Location: Central America, bordering Colombia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Panama
Tourist Attractions: Known for the Panama Canal, Panama is famous for its lovely islands, beaches, colonial structures and a fascinating culture, which is a curious blend of Spanish and American cultures. The major tourist attractions in Panama include President’s Palace, Salón Bolivar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Panama Canal in Panama City; Paseo Centenario in Colón; Portobello - famous for its Spanish stone forts; Chiriquí province- famous for its spectacular waterfalls and mountain scenery; and Isla Grande Island and Bocas del Toro archipelago. Other must visit attractions in Panama are Darién National Park, Soberanía National Park, San Blas Islands, Ingenio de Azúcar Santa Rosa (sugar refinery) and the scenic Alpine town of Boquete. Panama also offers some of the finest diving, birding, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing spots in the Caribbean.
Access: Many airlines fly to Panama City from the Americas and Europe. Several cruise liners cross the Panama Canal and stop over at Balboa, the port of call at Panama. Bus services also connect Panama with Costa Rica, Río Sereno and Guabito-Sixaola, near the Caribbean coast.
Climate: Panama enjoys a tropical maritime climate. There are two main seasons in Panama – dry (January to mid-May) and rainy (May to December). Temperatures remain high across the country throughout the year, except in the mountains.