Frommer's Panama
Chapter One
The Best of Panama
For such a thin squiggle of land, Panama offers travelers a surprisingly diverse selection
of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. In Panama City alone, modern skyscrapers
contrast with 18th-century architecture, and a 10-minute cab ride from downtown
puts you deep in rainforest teeming with wildlife. From the cool, fertile highlands in
the Chiriquí region to the thick lowland jungle and white-sand beaches of Panama's
tropical islands, this tiny nation allows you to pack a lot of fun and adventure into a
short period of time. Also, unlike Costa Rica, its more popular neighbor, Panama
boasts a rich history and a melting pot of cultures, including seven indigenous groups,
many of whom maintain their customs today. Best of all, the country is gloriously free
of tourists-but get here soon because Panama is far too attractive to be kept a secret
for long.
The following is a list of the best that Panama has to offer, including hotels, natural
areas, adventures, restaurants, and more, but expect new places to appear soon as
tourism ... read full excerpt from Frommer's Panama ebook
