ABOUT PANAMA

What can one expect of a country that links both South and North America, and the Pacific and Atlantic cceans, together? How about diversity and uniqueness in culture, history, land formations, wildlife, and nature? These are some of the reasons why Panama is quickly becoming one of the leading travel destinations in the western hemisphere.

While Panama is roughly the size of the state of South Carolina, it contains nearly 1000 bird species, 240 mammals, rainforests and jungles, soaring mountains, lakes and oceans, colonial and modern cities, and warm, friendly people.

Long before the European’s arrived Panama had been a superhighway, if you will, for people to travel back and forth from what is now North and South America for the trading of goods. Many chose to stay in Panama, enriching its cultural heritage. Christopher Columbus noted that in the many villages, the people of Panama “spoke different languages.”  Diversity has always been one of the remarkable attractions and attributes of Panama.

Because of its slender size in certain points, Panama has also been an overland express and trade route to and from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Claimed by the Spanish in 1501, they embarked on a mission to find gold and other treasure to return to Spain. Two decades later Panama City the first was created. The wealth of Panama was so great that it became a haunt for pirates, including Captain Henry Morgan, who burned down Panama City in 1671. Spain governed this land for 300 years.

In 1821, a push for independence from Spanish rule began, and, without a shot being fired, Panama were liberated and joined to the Gran Colombia nation. However, total independence was fully achieved in 1903 with the support of the United States.

Panama has a tropical climate that supports a rich, diverse ecological systems, and has over 500 rivers and streams, many natural harbors, mountains and lush forests, a variety of indigenous people groups, and the world changing Panama Canal, which was built from 1904 to 1914 to link the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans for trade.

Today, Panama enjoys a peaceful, prospering existence as it has become the top tourism destination in Central America as well as a place where many North Americans and Europeans are retiring because of its economic prosperity, political stability, comfortable weather and peaceful environment.

People come from all over the world to marvel the nearly 1000 types of bird species Panama is famous for. They also come for the jungle tours of Panama, or for a cruise on the Panama Canal, or for quick trips to the San Blas Islands, or take one of Ancon Expeditions’ pleasurable Panama City day trips.

Come for the magic and the history. A Panama tour awaits you! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us today to plan your Panama vacation!

NEW! We highly recommend this promotional video about Panama - more than enough reasons why you should come to visit us soon!

General Information about Panama

Ancon Expeditions of Panama wants you to be prepared for your tour of Panama whether you are here for the birds of Panama, a Bocas del Toro adventure, or a trip to one of our world renown lodges. The following information should help you as you ready for your vacation in Panama.

Why Panama?

Ancon Expeditions of Panama is asked this question less and less as people from around the world discover the rich history, cultures, wildlife and adventure options available to those who are seeking a unique Panama eco tour, sustainable tour of Panama, or adventure into the Panama jungles, rivers and islands that make up this diverse nation. Below you will learn more about Panama. We look forward to hearing from you to schedule your vacation in Panama!

Reading Material

Ancon Expeditions of Panama is pleased to provide you with a list of materials that will help you learn more about Panama and the exciting Panama bird watching tours, Panama Canal cruise options, its indigenous people groups, and more.