Panama
Antoine's view
Most sailors have a tendency to see in Panama only the Canal that will give them access to the immense Pacific Ocean; yet the country is worth a stopover; and, for those who come by plane, a stay long enough to discover a vast choice of activities.
I tell you somewhere else about the San Blas islands, with their Kuna Indians, that are also part of Panama; but there are also forests, other Indian tribes, beautiful beaches and superb archipelagos such as Las Perlas or the islands of the area of Pedregal.
And, obviously, The Panama Canal is worth a good visit.
Try to choose the drier season, and you'll discover a surprising cocktail, an harmonious proportion of well preserved nature and a very lively and modern capital, Panama City, which also boasts a large number of historic remains.
I, for one, have spent more than one year cruising the various areas of Panama, and it has been hard to then sail away !
Google Maps
My favorite links
Tourist information office : www.tourist-office.org
Lonely planet : www.lonelyplanet.com
All about Panama : www.easyvoyage.co.uk
For sailors : www.noonsite.com