges with the highest peak being Volcan Baruat 11,400 feet about sea level.

Dominating the Canal Zone are magnificent rainforests. Then if you go toward Costa Rica, you will be amazed at the abundance of wildlife. In fact, Panama has a large number of flora and fauna species, mass amounts of land for preservation, and with few people to scare the wildlife away or damage the vegetation you get the chance of a lifetime to enjoy unspoiled land.

In addition, Panama has two specific seasons, one that is dry, lasting from January to April and then the rainy season from late April to December. Keep in mind that on the Caribbean side of the highlands, the rainfall is quite heavy. The temperatures are usually hotter in the lowlands, averaging 80 degrees, but nice and cool in the mountains, typically between 55 to 65 degrees.

The ferry ride to the island of Taboga is a nice day trip or you can enjoy folklore shows, experiencing some of the colorful culture associated with Panama City to include costumes and traditional dances, and even eco touring at the rainforest reserve, take a train ride along the Canal banks, and any number of exciting activities. This city is truly an incredible place, well worth exploring.