Panama

Introduction to Panama

Under Spanish rule from 1501, Panama was a pivotal trade route and collection point for commerce from the New World. This abundance of transient wealth also attracted many foreign pirates and buccaneers, such as Henry Morgan and Sir Francis Drake. Panama achieved independence in 1821, as a region of Gran Colombia. However, when Gran Colombia collapsed in 1830, Panama became part of modern Colombia. Unhappy with this, the Panamanians found an ally in the United States, which had strategic interests in the region – specifically, in the construction of an Atlantic-Pacific link, and the construction of the Panama Canal, embarked upon when Panama achieved full independence in 1903.

The Panama Canal Zone, completed in 1914, became an American Protectorate. Panama remained under effective American control until 1939. The country's domestic politics were reasonably stable until the 1968 military coup, led by General Omar Torrijos Herrera. He held effective power until his death by plane crash in 1981. Four years earlier, the Americans agreed to turn over the Canal to full Panamanian control at the turn of the century.

During most of the 1980s, the country was run by the Head of the Armed Forces, Manuel Noriega. The general's policies and his personal activities - including alleged involvement in drug trafficking - produced very strained relations with the USA. US intervention became more likely after the Panamanian presidential election of May 1989. This was won by the principal opposition candidate, Guillermo Endara Galimany, but the election was annulled. After an attempted coup in October 1989 – believed to have had US backing – Endara was quickly crushed by Noriega's forces. The only means of getting rid of the troublesome dictator was military intervention. So, in December 1989, US President George Bush authorised an invasion.

After a few days of fierce fighting, US forces secured control of the country and the capture of Noriega, who was later tried, convicted and sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment on US soil. Guillermo Endara was installed as the head of a new administration drawn from the ADOC coalition, which had won the May 1989 election.

By 1999, the defining event in recent Panamanian history took place – the return of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama under the terms of the agreement negotiated by the Panamanians and the US Carter administration in 1980. Quite groundbreaking too was that the event was overseen by Panama's first female president, Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez, who won the race that same year.

Panama is thus a curious but exhilarating combination of cultural influence. It lies at the centre of the world, its isthmus constituting the last part of a natural land-bridge between the North and South American continents. Its strategic position and glorious terrain – from jungle to beach - suggests that it will remain an important country for a long time yet.

Panama is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Latin America. Although nearby Costa Rica still takes most of the Central American incoming travelers, Panama is gaining the lime light as a premier destination for eco tourism, retirement and and for its cosmopolitan lifestyle. The greatest asset of Panama is its diversity of activities, which make it absolutely worth a visit.

Panama city, the capital, is lively, modern, cosmopolitan, and fast moving. Hip and smart bars and restaurantes, great shopping, beautiful Casco Viejo, Old Panama ruins, the Panama Canal, and the metropolitan park all make Panama city a destination unlike any other in Central America.

The San Blas Islands are hard to get to, but offer a unique insight into the Kuna Native american life. The Darien gap in the south is the most exciting bit of the Panamerican. There is a road all the way from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but here it just stops. Thick jungle that can be crossed on foot or in little canoes is what you'll find. As well as very friendly locals and a once in a lifetime experience.

If you want to go snorkeling, scuba diving and enjoy the Caribbean livestyle the Bocas del toro archipelago offer the finest possibilities in the country.

Volcan and Boquete in the Chiriqui province to the West, offer the great opportunities for mountain hiking, ecotourism, water rafting, and great weather. It is a must destination for strawberry and raspberry lovers.

Weather Overview
Panama has two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from mid-December to mid-April while the rainy season from mid-April to December. North of the mountains, on the Caribbean side of Panama, it rains all year-round. However, it tends to rain less in February, March, September and October than it does the rest of the year. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands throughout the year - days usually reach around 32°C (90°F) and only drop to an average of 22°C (72°F). During the rainy season the humidity makes the heat even harder to endure. Mountain temperatures are much cooler, ranging between 10-18°C (50 and 64°F) in a day, and they too vary little throughout the year.

Panama Hotels and Resorts