INDEPENDENT BUS TRAVEL IN NORTH, CENTRAL, SOUTH AMERICA AND ASIA - BAMBA EXPERIENCE

With archipelagos galore and over a third of the country encompassed by national parks and natural reserves, Panama is a thriving eco-tourism destination yet to be etched onto the gringo trail.  Located at the “end of the line” in isolation from Colombia by the untamed Darien Province, Panama occupies a privileged and protected spot in Central America.  

Bocas del Toro archipelago of islands in the remote northeastern corner of Panama has become popular with tourists perhaps because of it’s proximity to Costa Rica however it remains a beautiful place to visit and spend your days snorkeling around tropical islands and islets.  Archipelago Las Perlas is a hop away from Panama City and a great place to spend a day, a week or longer.  The Kuna Yala Indigenous group live autonomously in the San Blas Islands which has helped them preserved their unique culture and way of life.  A visit here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you will be hosted by a Kuna family on their own private island, cooked 3 meals a day and be able to peek into the lives of this thriving community.  

After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Panama formed part of the Republic of Gran Colombia from which is later seceded in 1903.  One year later construction on the Panama Canal began by the US Army Corps of Engineers which was finally completed by 1914, ten years later.  By the year 2000, the ownership of the Panama Canal had been transferred completely to Panama.  It is a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP and a major tourist draw.

Panama’s highlands boast beautiful cloud forests, rain forests and world-class white water rafting.  From the mountain town of Boquete you can raft down class IV and V rapids or go hiking up to the country’s highest point on Volcan Baru at 3,475 meters.  Don’t forget the treasures you can find in modern Panama City where people from every walk of life come together.  You can find a custom-made Panama Hat shop, buy handmade souvenirs from Kuna Yala women, go dancing at a trendy club and taste gourmet Panamanian cuisine at a fusion restaurant.  This tiny country has a world to explore.