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Home > Destinations > Central
America > Panama
Panama (literally meaning "abundance
of") is, perhaps, best known for its
position at the crossroads of two seas
and for the engineering marvel: The Panama
Canal. Bordered by the Caribbean and the
Pacific, the Isthmus of Panama is a land-bridge
uniting South and North America. Flora
and fauna historically endemic to South
and North America have mixed and evolved
over time in Panama, resulting in tremendous
bio-diversity. This relatively small country
has identified more than 900 species of
birds, 1500 species of trees, 10,000 species
of plants and an incredible variety of
insects which will amaze you on a trip
through its diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
Although there are other tropical countries
with great bio-diversity, none have this
exceptional level of diversity in such
a small area. The National Park and Wildlife
Refuge system in Panama is equal to or
greater than any other in Central America.
At present, 29% of Panama is protected
in conservation.
Panama's captivating, colorful history
centers around the role it continues to
play as a transport route between continents.
To the Spaniards, Panama was the key to
the silver and gold traffic from Peru to
Spain. Remains of their pathways through
the mountains and jungles to the Atlantic
coast can still be followed in some parts
of Panama. The route through the Darien
Gap is the same as that taken by early
man as he migrated to South America and,
in more recent times, of the Kuna and Choco
Indians moving north from Colombia.
Home to seven different, flourishing indigenous
groups of people, Panama's natural history
and ethnically diverse culture differentiate
it from Costa Rica and several other countries
in Central America. One of the most prosperous
countries in Central America, Panama has
excellent highway systems and Panama City
is an impressive, cosmopolitan hub. Tourism,
however, is in its infancy, making it a
true, off-the-beaten path destination.
Come experience the native culture and
nature that is Panama, much more than the
Panama Canal!
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