Panama About Panama

The small land mass that connects the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere is often referred to as the "Crossroads of the Americas" - Panama. It’s focal point of "bridging" dates back to pre-Columbian times as there is archaeological evidence of trading between the Indian cultures of the north (Mexico) and those of the south (Ecuadorian/Peruvian). But is was during the Spanish colonial period that the isthmus became a true "highway/bridge."

The wealth of the Inca empire came up through the western Andes, were loaded on ships and headed to up the Golfo de Panama to the Pacific bay entrance. There, the Inca loot was transported by foot to the town of Venta de Cruces, then put on boats up the Chagres River to the Caribbean ports - this became known as the Las Cruces Trail, and was used until the mid-19th century and the advent of the Panama Railroad. Another route of transport was the El Camino Real, a series of trails that linked Panama with Portobelo by mule train.

Today its nomenclature is derived from the Panama Canal, a technological marvel often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. But it is also a commercial and financial center in Latin America, as exemplified by being the headquarters of numerous international financial institutions, housing a world-class free zone and an incredible building boom.

Its geographic position as a unique, natural bridge connecting North and South America, has a bio-diversity of wildlife second to none in MesoAmerica. In 25% of its land mass, it harbors 14 national parks, a dozen forest reserves and 10 wildlife refuges. There are more species of birds than in all of North America (and that includes Canada!); there are hundreds of migratory birds as well as over 900+ native species, from the elusive, resplendent Quetzal seen in the Chiriqui province to the powerful hunter, Harpy Eagle of the Darien (and national bird of the country). Off-shore, there are hundreds of islands (from the Pearl Islands of the Pacific to the San Blas archipelago of the Caribbean) with beaches, coral reefs, fish, all providing excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, fishing.

When Panama was discovered by Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501, there were over 60 indigenous tribes. Today there are three major ethnic groups, the Kunas of San Blas, the Embera of Darien and the Gnobe-Bugle of Chiriqui and Bocas. And in between, there has been major cultural diversity with migrations from all over the world, which was especially acute during the building of the canal.

The abundance of diversity has given rise to a rich folklore, music, dance, festivals and of course, the charm and warmth of today’s inhabitants.