Mother Nature outdid herself in Panama.
Its unique position as a land bridge connecting two great continents gives it one of the richest and most complex ecosystems on the planet. One indicator of this astonishing biodiversity is Panama's 954 bird species, which is more than the United States and Canada combined. It also has more than 1500 species of orchids. Panama's national parks cover more than 25 of its land mass and these nature rich rainforests are also the most accessible in the world. Panama City's Metropolitan Park is the only tropical rainforest anywhere located within Panama City limits. For example, the Panama Canal Rainforests, which form part of Soberania National Park are just 45 minutes by car from the city. Anywhere else you would have to take a plane or jungle safari to experience the intense nature that is a short drive away in Panama. As the proud home of the world renowned Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research, scientists come from around the world to research flora and fauna.
Rafting
For family fun or first ascent rafting in Panama is world class. There are rivers
where you can run 20 sets of rapids in a single afternoon. Any number of first
ascents have yet to be done.
Rafting locations: Chiriqui Province in West Panama and the Chagres River in the Panama Canal Rainforest near Panama City, in Code province.
Kayaking
Panama is a paddler's paradise. John Miller, teacher of instructors at the US-based Nantahala Outdoor Center, the largest kayaking school in the world, is quoted in Lonely Planet: " Panama has three elements that make it a paddler's paradise: terrain, rainfall and accessibility. " Both river and ocean kayaking offer extraordinary experiences.
One of most popular adventure tours is The Camino Real Trek: hiking and canoeing Ocean-to-Ocean on the original Spanish cross-isthmus path. It's rated as one of the top 25 adventure tours by National Geographic Adventurer.
Surfing
Panama has some of the best surf breaks in all of Central America. Best of all, the beaches are not crowded.
Already discovered by many top international surfers, they hope to keep it a secret as long as they can. Whether you like point breaks, beach breaks, hollow tubes or long peelers, Panama has a variety of surf breaks.
3 topsurfing areas:
Santa Catalina, Pedasi, Pacific Coast Beaches, Bocas del Toro and Isia Grande.
Ocean Ferry Rides
With its majestic entrance to the Panama Canal and Manhattan-like skyline, Panama Bay is a dramatic setting for a day sail or sunset cruise. Day sails to Toboga Island and the Archipelago Las Perlas are also popular.
Sport Fishing
"Panama" means "abundance of fish" in Indian language
Panama lives up to its name as a world-class sport fishing venue. Panama's Pihas Bay is home to more world fishing records than any other place in the world - 250 to be exact. Other favored sportfishing spots are the Pearl Islands, just 15 minutes by plane from Panama City, Montuosa and Hanibal Bank near Coiba Island in West Panama.
For fresh water fishing, Lake Gatun in the Panama Canal is 45 minutes from Panama City. The fish are so abundant that catching twenty fish is normal. At the same time, enjoy the rainforest scenery surrounding the lake.
