Panama is one of the top destinations on the international travelers’ list of places to visit. It has also been listed over the last eight years as one of the five places that people would like to live in after they retire. It is a virtual land bridge between the North America and South America. And is one of the only places in the world where you can enjoy the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Ocean in a single visit.
The country is rich in natural resources, which is the main reason why tourism is such a hit here. It has glorious islands, tropical rainforests, a canal that is a tourist as well economic attraction and umpteen other physical features that interest people from all over the world. When a country offers so much of diversity in it physical features it is also endowed with the ability to support many activities that would interest tourists. This includes a host of water sports such as diving and snorkeling, exploring a volcano, rainforests, enjoying the flora and fauna so unique to the country. Panama also has a culture that is diverse as it is rich.
Airports
If you are flying into the country, your first impression of the country will be of its airport. The Tocumen International Airport at Panama City is the main international airport here. It is 17 km to the east of the city. Most international airlines fly to Panama and land at Panama City.
The Tocumen International Airport offers its visitors comfortable and efficient service. There are restaurants for you to explore and also duty free shopping. It is designed to provide easy access to disabled passengers. The airport is well connected to the rest of Panama City by buses as well as taxis. Some hotels also offer a shuttle service for guests. Having a good idea of where your hotel lies in relation to the Panama airport will be useful when you reach the country.
The country also has two domestic airlines the Aeropelas and Air Panama. They fly to cities and areas within the country. You can plan your Panama holiday by ensuring that you choose flights that match your holiday or visit plans. Do remember that December is the beginning of the tourist season here. It continues till May and thus, makes it important that you plan and book your flights ahead of time. This will also help you secure cheaper tickets.
Your experience of a Panama airport in remote areas such as the Darien and Kuna Yala, will be rather novel and interesting. In some of these parts there is only an air strip and no airport as such. So it is important that you select and book your flight carefully. You don’t want to end up on the wrong airstrip, miles away from your destination. Flights make it possible for visitors and locals to explore the most remote and undeveloped part of the country. In fact Panama East is considered as one of the biggest treasures of Central America, still mostly untouched by human development.
Panama finds a fine balance between holding onto its past and stepping into its future. It also walks a fine line in deciding which areas and resources it wants to develop in a sustainable manner and which it wants to leave untouched. Herein lays the beauty of this tropical nation.
