Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for panama
Where History and Nature Meet in Panama
By Linda Tancs
Located in the eastern sector of the Panama Canal, Chagres National Park is a place where history and nature meet. It’s home to the forest that shelters the Chagres River (the largest river in the canal’s watershed) and where you’ll find remnants of the Camino Real, a colonial route that transported goods like gold and silver from coast to coast before the canal was built. Comprising over 300,000 acres, hiking opportunities are abundant, like the peak of Cerro Jefe and its spectacular views of the canal. Rafting, kayaking and fishing are popular activities as is visiting the indigenous Emberá community by canoeing up the Chagres River. Book a tour operator for the best experience, such as an indigenous culture tour or a full-day jungle expedition.
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Valley of the Flowers
By Linda Tancs
Blessed with an ideal, year-round climate, Panama’s Boquete is affectionately known as the Valley of the Flowers. Nestled in the Chiriqui Highlands, it’s adorned with masses of red and purple flowers. It’s also known for its coffee, the main industry in this region. Both the flowers and the coffee are celebrated each January during the Flower and Coffee Festival. The event features over 30,000 blooms (highlighting the prized orchid), coffee vendors and over 200 stalls with a variety of local artisans.
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The Town in a Crater
By Linda Tancs
About 75 miles west of Panama City, El Valle de Anton is a town nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano. Nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, it provides relief from the heat of the lowlands below. Hikers of all skill levels will appreciate the variety of trails, made all the more accessible by the crisper temperatures. It’s best to start at La India Dormida Trail, where you experience some of the best sunrise views over the town and stunning mountain views.
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An Island for Every Day
By Linda Tancs
Looking for an archipelago with as many islands as there are days in a year? Then look no further than San Blas in Panama. Comprising approximately 365 islands and cays (of which 49 are inhabited), they lie off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama, east of the Panama Canal. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna (or Guna), who maintain political autonomy from the mainland and control tourism. Thanks to their efforts, the islands retain a quiet, pristine character—in other words, rustic. That means no Wi-Fi, all-inclusives or shopping. One of the easiest ways to get there is to take a day tour from Panama City, visiting a handful of islands and including a local lunch. You might prefer that to an overnight in a hut with no water or electricity.
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Panama Canal’s Centenary
By Linda Tancs
An engineering marvel of its day, the Panama Canal manages five percent of shipments worldwide, linking more than 144 routes, 1,700 ports and 160 countries in commerce. The grand dame is celebrating her 100th birthday today with a makeover in the works that includes new locks, wider shipping lanes and bigger ports. A canal cruise frequently lands on the bucket list of travelers. Look for cruise deals highlighting the centennial, including increased transits (Holland America has nearly 30 full or partial transits on its 2014 schedule), stage celebrations and enrichment classes.
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