Panama

The Republic of Panama is the southern-most country of Central America and is famous for the canal that allows ships to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Situated between Costa Rica and Columbia, this small Caribbean country is a tropical getaway that few tourists have discovered. Panama has fifteen-hundred islands, off both the Pacific coast to the south and the Caribbean coast to the north, many of which, such as the Archipelago de San Blas, are home to the native Kuna people. The islands of San Blas have beautiful beaches and are great for snorkeling, diving, swimming and escaping reality. If you're a fan of reality TV, why not visit the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, where 12 countries filmed their Survivor series. Bocas del Toro not only boasts luxurious sandy beaches lining aqua blue water, but is also known for lush, natural rainforests to tour. In addition to surfing, snorkeling and other water sports, Bocas is a great spot for nature lovers – from dolphin observation to watching some of the many unique tropical birds. Panama City is home to many museums, banks and modern sights, but visitors are also intrigued by the contrasts between the cosmopolitan city of today, the ruins of the original Panama Viejo and the colonial district of Casco Viejo. All, of course, made the more interesting by the nearby architectural wonder of the Panama Canal, which truly makes Panama a country not to be missed.