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 stay 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
exp ... read full excerpt from Frommer's Panama (Frommer's Complete #623) ebook
