by Iván García | V2K Event & Experiences
For years, Panama has gradually positioned itself as one of the leading tourism destinations in the Central American region but with an immense potential to continue growing and be the number one in terms of receiving visitors and this is something that the Panamanian tourist sector is very clear about. Recent studies of the Panamanian tourism sector have shown that the perception of Panama as a tourism destination, due to an undeniable lack of knowledge of the country by the main issuing markets, has contributed along with other factors a halt in the number of visitors entering by an average of 2 million in recent years, while this extraordinary destination has the potential to double these amounts.
We are looking at a relatively small country, similar to the size of South Carolina and strategically located in the heart of the America continent, with great air connectivity through the Tocumen international airport, known as the Hub of the Americas , which is home to COPA Airlines. All this is complemented with a great ground infrastructure that covers its whole territory, in addition to the existence of air, sea, and railway bridges that connect to any corner of the country, making it very easy to travel.
Economically speaking, Panama is the country that leads to growth in the Central American region, supported by a dollarized economic system since 1904, which has greatly facilitated economic transactions to its visitors.
Located in the Pacific side, the country’s capital is Panama City, being the most modern and cosmopolitan city in the region characterized by its impressive infrastructure and a large number of skyscrapers that adorn its horizon.
It is precisely Panama City from which any expedition of the country must depart. It has a wide first-world tourist infrastructure which has allowed welcome to travelers who are looking for an unforgettable vacation as well as those who are looking for a specialized destination to host meetings, conventions, and incentive travels.
As part of the great tourist infrastructure that Panama City offers, you will find the most recognized international hotel chains and other first-class services such as the brand-new Panama Convention Center which will be inaugurated in the next few months. Panama City offers a varied gastronomic proposal that competes with the great metropolises as well as unique tourist attractions that include its rich history and cultural heritage, which includes the Ruins of Panama La Vieja (the first city of Panama founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and destroyed by the attack of pirates) and the charming Casco Viejo , full of colonial buildings and plazas, with small bars, rooftops, and restaurants that invite you to enjoy the best flavors and atmospheres of the city both of them declared Historical Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
If we are talking about nature, Panama City is surrounded by amazing rainforests. Here you can experience the wildest nature in the middle of captivating landscapes. You have the possibility of passing in less than 45 minutes from the concrete jungle to the densest and abundant tropical jungle. If your desire is to wake up in the middle of the tropical forest surrounded by monkeys and birds or participate in adventure activities such as river rafting, cave exploration, ziplining, flora & fauna safaris, walks in the rainforest, and bird watching, without a doubt Panama must be on your list.
The country is full of cultural contrasts, its territories inhabit seven native indigenous groups, among which are the Emberas people , who live in the tropical forest on the banks of the rivers. To visit the Emberas, you have to navigate in “piraguas” (traditional Embera canoes) to reach their villages and stay one day with them, where you will learn about their customs and traditions expressed in their gastronomy, dances, clothing, and crafts. When you come to Panama, don’t miss out on visiting one of these indigenous communities that will lead you to disconnect from the modern world and live an enriching experience with people who love and protect both nature and their cultural heritage. An experience you will treasure for a lifetime.
And what about the beaches? Despite being surrounded by a beautiful sea, Panama City does not have beaches, however, by land, air, or sea, in less than an hour you can visit some of the most breathtaking beaches you have ever seen. While highlighting
Las Perlas Archipelago , with its more than 40 islands whose waters gift us the whale birthing spectacle between the months of July to October every year. In the Caribbean, we have the Bocas del Toro Archipelago , which mixes jungles and totally virgin beaches within the Bastimentos Marine National Park, where specialized lodges and bungalows will allow you to enjoy this natural paradise.
Finally, we have the enigmatic Guna Yala Archipelago , home to the Guna indigenous, who jealously care and administer this area for a very good reason; the archipelago consists in a constellation of more than 360 islands (most of them inhabited) that protect huge coral banks and all the marine wildlife within them. Its beauty is such that it has been the scene of great film productions where its impressive turquoise waters stand out.
We cannot fail to mention the world-famous Panama Canal and its visitor centers, where you are able to see first-hand the impressive passage of the giant ships through the enormous water lifts that allow them to cross the narrowest country in the American continent. For those who are not satisfied with just seeing, we invite you to navigate the Canal in a boat, considered one of the journeys that every person should make once in their life. A masterpiece of human engineering worth knowing.
Of course, the destination has much more to offer, so we invite you to come and experience it yourself, there is no reason to dream of paradise when you have it within your grasp. Panama is open, Panama is here, only you are missing.
Interested in visiting Panamá? Contact Iván García, Marketing Director of V2K Event & Experiences, Panama, at ivan.garcia@v2kpanama.com or 507.66639681
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