Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Share
RSS
Panama
Panama is one of Central America's up-and-coming destinations. It is one of the region's safest countries, with plenty of adventure and ecotourism travel opportunities, yet hasn't gained the popularity of its neighbor Costa Rica. Like most countries in Central America, in-country costs in Panama tend to be easier on the wallet than other international destinations. The autumn months are part of Panama's rainy season, but rain showers are brief, and temperatures remain hot year-round.
Naturally, the Panama Canal is the major tourist attraction, and is easily accessible from the Miraflores Visitors Center, which has several dedicated exhibits and a terrace for viewing the canal. Panama City is also a popular tourist destination, particularly the modern section of Panama City with its lively shops, restaurants, and nightlife, and the Spanish Colonial Casco Viejo neighborhood.
Panama has a host of outdoor activities in its 14 national parks, ranging from bird-watching to white-water rafting, hiking, and horseback riding. Soberania National Park (home to the popular Pipeline Road trail) is close to Panama City, while the picturesque mountain town of Boquete, near the rainforests of Volcan Baru National Park, is a popular destination in western Panama. Besides adventure activities, there are several coffee farms offering tours and tastings in the Boquete area.
Most flights to Panama City originate in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, or Orlando, on American, Continental, Delta, and Copa Airlines (Panama's national airline). American recently offered two sales that included Panama, and though they've since expired, airfare in the fall will likely be cheaper than during the winter and spring high season. The Panama Info website lists off-season accommodation and tour specials offered from providers around Panama.
I compared high- and low-season accommodations rates and found savings of $60 per night in autumn.
| Room type | Hotel | Off-peak rate | Peak rate |
| Garden view room | Gamboa Rainforest Resort | $175 (April 16 to December 15, 2006) | $225 (January 2 to April 15, 2007) |
| Double Punta Caracol suite | Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge | $265 (September 1 to December 15, 2006) | $325 (December 16, 2005, to May 15, 2006) |
| Canopy room | Canopy Tower Hotel | $145 (October 1 to November 30, 2006) | $175 (December 1, 2006, through April 30, 2007) |
The Panama Info website has a wealth of information about planning a Panama vacation, and includes information on accommodations, destinations, transportation, and activities.
Next>> Sarasota
