Destination Panama has long been in the shadows of its acclaimed Latin neighbours like Brazil, Argentina and Peru when it comes to travel. This is about to change with the completion of the Panama canal expansion.
Watch video as Ernesto Orillac – former Vice Minister Tourism for Panama highlights some of his country’s travel and food attractions.
Panama is a compact country with a population of about four million. It forms the bridge that links Central and South America. The man-made Panama Canal cuts through the centre of the country, creating an important shipping route for vessels plying between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
In Panama City, the country’s capital, modern skyscrapers tower over the city skyline standing in stark contrast to the Spanish, French and Antillean colonial buildings in the Casco Viejo district.
Panama means an abundance of fish and butterflies in native Indian language.
This holds true as the destination is blessed with rich harvest from the surrounding oceans and plenty of tropical food from its lush rainforests. The crossroads of the world, Panama’s cuisine is influenced by its diverse population of Spanish, native Indian, European, African and Chinese immigrants.
The expansion of the Panama Canal was officially declared open on June 26, 2016. The newly upgraded canal is expected to increase cruise traffic and visitors to the country. The destination is a great shopping paradise. The Colon Free Trade Zone is the largest free zone in the Americas and the second largest in the world – trailing after Hong Kong.
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