Panama

Ciudad Panama

A multicultural city with lots of expats working at large corporate branches.  West

Panama Canal

Just outside of Panama City: A must for each visitor, Panama canal is the landmark and a symbol of an influential American and European colonial history. It connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean since its opening in 1914. The best time to see ships in the Panama Canal is in the early morning and late afternoon  from the observation deck of Miraflores Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks. This modern visitor center features an interactive museum about local history, construction and nowadays life of the Panama Canal. 5 min North of Miraflores Locks, on the way to Parque Nacional Soberania  are Pedro Miguel Locks with a better view on passing ships.

A public bus runs every 20min from Albrook Bus Terminal to Miraflores Locks.

San Blas

Even the 2,5 hours  4×4 jeep drive from Panama City via dramatic scenic views in the jungle of Guna Yala – the autonomous comarca (territory)  – to Puerto de Carti boat terminal is a real adventure. With its winding route and steep hills, it feels like in a roller coaster and is not for the scared.  Halfway on a checkpoint the kuna tourist tax of $10 is due.  At the boat terminal, the boat taxis visit various islands and natural swimming pools with the opportunity to spot some sea stars.

Boquete

The small town lies west of Panama in the fertile Chiriqui Province and is a famous retiring spot for US citizens due to the humid climate.  Crossing the Rio Caldera bridge, East of Parque Domingo Medica, following Avenida Buenos Aires invites for a 2 hours circuit around town with a stop in Cafe Ruiz.

Bocas del Toro

The archipelago is better known simply as Bocas, with its Caribbean-style clapboard houses and laidback vibes, invites travelers from all over the world.

Central America

The isthmus connecting North and South America.

Panama

Panama is next to Guatemala my  favorite country in Central America.  Embracing the Isthmus and more than 1,600 islands off its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the tropical nation’s history seemed to start with the construction of the Panama canal.

Costa Rica

Pura Vida. With its lush rain forests and national parks, wildlife and myriad of creatures, breathtaking landscapes, volcanoes, Costa Rica is worth a visit. However, it is very pricey due to, amongst others,  labor laws, establishing a powerful middle-class. The result is a stable economy due to export of bananas, coffee, sugar and beef and tourism.

Nicaragua

It is about meeting many friendly and supporting people, on the road, in a public bus or a lancha, and listening to Nicaraguan life stories. A nation with a great hospitable heart.

El Salvador

Though El Salvador is the smallest country, it has  the 3rd largest economy across Central America.

Guatemala

Guate – one of my favorites – seems the only central american nation with ancient history.  It inhabits the most active volcanoes and a breathtaking scenery.

Belize

Go slow, but move. The small country at the Caribbean coastline is full of culture, diversity and adventures.

 

Why I will go back:

Vsit Honduras – after the governmental storms becomes quiet

Hike Atenango in Guate