Occupying the last section of the Central American isthmus before South America, Panama benefits from considerable species overlap resulting in impressive biodiversity.
Although best known for the Canal, Panama possesses an astonishing array of natural, historical and cultural riches: extensive Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, exuberant coral reefs, castaway islands and deserted beaches, semi-autonomous Amerindian tribes, Spanish colonial architecture and rainforests teeming with a wealth of flora and fauna such as cannot be seen anywhere else in Central America.
Panama’s volcanic mountains, coastal plains, virgin rainforests, cloud forests and dry tropical forests are home to myriad plant species, including some 1200 native orchids and an enviable amount of wildlife. A birdwatcher’s paradise, Panama boasts around 1000 species including harpy eagle, resplendent quetzal, five macaw species and 52 hummingbirds. Its fauna includes bush dog, jaguar, puma, two- and three-toed sloth, around 120 species of bat, five species of monkey, and specific island-endemic poison dart frogs – pure evolution in action.
In short, Panama has it all – a promised land of exceptional cultural and natural history, additionally benefiting from a small number of visitors.
