Panama - The holiday paradise
Most Danes know Panama for the Panama Canal. The canal is one of the world’s “Must See” sights and many, especially Americans, visit Panama just to see this mega construction, then take the plane home that evening. But Panama has a lot more to offer than the Channel.
The land of contrasts, you can also say about the opportunities you have as a tourist in the country, the capital Panama City is Central America’s answer to Miami with its numerous skyscrapers, luxury hotels and restaurants, and an hour’s drive from the capital you can see native Indians paddling around homemade canoes.
There is dense jungle, bounty beaches, the country has the most bird species in the world, 1/3 of the country’s area is designated as a protected nature reserve. The country’s small size, combined with Central America’s best infrastructure, means that it is never far from the attractions.
The international press is spotting Panama as a tourist destination, read here what they write about the country:
New York Times, Januar 2012
In 2012, the New York Times named Panama the # 1 place to travel 2012.
“It is 12 years since Panama regained control of the canal and the country’s economy is growing rapidly. Among those who have traveled to the country in droves in recent years are U.S. foreigners and investors who have ventured into Panama’s real estate market by building hotels and buying nursing homes. The free trade agreement between the United States and Panama will finally take effect from October this year (2012) and is expected to accelerate the international exchange of people and dollars (both countries use the currency USD). “
“Think of Panama and you may be reminded of a hat (the Panama hat), a canal or an unfortunate swindler who faked his own death (canoe man John Darwin). But there is much more to experience in this country between Costa Rica and Colombia. In an area smaller than Scotland lies a cosmopolitan capital, miles of pristine coastline on two oceans, unique Native American cultures awaiting you adrenaline-pumping adventures with steaming jungles and wildlife galore. Down-town Panama City feels like a Mini-Miami with its many high-rise hotels, and the city is the hub of the international financial world, has shopping malls and sophisticated nightlife. There is so much construction going on that a local joke says that the country’s national bird is the construction crane.”
The Daily Mail, February 2012
Financial Times, January 2012
“Top Destinations 2012”
“Panama lets you get a taste of all of Central America in one trip,” says Marchant – the small size of the country means you can easily switch between the Caribbean and the Pacific coast, as well as get jungle and wildlife experiences on the same vacation. On the northern Caribbean coast, visitors must head to the San Blas Islands, to white bounty beaches, scuba diving and meeting native Native American tribes, such as Kuna, Barber says.
The capital Panama City itself has a lot to offer, including colonial buildings, lively nightlife and good restaurants, as well as the sight of large ships sailing through the canal. ”
Forbes, January 2012
“Why your next trip should be Panama”
“Superbly located in the bend between North and South America, Panama has a vast array of new attractions, hotspots and luxury hotels that make it an upcoming top travel destination, the catalyst will undoubtedly be the $ 5250 million expansion of the Panama Canal that is underway, and is scheduled to be completed in 2014. The goal is to allow a larger volume and size of ships to pass through the historic, 50-kilometer-long waterways. The result? Panama City, transformed into an energetic, modern metropolis.
Donald Trump is part of Panama’s growing popularity from the start, he opened the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower in the summer of 2011, making the hotel the first hotel in the Trump Hotel Collection chain (and the tallest building in Latin America). The hotel is uniquely shaped like the sail of a ship, and features rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of Panama City and the Pacific Ocean.
The hotel has Panama details, such as wood-carved headboards on the beds in the 369 rooms, and luxury services abound at this hotel, including cloakroom storage assistance (so frequent visitors do not have to lug luggage back and forth) and a free catamaran to Trump’s private beach Club on the Pearl Islands (an island with white sandy beaches, golf course, pool, cabins, water sports and beach chairs service).
But it is the 1830 square meter pool deck in the hotel that really caught our attention, it has a magnificent infinity pool, alfresco space by the pool bar and a restaurant with a far reaching sea view.”
The Guardian, May 2012
“But it is Panama’s wild nature that is increasingly attracting tourists, and the most popular destination is now Bocas del Toro, a group of 68 Caribbean islands 32 kilometers from the Costa Rican border, where the primary rainforest meets the sea. Beautiful beaches, surf spots and a backpacker scene attract backpacker travelers to Bocas Del Toro, the town on the Isla Colon, while nature fanatics prefer one of the many “Eco Lodges” that have opened on the nearby islands and mountains in the last few years. ”
Politics, December 2011
“Here you will find the world’s unknown paradise islands”
“There is more than one island per day per year in the San Blás archipelago, but only 49 of the total of 378 islands are inhabited. Here the sun bakes, the water is clear and the coral reefs are second to none. A true dream destination for underwater enthusiasts. In addition, the inhabitants of San Blás are famous for their colorful textile crafts, which the local women produce in all the colors of the rainbow and with motifs such as fish, birds, jungle animals and geometric motifs that even Picasso would be impressed by. But do not count on luxury resorts and international menus, because the accommodation options here are limited to homestays in the villages, where fishing luck determines the dinner. ”
New York Times April 2011
“At the crossroads of two oceans and two continents, Panama City is a dynamic metropolis.”
“It has never been more true than it is today. Everywhere in this steamy, tropical city, foreign investors have talk clubs in upscale cafes. Right now, the city’s skyline is a sight of construction cranes and the roofs of new high-rise buildings that seem to grow without your eyes being able to keep up. There are more than 30 skyscrapers under construction, among them the Trump Ocean Club and The Porsche Panamera, which will be Latin America’s first Waldorf-Astoria Hotel (both set to open later this year). All this construction and hype has led locals to call Panama City “Dubai of the Americas”, meant as a joke, but there is something about the talk.”
USA Today, April 2010
“Frommers describes Panama as deliciously free of queues of tourists, and what better incentive do you need? Even if your base is in Panama City, you have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports in both the Caribbean and the Pacific and bird watching and hiking. Mountains, rainforests and beaches abound, whether you are into sweat-dripping activities on the beach or just want to relax in the waves.
Prices for food and transportation are very affordable. Lonely Planet estimates that travelers can spend a fairly comfortable vacation for $ 60 a day. Whether you want to spin and save or look good in first class, the possibilities are countless.”
Newsweek Magazine, November 2010
“Located on top of a hill in the rainforest 30 minutes outside the capital Panama City, Canopy Tower can only be described as a place where everyone will fall in love with birds. Bird watching, not bird watching, it does not matter because all the birds are here, right in front of you at eye level. It is impossible not to be attracted to. My mother and I saw all kinds of bird species but also monkeys, sloths, all kinds of bats and butterflies – as well as in the same place, cargo ships on their way through the Panama Canal.”
Forbes Magazine, September 2009
“Exotic Panama, a sunny nation in Central America, the connection between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, has almost everything: Sun all year round, the amenities of the industrialized world, bird-filled rainforests, US – dollar economy and easy air connection. Panama City is considered the safest of all Central American cities.”
The Telegraph, London October 2008
Where they put their Hat
“Mick Jagger, Donald Trump, and Brad Pitt – not to mention 007 – have a weakness for Panama, says Teresa Machan, so the rest of us may be surprised to discover that the country’s charm is remarkably affordable.”
Houston Chronicle, November 2007
“Roberta and I are on our first morning in the city on our way to the city’s unique neighborhood of colonial gems, the 17th century Casco Viejo district with its Spanish charm. Preserved as it was listed. Casco Viejo competes with old Havana and old San Juan to be the most authentic – but it has begun to overtake the others with its beauty of the many restored farms, and the sparkling tiles and marble, a pearl of cafes, restaurants and shops.
Just as Panama City’s downtown across the bay is turning into a skyscraper-packed Hong Kong, Casco Viejo is in the process of being restored to the most tasteful and attractive area of the city.
Tourism in Panama is not only centered in Panama City, but to a much greater extent on the many uncrowded and picturesque beaches (with several large resorts) just outside Panama City, and in the San Blas Islands, the Pearl Islands, and the Bocas del Toro Islands, as well as the mountains of Boquete, which houses rainforests, coffee plantations and the Emberá and Kuna Indians. Just as Americans began to flock to Costa Rica a decade ago, they have now come to what could become the new hot spot in Central America, Panama. You should consider a trip.”