Panama is teeming with vibrant and diverse marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling, diving, fishing and whale watching. The waters along Panama's Pacific coast that comprise the Gulf of Chiriqui are especially ideal for activities below the surface. Panama is considered the bridge of the Americas and is only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami. Since it is a connection point for routes that continue to Central and South America, almost all major airlines fly to Tocumen International Airport.
Once in Panama, you can easily take a 45-minute internal flight to the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro or the Boquete Mountains, near David. Panama is a tropical paradise that is home to some of the most diverse and exotic animal and plant species on the planet. Because of its geographical position, the country serves as a biological corridor connecting North and South America. Covered almost entirely by tropical jungle, with mountain forests and mangrove wetlands, it is home to more than 10,444 types of plants, 255 species of mammals and 972 species of native birds, according to the National Society for the Protection of Nature of Panama.
When it comes to international destinations that are incredible to visit, Panama may not be at the top of everyone's list, but that's not because the country isn't worth it. Panama City isn't Panama's only attraction: the country in many ways, visiting the capital alone is just a scratch. There is a strong police presence in the country that is reassuring but not aggressive; police are often seen chatting comfortably with visitors and locals. Many travelers enjoy visiting the Caribbean beaches that are close to the province of Colón, such as Playa Blanca, Playa La Angostó and Playa Lopes Méndez.
Visitors planning to stay in the capital can easily get around with the local cash taxi system or Uber. As is the case when visiting many parts of the world, a little bit of good will and a willingness to relate to the country will go a long way in Panama. For example, while December-February tend to be boring winter months for many people around the world, December marks the beginning of summer in Panama. Because Panama basically has two seasons (rainy and dry), there's a whole new world you can experience if you visit it from mid-December to April.
This diversity makes Panama a place where people from all over the world can feel safe and comfortable visiting it. On the other hand, Panama tends to go unnoticed, as travelers often visit neighboring Costa Rica and Colombia.
