Ever since I first visited Panama in 2000, I’ve been fascinated by this Central American nation where nature and culture come face-to-face with high-rise modernity. I’ve visited nearly every year since then, trying to see something new every time. I’ve written lots of travel reports and travel news updates about the destination for various media outlets, and even wrote two chapters in the Fodor’s Panama travel book. Over time, I’ve discovered lots of interesting things about Panama, and why you should consider a Panama vacation. Here are are few of the cool things I’ve discovered about this Central American vacation hotspot.
Panama City, the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the so-called New World, was once an important hub for transporting gold and other treasures from Peru. Visitors can still walk along some of the original route that Spaniards followed years ago between Panama City and the Caribbean town of Portobelo. Lined with lush vegetation and frequented by Panama’s wide variety of bird species, it’s a great hiking trail for nature lovers.
••••••
PANAMA TRAVEL TIPS: Luxury Travel For Less: Panama Just Might Be Latin America’s Best Vacation Deal
••••••
Panama still has several living indigenous groups, and they carry on their centuries-old traditions, even in Panama City. It’s common to see Kuna women at the capital’s modern shopping centers, wearing colorful, handmade clothing. Their best-known collectible — colorful, intricately embroidered molds — are sold around the nation.
The U.S. dollar has been the official currency in Panama since 1904, but it’s also called the Balboa. Coins minted in both the United States and Panama are accepted, but bills are exclusively from the USA. You’ll get more bang for the buck here, especially when it comes to dining, shopping and drinking.
••••••
WATCH OUT! Selina Bocas del Toro Hotel Proves You Can’t Trust a Hotel Without Insurance
••••••
Panama’s relatively small size makes it easy to plan side trips to various regions during one visit. Consider a quick flight from the domestic Albrook airport to Guna Yala (also called Kuna Yala and San Blas), the semi-autonomous indigenous province, where visitors learn about traditional culture first-hand, while enjoying spectacular Caribbean scenery, cool island accommodations and lots of nature activities.
Music is an increasingly important reason to visit Panama City. The historic Casco Antiguo district is dotted with hip bars that host live musical performances; Danilo’s Jazz Club is an especially important venue. Jazz is also the featured style at the Panama Jazz Festival, which takes place in January. Jam sessions, concerts, music clinics and a music therapy symposium are among the elements in this multi-day event.
https://departurelevel.com/panama/5-great-bars-in-panama-citys-casco-antiguo/