Panama
A Journey of Discovery

Five centuries ago, when Spanish explorers traversed the narrow isthmus that connects the continents of North and South America on their way from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, they often heard natives use a word to describe the natural abundance of the area. It may have been used to describe a plentitude of birds, fish, mammals or fresh water. In any case, the Spaniards thought the musical-sounding word perfectly described the tropical bounty of their latest conquest, and the s-shaped land quickly became known as Panama.

Today, Panama’s abundance of world class attractions has made it one of the hottest tourist destinations in Latin America and for good reason. A natural crossroads of world commerce since the conquistadors first arrived; the small nation’s cultural landscape has been shaped by immigrants from throughout the world, making its flashy capital one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Americas.

Spanish may be the dominant language of the land and Spain’s colonial legacy put the country’s unmistakable cultural stamp on Panama’s architecture and social customs, however, there’s much more to the Panamanian identity. In a country where almost 10 percent of its residents can trace their ancestry to the Chinese laborers who came to help build the Panama Canal, it’s not surprising to find that bustling Panama City is home to two China towns. Moreover, scattered throughout the vibrant metropolis are resilient pockets of English-speaking Panameños from the West Indies as well as a constantly evolving melting pot of peoples of Middle Eastern, Hindu, Greek, German and other distinctive origins. Whether in the kitchens of the country’s restaurants or in the shops of its bazaar-like shopping districts, these distinctive international characteristics have blended to shape a national culture that’s truly exotic.

Remarkably, in a matter of minutes visitors can be transported from the chic sophistication of Panama City to the rainforest ambiance of natural settings. A mere 40 minutes from the heart of Panama City, the Gamboa Tropical Rainforest Resort is surrounded by some of the most impenetrable jungle to be found anywhere in Central America. Guests are ensconced in a sprawling, four story hotel that’s been designed to reflect the sunny informality of a Caribbean plantation house. From their balconies, visitors take in a panorama of rainforest landscape that’s virtually unchanged since Spanish adventurers trudged along the Las Cruces Trail on their way to Peru and Mexico. The resort’s tennis courts, spa and waterfall-refreshed swimming pool just hint at what’s available on the guest to-do list. Visitors will be tempted by a wide range of natural science-focused programs.

The bordering Chagres River, Soberania National Park and the Panama Canal itself surround the resort’s expansive facilities. A mysterious pathway through the neighboring jungle leads to a nearby village of the Emberá Indians, one of Panama’s several culturally intact indigenous groups. The hotel’s gift shop features the pride of the indigenous group’s highly developed artistry—museum quality baskets costing up to $3000. The Gamboa Resort also features interpretative centers focusing on orchids, reptiles and butterflies.

The resort’s Aerial Tram Canopy Tour conveys visitors through dense rainforest foliage to an observation tower overlooking the Panama Canal. A century after its construction, the canal remains one of the wonders of the modern world. Hours can be spent watching ships of all shapes and sizes navigating the waterway’s locks and tropical forest passages. Another Gamboa specialty is a two hour boat trip into the canal and a visit to several small islands inhabited by colonies of Capuchin monkeys, who welcome visitors with playful antics.

The canal itself will prove to be an irresistible attraction for most. At the historic Miraflores Locks, just 20 minutes from the Gamboa Resort, lunch on the veranda of the on-site restaurant, while ships of all sizes rise and fall in the background, is a uniquely Panamanian experience. The lock’s recently inaugurated interpretive center, a four story marvel of functional design and high-tech embellishments, tells the epic story of the canal’s construction and its unique relationship with the surrounding environment through historic artifacts and stunningly conceived visualizations.

Getting an opportunity to view the canal up close and while on the way to experience the pleasures of another of Panama’s most exclusive resorts is a tempting option for Gamboa Tropical Rainforest Resort patrons. A half-day passage through the canal to the port of Balboa awaits those who chose to spend some extra days of tropical pleasure at Playa Bonita, Panama’s newest high-end resort located on a peaceful cove on the shores of the Pacific just minutes from Panama City. The lavish complex sports two swimming pools, a gourmet restaurant, a fully outfitted spa and impeccably maintained grounds. The resort’s imposing, Moorish-accented buildings, set against a wall of lush flora, create a regal setting.

Once a retreat for U.S. military forces stationed in Panama, Playa Bonita has been discovered by pleasure-seekers from around the world. Recent guests have included such pop culture stars as Spain’s Miguel Bosé and Colombian rocker Shakira. The resort’s gastronomic attractions, crescent-shaped beach and welcoming swimming pools will keep most arrivals close to home base, but for those with a sense of adventure, Playa Bonita’s staff has the perfect solution.

The reasons why Panama has become so popular in recent years with hikers, birdwatchers and others fascinated by this verdant lands expansive stretches of undisturbed terrain and the wildlife it sustains is revealed on a two hour escorted hike into the forest that overshadows the resort. Playa Bonita’s experienced guides will point out two and three toed sloths and other jungle mammals and reptiles on the two hour trek to nearby Punta Bruja, from where guests will slide into sea kayaks for a bracing half hour row back to home base.