Panama

Panama

A small Central American country between Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama packs a surprising amount of diversity into a small area, equivalent to around a third of the UK. With two coastlines (the Pacific and the Caribbean), it is a beach lover’s haven, but it also offers wildlife-rich rainforests and spectacular mountain scenery. Combine Panama’s varied landscapes with the range of indigenous cultures and urban life, and one begins to understand why it is an emerging tourism destination.

Panama, like most of Latin America, was once a Spanish colony and remained under Spanish rule until 1821. It then voluntarily joined Colombia, only becoming fully independent with the support of the US in 1903. The United States’ interest in the small country is directly related to the construction of the Panama Canal, an entity which remains influential today, affecting Panama’s economy on numerous levels. Considered one of the most important transport routes in the world, the canal is a money spinner for the country, thanks to the taxes extracted from cargo ships passing through it. It is also a great tourist attraction in Panama City, and has indirectly contributed to Panama City’s status as a growing financial centre.

Panama City, the country’s capital, is home to the majority of the country’s 4.5 million-person population, with the greater metropolitan area housing around half of that. The city skyline is dominated by glistening skyscrapers, although the well-preserved old town is also a tourist draw. The city has a fast-paced raw energy and mixes 21st-century modernity with a chaotic Latin American edge. Outside the city, though, it is still easy to stumble upon traditional Panama, with the Guna Indians one of the most notable indigenous groups in the country. There are various locations up and down the country where visitors can learn about the Guna and other indigenous groups, as well as what life is like for rural Panamanians.

While no direct flights currently operate between the UK and Panama, indirect services tend to take between 15 and 18 hours, including a layover. This relatively smooth journey, though the difference of -6 hours during GMT and -5 hours during BST means there is often an adjustment period to the time zone.

Our Panama FAQs answer the most common queries we hear from customers considering a holiday to Panama. If you are ready to explore our small group, great value tours of Panama, you can do so here.