Top places in Panama

Top places in Panama that are not to be missed

Panama is a country in Central America that is peaking the interest of holidaymakers and backpackers from all over the world. It offers plenty of things to see and do and travel here can be done on a budget or in more luxurious style. Whatever your projected spending, here are a few top tourist attractions and places of interest that shouldn’t be missed.

1. Panama City

Panama city has been compared to Miami and is a city bustling with arts, culture and modern living. There are numerous tourist attractions in this city alone including the Panama Canal and Panama Viejo, the first city founded back in 1519.

2. Santa Catalina and Coiba National Park

A laid back coastal town, Santa Catalina offers a different experience altogether, mainly focused on relaxing and marine life. All water sports from surfing and sailing to diving and fishing can be done from here and a base such as Hotel Sol y Mar will be able to help you arrange all sorts of trips and tours.

3. Hiking or white water rafting

There are numerous national park offering incredible hiking trails and white water rafting on the Chagres River is another awesome experience.

4. Coffee Tasting

Panama coffee is now considered to be amongst the best in the world, and the coffee-making region of Boquete is well worth a tour.

Back to basics in Santa Catalina

Get back to basics in Santa Catalina

In the modern world in which we live, most of us have become accustomed to having everyone and everything we may ever need permanently at our fingertips. There is a certain charm about places that are still slightly basic and simple. Santa Catalina, and the Hotel Sol y Mar in particular are one example of a destination and choice of accommodation that has found the perfect balance of home comforts and charming simplicity. The hotel itself is well decorated with comfortable beds and plenty of modern amenities. It is even equipped with up to date technology such as air-conditioning, Sky TV and WIFI Internet access. The green garden and spacious swimming pool top it all off. 

Where the back to basic simplicity comes in, is in fact with the town itself. As a small beachside town most visitors here come to enjoy the untouched marine life of the national park and the beautiful white sand beaches. There is a limited choice of eateries in the town but fresh produce can be bought straight off the trucks at certain times of day. There is one store selling basic supplies and a few bars in which you can enjoy a cheap drink in the evening but be prepared for the doors to close by 10pm.

Coiba National Park

Become reconnected with nature in Coiba National Park

Nowadays most of us live a life that is centred on our smart phones and the Internet, and it would be hard to imagine a life that isn’t surrounding by technology in one form or another. What of the truly beautiful aspects of life in Santa Catalina is that you can take a step back from all of that for a moment and remember what it means to live a life that is surrounded by the most amazing and beautiful examples of nature. This part of Panama really does have it all from the white Sand beaches of Santa Catalina to the greenery of Coiba National Park and the dazzling blue ocean that frames it all.

However you prefer to connect with nature, you can be sure that you can do it from your base in Santa Catalina. From surfing the fierce and awesome crashing waves to bumping noses with tropical fish as you dive the clear blue waters or simply sitting on the water whilst you sail around the islands, it is all possible here. The Hotel Sol y Mar makes the ideal base, which has just about everything from modern décor to a swimming pool and even WIFI for those who cant bare to be without internet access.

Santa Catalina Carnival

Experience the festivities of the Santa Catalina Carnival

Carnivals and festivals and fun and vibrant in all countries but there is something extra special and colourful about those hosted in Central and South America. A yearly Carnival takes place in Panama every year a few days before Ash Wednesday and is a chaotic and flamboyant celebration that is embraced by the entire country. Las Tablas is a town located about 5 hours from the capital of Panama City and is one the places with the most extravagant celebrations. Expect the streets to be packed with shops, bars and restaurants whilst the upper and lower parts of town compete with other for the best decorations and fire-works. The whole community gets involved with everyone from young children to elderly people enjoying the festivities. 

If you need some down time after experiencing a Panamanian Carnival, then Santa Catalina is the ideal place for some rest and relaxation. Stay at the Hotel Sol y Mar to enjoy the swimming pool and the fresh air of the quiet coastal town. Lay about in a hammock, whilst you read your book or catch up on your tan on one of the white sand beaches. Once you have regained some energy enjoy snorkelling or diving in the colourful untouched ocean.

5 reasons why everyone should visit Santa Catalina

A small beach town located in the Central American country of Panama, Santa Catalina has everything going for it and as a result is receiving an increasing number of visitors every year. To give you a better idea, here are the five top reasons why everyone should take a tip to Santa Catalina. 

 

1. Word-class marine life at Coiba National Park

Most visitors to Santa Catalina will take advantage of the opportunity to cross over to Coiba Island and the national park that it inhabits. Thanks to rigorous protection of the land and oceans, the whole area is pristine and simply a haven for the most vibrant and colourful of underwater life.

2. Experience a different culture and lifestyle

It’s always good to leave your world behind for a while and experience someone else’s. Delve into the lifestyle of Panamanian people and you may never want to go home.

3. Relax and do nothing

Santa Catalina and accommodation such as the Hotel Sol y Mar offers the perfect setting to relax in a hammock with a book.

4. Sample the food

Sea-food is plentiful here and local cuisine is delicious so make sure you sample lots of different dishes.

5. Take advantage of great value for money

Compared to home in the West, most people will find spending time in Santa Catalina very affordable and excellent value for money.