Panama Vacations

General Information About Panama Vacations

Panama is an outstanding tourist destination, offering all-inclusive Panama vacations to suit a wide variety of tastes. Ecotourism, built around Panama's great biodiversity, tropical forests, mountain ranges, lush plant life, and unique array of animal species, is one of the main attractions for all-inclusive Panama vacations. But Panama has so much more to offer, including wonderful beaches, Pacific islands, Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, the urban excitement and modernity of Panama City, world-class golfing, and a rich cultural history expressed through its people and historic sites.

Panama, linking Central and South America, is an isthmus that features unique geography critical to the situation of the Panama Canal – another great attraction that is not to be missed on an all-inclusive Panama package holiday. The Panama Canal, started by the French in 1880 but abandoned due to great hardship and loss of life, was constructed by the U.S. from 1904, officially opening in 1914. The Panama Canal is one of the greatest engineering feats in human history. Spanish colonial and pirate history also add to the unique appeal of an all-inclusive Panama vacation, providing cultural and historical interest for any history enthusiast. Panama City, once the second largest city in the western hemisphere, was reduced to ashes in 1671 by an 'army' of pirates, led by Henry Morgan – a chapter of Panamanian history worth exploring during an all-inclusive Panama package holiday.

The local people of Panama reflect the cultural diversity of the country, influenced by its unique history. Local Panamanian culture is expressed through an array of cross-cultural festivals, dance, music, food, and traditions that serve to enrich the experience of an all-inclusive Panama vacation. Spanish, the official language of Panama, is spoken by the vast majority of Panama's population, but English is widely spoken as a second language, in addition to several other indigenous languages. Tourists enjoying an all-inclusive Panama package holiday should have no difficulty communicating with the locals. Panama is populated primarily by persons of mixed ethnicity – Mestizos – including African, European and indigenous ancestry. The distribution of wealth in Panama, despite its relatively strong economy, is very uneven, and approximately 1/3 of Panama's population lives in poverty. However, all-inclusive Panama package holiday tourists may be pleasantly surprised by the indications of wealth in urban centres, where the local population is generally represented by the fashionable upper-middle class.

All-inclusive Panama packages appeal to a wide range of travellers of all ages – those with an interest in ecotourism and adventure, culture and history enthusiasts, and sun-and-fun seekers. Panama is a relatively safe destination for tourists, although reasonable caution should always be exercised outside of major tourist areas. All-inclusive Panama vacations feature modern conveniences and infrastructure, and urban sophistication along side of great access to natural and man-made wonders – this is truly a destination that offers something for everyone.

Those who wish to take advantage of all that an all-inclusive Panama package holiday has to offer will require a passport, with six months validity, in order to enter Panama. When departing Panama, a departure tax of $20 is required, payable in U.S. funds. No medical shots are required for those entering Panama. When arriving in Panama, transfer from Panama City to all-inclusive Panama vacation beach resorts is relatively long.

Sand and Sun on Your Panama Vacation

All-inclusive Panama vacations are not widely known for featuring world-class beaches, but Panama may be somewhat underrated in this regard. With more than 1,500 miles of Pacific and Caribbean coastline, much of it dense mangrove, Panama packages are not to be overlooked by beach-lovers, as locations such as Bocas del Toro, Kuna Yala, Isla Coiba, and Boca Chica all feature great sand beaches set against clear blue waters. Bocas del Toro features some of the most outstanding white-sand beaches in Panama, and is one of Panama's most popular beach destinations despite some of the nearby indications of local poverty. Kuna Yala Island, although it offers little in the way of amenities, is another of Panama's great beach destinations where great snorkelling opportunities can perhaps compensate for the lack of restaurants and nightlife – an all-inclusive Panama vacation package is definitely the best way to go here. If money is no object, a visit to Isla Coiba will reveal some of the most gorgeous beaches that can be found on an all-inclusive Panama package vacation, as well some of the best diving and snorkelling opportunities in Central America. Boca Chica, on the Pacific coast of Panama, may not be one of the best beaches that Panama has to offer, featuring darker sands and deeper, darker waters, but this unique rural setting offers something special – rural beauty and isolation that may be the ideal setting for a couple in search of a romantic all-inclusive Panama vacation.

Generally, the weather in Panama is wonderful – a tropical climate with little seasonal variation in temperature. All-inclusive Panama vacations feature average low temperatures of 24?C (75?F), and average highs of 29?C (84?F), with temperatures typically lower on the Pacific side of the isthmus. For those who plan to explore Panama's central ridge of mountains, be aware that temperatures are considerably cooler at some of the higher elevations. Panama's rainy season runs from May through November, clearing up just in time for North American tourists to take advantage of all-inclusive Panama packages that offer a great escape from winter cold. Panama's tropical environment supports a great diversity of lush plant life, with forest dominating the landscape – perfect for ecotourism.

Hurricane season, with its unpredictability of storm events, typically lasts from July through November, peaking from mid-August to mid-November. Although Panama vacations are not often impacted by hurricanes, with Panama being located outside of the hurricane belt, the possibility remains. However, when booking Panama vacation packages, you can rest assured that tour operators will not fly you into a hurricane and will act fast to get you out in the event of any development if your holiday plans are affected. You can find great Panama vacation package deals during hurricane season, and the economic advantage is well worth considering. We recommend that you speak with one of our tripcentral agents to fully understand the great value benefit vs. limited risk associated with travel to this region during hurricane season.

Things to See and Do on Your Panama Package Vacation

When it comes to all-inclusive Panama vacation activities, ecotourism leads the way, and there are so many opportunities to experience the wonderful plant, animal, bird, and aquatic life in this uniquely diverse environment. Tour a rain forest, explore a coral reef, go rafting, kayaking, repelling, or birdwatching, and enjoy the vast variety of natural beauty that an all-inclusive Panama package holiday has to offer.

All-inclusive Panama vacation packages should not be overlooked as great golf excursions. Panama currently offers many great golf courses, with even more world-class courses soon to be opened. Coronado, an hour outside of Panama City, is a professional 18-hole course located on the Pacific coast that offers a good challenge for both amateurs and professionals alike. Summit Golf & Resort offers a semi-private 18-hole championship course. Vista Mar Golf & Country Club, one of Panama's most well-known courses, provides the avid golfer with yet another great option for the perfect all-inclusive Panama package golf experience.

For the shopaholic on an all-inclusive Panama package vacation, take advantage of the great duty-free shopping, urban malls, and local bizarre shopping. Panama City, a vibrant urban centre, has it all! For great nightlife, casino action, dining, and cultural experiences, look no further than Panama City, where banks and ATMs are readily available for convenient access to funds. American dollars are the standard currency in Panama, although (technically speaking) the official currency is the Balboa – not printed as paper currency since 1941. However, Panama does mint its own coins which, being the same size, shape and composition of equivalent American coins, are used interchangeably with American coins. When dining in local restaurants or dancing the night away in a local club, tourists should be aware that change (coins) may be provided in local currency, and tipping is expected for service.

There are many cross-cultural festivals to be experienced at different times throughout the year in Panama, each providing exposure to great food, music, and dance. While enjoying an all-inclusive Panama package holiday, tourists are sure to appreciate the diversity of local musical styles, including jazz, salsa, reggae, calypso, bolero, and more. The local food may not be quite as 'spicy' as the local music, but local Panamanian fare is still worth exploring. Typical dishes include a meat, beans and rice, and local fruits. Other local specialties include Sancocho (chicken and vegetable stew), Empanadas (corn or flour pastries filled with potatoes and cheese), and more.

No all-inclusive Panama vacation would be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal – one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history.

All-Inclusive Panama Vacation Package Availability, Accommodations, and Value

Panama package vacation flights are offered year round out of Toronto and Montreal. Accommodations vary throughout Panama, including everything from the larger all-inclusive resort hotels to smaller boutique hotels to B&Bs. Overall value in Panama is good, and vacation packages can be found to suit almost every need. Although Panama is not typically known as a wedding destination, there are some nice wedding packages available, including those offered by the Royal Decameron Beach Resort. Speak with one of our tripcentral agents to find the package that is right for you.