Panama
Top 10 Destinations in Panama
Panama
Sunkissed Panoramas, humming metropolis, road trip adventures, you can all experience this in Panama.
A nature that is waiting for you to discover. It has great outdoors, endless summer and lost world adventures. This are some of the reasons why you would want to go to Panama.
Here are 10 of the most awesome places to visit when you go to Panama:
BioMuseo
Celebrating Panama as the land bridge that has permitted shocking biodiversity in the region, this museum is a visual greatness. It was built by the world renowned architect Frank Gehry, who also created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, he designed this prominent museum of curve multicolor forms. Exhibits here are world class, with botanical gardens in the works. Also, audio guides come in five languages. It is located on the Causeway area.
Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos
Established in 1988, this 132 square km marine park was Panama's first. It is protecting 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, including the coral border Cayos Zapatillas, and the swamp in the center of Isla Bastimentos, the marine park is an important nature reserve for mangroves, monkeys, sloths, caiman, crocodile and more than 28 species of amphibians and reptiles.
Dario López
One of Panama's best artisans, Dario López has been making colorful masks for folkloric dancers since the 1960s. While he continues to create masks and satin costumes worn by the amusing devil dancers, these days most of his products are exported to the USA and Europe. Masks typically cost between US$20 and US$100, and some small masks under US$10. To visit his home workshop, look for the gas station near the Parita turnoff on Carretera Nacional. His house is green and about 100m north on the opposite side of the station.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
This wonderful privately owned museum features the best collection of Panamanian art. An excellent collection of works on paper by Latin American artists, and the occasional temporary exhibition by a foreign or national artist, this museum is world class.
Arte Cruz
Located on the west left side of Highway 41, you’ll see this workshop where master carver and artist José de la Cruz González makes and sells admirable signs, sculptures and furniture by using mahogany and other woods, as well as alluring etchings on crystal and glass. José learned fine arts in Italy and Honduras, and his work has been commissioned by buyers all over the world. Visitors are very well treated to his entertaining demonstrations.
Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
Built towards ecotourism and environmental education, this is an excellent facility for bird lovers and birdwatchers alike and nature loving people. Since you are probably here to watch wildlife, it’s worth making an effort to get out of bed early, and you will be rewarded for the effort. In fact, those arriving after 10am pay US$10 less in admission, a sure sign that you're getting more value for your money. During premium hours, just 25 visitors are admitted at a time to minimize the pollution or damage on wildlife.
Panamá Viejo
Founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila, the city of Panamá was the first European settlement along the Pacific. For 150 years it flourished as Spain exported Peruvian gold and silver to Europe through Panamá. In 1671, Captain Henry Morgan sacked the city and it was moved to the Casco Viejo. Today, much of Panamá Viejo lies buried under a residential neighborhood, though the ruins and it is a must see in this place.
Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden
One of the joys of visiting Bocas is touring the Monkey Farm botanical garden a couple of kilometers northwest of the center. Diligently carved out of 10 hectares of secondary rainforest over almost two decades ago, it contains hundreds of species of local and imported trees and ornamental plants, and it is swarmed with wildlife.
Playa Las Lajas
It’s not all wildlife and historical places if that’s what you think of Panama they also have awesome beaches for you to relax and spend the rest of your time in Panama. The Playa Las Lajas is a 13km beach along the Gulf of Chiriqui. The water temperature is perfect and it has little current which makes it ideal for swimming and body surfing. Rustic shacks are also available for you to take a shade when the sun is burning hot. Cheap restaurants surrounds the area so you can easily grab a bite if you feel hungry.
Isla Taboga
It is Panama’s favorite escape from the city. They offer water sports like jet Ski’s, speed boats, and fishing charters. Perfect for those who want to get away from the busy city life.
