Panama City is a curious blend of old Spain, US style mall developments and the bazaar atmosphere os the east.  Hardly surprising then that it has a polyglot population unrivaled by any other Latin American city.  Expanding rapidly since 1979, new developments have mushroomed at the southern end of the Canal and skyscrapers springing up around the Bahia de Panama.  As new roads are constantly being built, Panama City is perhaps the only capital in the sub continent which is developing to suit the automobile more than the pedestrian.  Beyond the urban streets, palm shaded beaches, the islands of the bay and encircling hills constitute a large part of Panama City's charm.  And the cabarets and night life are an added attraction for any self respecting hedonist. *

El Valle - This picturesque town, 123 Km west of Panama City is nestled in the crater of a giant extinct volcano.  The volcano erupted 3 million years ago with such force that it blew its top off, creating a crater 5 Km across - one of the larges in the Americas.  The crater gradually filled with rain water and a rather large lake resulted.  The lake level fell markedly between 25000 and 10000 BC.  Eventually through erosion or collapse, a breach opened at the present site of Chorro de Las Mozas and the entire lake drained.  Later Indians moved into the valley to farm its fertile soil, but to date no one has attempted to determine when they arrived.  There are also some impressive petroglyphs in the northwestern corner of the valley, but they have yet to be studied. *

Located atop a summit with sweeping views of forested valleys and imposing peaks intermittently shrouded by clouds.  The peaks are reminiscent of the karst formations of Guilin, China.  Perfect, quiet place to relax and take in the beautiful nature around you. *

The USA´s construction of the Panama Canal during the early 20th century is a larger than life true story of adventure, ordeal and accomplishment.  It followed on the heels of the catastrophic French attempt to cut a path between the seas, which claimed 22,000 lives.  Despite all the technological advances that have taken place since the completion of th canal almost 96 years ago, the lock and lake waterway remains one of the great engineering marvels of all time.  The canal extends 80 Km from Colon on the Caribbean side to Panama City on the Pacific.  Each year more than 12,000 ocean-going vessels transit it - well over 30 a day.  So significant is the canal to international shipping that ships the world over are build to fit within the dimensions of its locks:  305m long and 33.5m wide (Panamax).  At times a huge ship will squeeze through the locks with less than a meter to spare on each side.  It's a site onlookers never forget.  *

This town of 3000 is only 38Km north of the hot, bustling provincial capital of David, but it feels like it's in another country.  Nestled in a craggy mountain valley at 1060m, with the sparkling Rio Caldera running through it, Boquete is known throughout Panama for its cool, fresh climate and pristine natural environment.  It's a fine place for walking, bird watching and enjoying a respite of the heat of the lowlands.  Flowers. coffee, vegetables and citrus fruit are grown in and around Boquete.  The naval-orange season, from November to February, is a popular time to visit.  Boquete´s oranges, originally brought from Riverside, CA, are known for their sweetness, and the coffee is widely regarded as the country's finest.  On some nights the temperature can drop to near freezing.  Visitors should pack some warm clothes if they plan to visit the area. *

Like playing with your bike in the dirt and sand?  You've come to the right place.... *