PANAMA
Like a rainbow that colors the infinite sky, Panama paints the world with her magical hues. Panama is a dream holiday that rewards every traveler with her endless tourist attractions. To explore Panama is to discover a land gifted with everything that makes up for a perfect travel package.
ACCOMMODATION
In order to contest the steady flow of visitors Panama City Beach boasts of numerous hotels; Panama City Beach hotels are the finest in the country providing deluxe lodging, homelike comfort and the world class amenities. All these hotels are situated in and around the beaches allowing you to witness the sugar-white beaches, warm, emerald waters and other major attractions of the beach. Some of the popular hotels in Panama City are Days in the Beach, Emerald Bay INN, Georgian Terrace and Casa Loma.
Most of these hotels acquire of the world class hotel amenities like swimming pools with latest features, health clubs and centers that include health spas with and fully equipped gyms personal trainers, indoor and outdoor game facilities, special parking facilities and facilities for children. Some hotels also boast of fully equipped business centers with space for meetings and conferences. The room in these hotels features ultra modern amenities to make your stay in the hotel comfortable and luxurious. All rooms have features like warm and cozy interiors, extra large beds, fully furnished and equipped attached bathrooms, cable ready color television with remote, internet access facility upon request, personal safe. Few rooms also have large elaborate windows and grand balconies ensuring that you remain witness to the spectacular glimpses of the beaches. The hotels offer services like 24-hour room service, laundry and dry cleaning service, wake up services and in room dining services and a mass of other services to choose from.
HISTORY
Till 1821 The Republic of Panama was a Spanish colony. Later it was taken over by Grand Colombia. After Panama became a U.S territory, the construction of the Panama Canal started in full-fledge. In the year 2000, Panama was announced independent by the Government of the U.S. The people of Panama largely are from Native American and Spanish backgrounds. There are also a large number of immigrants who have come from various countries of America and Europe and have settled in Panama.
CULTURE, PEOPLE AND TRADITION
It can be seen from the history of Panama culture that the native people of Panama lived alone for many years till the Spanish explorers came to the province in the 16th century. The obvious outcome of this was that Spanish traditions, lifestyle and culture embedded into the quality of Panama culture. The resulting interesting Panama culture is what is observed in the present age. Nevertheless one culture in Panama which has remained unaffected is that of the Kuna tribe. They still follow their inherited customs. This tribe continues to have closely-knit communities and matriarchal societies. Every region in Panama reflects the traditional folklores of the country. The conservative dances, food, music and songs of Panama perfectly portray the folklores. Some Catholic churches in Panama, such as Los Santos and Herrera are built according to Spanish traditions.
The remarkable aspects of Panama society and culture are reflected in the food, music, dances, languages and religions of the country. Cuna is a famous tribe in Panama and is known for its matriarchal societies and closely-packed communities. The various provinces in Panama believe in their own distinctive folklores. The religion followed by the masses in Panama is Roman Catholism. A big day of celebration for Panamanians is the Black Christ Festival. The national language of Panama is Spanish, but English and various local dialects are quite popular. Panama is the place, which has made certain forms of music such as salsa, jazz, calypso, Vallento and Mento very famous. Folk dances in Panama, such as Tamborito, Pasillo and Contradanza are enjoyed thoroughly throughout the nation. The cuisine of Panama shares much distinctiveness with the food of Latin American countries and involves lots of corn, seafood, shellfish and fish.
PLACES TO VISIT
Panama is filled with the parks, beaches, national reserves and wildlife forests that illustrate the culture and the tradition of the country and the strong roots of the past that the country and its people still harbor in their buzzing lifestyle.
The beaches are the principal resort for relaxation and calmness and the city centers with their numerous malls and plazas offer the luxury that one can only dream of. The reserve forests are the dwelling place of some of the most beautiful animals and plants. Amidst the sweet sounds of bird songs, one is sure to forget all the worries and delve into the bounty of Mother Nature. Some places ahead are the sober isolation of islands that are ideal for a meditative mood.
Some of the best Panama tourist attractions include Amador Causeway, Centennial Bridge, Mi Pueblito, Panama Viejo, and Bridge of the Americas. Other Panama Tourist Attractions include Ancon Hill, Balboa Avenue, Metropolitan National Park, Panama Canal, Panama National Parks, Casco Viejo, Panama Beaches & Islands, Panama Reserves and Panama Wildlife Refuges.
The Amador Causeway is historically significant. It was made from the stones that were used in the erection of the Panama Canal. The Amador Causeway provides a breath taking view of the Panama Canal. To the entrance of the canal, one can spend hours in the Amador Causeway, watching the ships and ferries entering the canal and trailing under the Bridge of the Americas.
Flawless beauty and grace is all that defines Balboa Avenue. The streets and the alleys are filled with difference and style that draw the attention of numerous tourists. The Balboa Avenue has a widespread landscape stretching from the gateway of the historical village called the Casco Viejo, sprawling past the monument of the Vasco Nunez de Balboa and the Marbella district and finally ending the trail in the Punta Paitilla district. Adding to the beauty of Balboa Avenue is the excellent view offered by the grand contours of the Panama Bay, Casco Viejo and the Panama City skyline. The Balboa Avenue offers abundant things to do, especially in the luxurious malls, hotels, restaurants and parks. The night life in Balboa Avenue is fascinating with the night clubs, the bars and the restaurants.
The Bridge of the Americas is the result of increasing traffic pressure on the two small service bridges at the Gatun Locks and the Miraflores locks, the second having been constructed in the year 1942. These two service bridges were the only connection between the two ends of the Panama City and the North and South America. This gave rise to the requirement for a separate construction across the Pacific and the Bridge of the Americas was built in the year 1962 with the commencement of the American government. With an investment of US $20 million the bridge created an important milestone in American history and also contributed in enhancing the beauty of the country.
The Beaches at Panama are among the best in the world. Together with incredible beauty, the beaches of Panama also offer excellent accommodation facilities to the tourists. The landmarks of the Panama Beaches are White sand and crystal clear water. Bacos Del Toro and Isla Grande, which are important islands of Panama, are sanctified with a large number of beautiful beaches. Beaches from here are covered with coral sand. Tobago beaches are one of finest among the beaches in Panama. People can enjoy various activities like snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and windsurfing in the beaches of Tobago. There are 13 beaches in Contadora which make for excellent picnic spots. Another important detail about the Panama Beaches is that they offer different types of interesting activities to the tourists to participate in. For example, people can surf in beaches like El Palmar, Punta Barco, Rio Mar and Playa Venao.
In a country where the sun rises over the Pacific and sets in the Caribbean, Panama has some of the most accessible rainforests and high altitude cloud forest on earth. In Panama, even the most knowledgeable travelers can discover wonders of creation that open eyes and minds to a deeper understanding of incredible richness and infinite variety of wildlife Panama has to offer. One can find a wide range of tropical landscapes that are turning Panama into a major place for eco-adventure with a diversity of attractions available to rediscover the breath-taking harmony of nature: innocent, pure, inviting. In Panama will find more than 10.000 varieties of plants and more than 933 species of birds - more than can be found in all of North America and Europe combined - including, some of the rarest on Earth.
CONCLUSION
Panama is taking tough measures to protect and promote one of its best kept secrets: a national park and wildlife refuge system that is equal to or more extensive than any other in Central America. Currently 29 percent of Panama's total area is protected. There are altogether 15 parks, reserves and refuges, including five national parks within hours of Panama City.. Considering all this, Panama is an excellent holiday destination. One would not be disappointed after a visit to this beautiful country
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