Panama City Waterfront, A Kuna woman from the San Blas Islands

Panama is a country of fantastic natural diversity and varied landscapes, as well as an incredibly diverse culture including seven indigenous peoples. With rainforests, national parks, volcanos, mountainous regions, and two coastlines, there's so much to be discovered and enjoyed here. There's plenty for both the more adventurous traveller, as well as those looking for some relaxation and luxury. Here are just a few highlights...

Panama City

Panama City is a vibrant and cosmopolitan Central American City. It is an international centre of trade and banking and has a lot more to explore than just it's famous canal.

The Parque Natural Metropolitano, 265 hectares of jungle situated within the city, is 'one of the most accessible tropical forests in the world', perfect for bird watching or just for a stroll. A great view of the city can also be found here.

The shopping malls are many and extensive with numerous international brands being represented here. There are cinemas showing the latest films in both Spanish and English, and a busy and thriving nightlife centred around Via Uraguay, home to many bars, and even an English pub!

There are some lovely hotels in the city, including The Bristol and The Radisson, and if a spot of gambling takes your fancy, there are also several casinos.

If you're looking for something a little more cultural, there are two historic areas to investigate. Casco Viejo - the Old town, and Panama La Vieja- the original site of the city, abandoned in the late 1600s and now in ruins.

And of course, there's the famous canal...

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Bocas del Toro

This Archipelago of nine islands, 52 keys and some 200 islets, is a beautiful region of Panama. It is located on the Caribbean coast close to the Costa Rican border.

The main island of Isla Colón is the largest and most developed and is the central point to explore the region. You will find a variety of hotels to suit all budgets, and from here you can fish, dive, snorkel, surf and explore the islands and beaches by boat and by foot.

The main town of Bocas del Toro, on Isla Colón, is a busy little place with restaurants, bars and an active nightlife. For a great meal, at an affordable price, try The Lemon Grass, an Oriental fusion restaurant. Located by the water, in the centre of town, it's worth a visit for fresh, locally sourced food with a bit of difference.

San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are an archipelago along the Caribbean coast of Panama stretching to the Columbian border. They are a series of 378 islands, 49 of which are inhabited by the Kuna Indians who run the islands as an autonomous province. They have their own economic system, language, customs and culture and have very little interference from the national government. They have their own distinctive dress, music and dance and have an economy based largely on fishing and tourism. Facilities are basic here and accommodation is in Kuna villages, no luxury resorts! It's like taking a journey back in time, the men still fish from canoes as they did even before Columbus arrived!

Las Perlas Islands

The Las Perlas Islands are the most accessible islands from Panama City. Isla Contadora, on the northern side of the archipelago, is only about 30 miles from the city. There are over 40 islands in the archipelago many of which are uninhabited.

The Darien National Park to the east, is the largest national park in Central America and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and Biosphere reserve in 1982.

Boat trips to the islands are a popular activity here, and often include fishing, swimming and snorkelling. The boat journey to Isla Contadora takes just over an hour making it a perfect day trip from Panama City. The area is home to the Embera Indians, who accept visitors to their village.

There are some luxury hotels in the area such as the Hacienda Del Mar Resort, located at the southern tip of the archipelago on Isla San Jose. There is some top-rate fishing here, and it's a great place for some relaxation.

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