Untamed Panama: It's ready and waiting

Brendan is a travel writer and photographer from Alberta, Canada.  You can read about his travels at Brendan's Adventures or check him out on Facebook.

Sandwiched between South and Central America, Panama is often unjustly overlooked by travellers. Perhaps out of obscurity, or possibly due to a lack of knowledge, Panama is completely under explored by the average traveller.

However, this vibrant country shouldn't stay off your travel radar much longer. It is rich in colonial history, natural beauty and offers wealth of opportunity for exploration. Below I have laid out my top five thing to do in Panama.

Architecture in Panama City
For many, a trip to the capital city of Panama is done solely for a visit to see the famous Panama Canal. However, the city is so much more than that. The old town is home to one of the oldest settlements in all of the Americas and glows of traditional colonial colours and architecture. In the new city you'll find the pulse of modernity along with some of the best nightlife in all of Central America.

The wild jungle of the Darien Gap
The Darien Gap is still largely unexplored and the jungle itself is fairly untamed. However, there is little risk at scratching the surface of the borders of this great rainforest. This is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth as it is a wildlife confluence of the Northern and Southern sections of the Americas. This is a wild part of Panama, that's definitely worth a bit of exploration.

Coffee in Boquete
In the highlands of Northern Panama sits the quaint city of Boquete. This town is famous for producing some of the world's greatest coffees. It is also famous for its number of natural parks and botanical gardens. For those with more of an adventurous spirit, this is also nature's playground allowing, you to get out and have some fun with rafting, hiking, and other adventure activities in abundance.

Lobster in the San Blas Islands
Made famous by being featured in a series of "Survivor", the San Blas Islands are a hidden paradise along the Caribbean coast of Panama. The inhabitants of the islands still live very traditional lifestyles but welcome visiting tourists with open arms. If you stop for a day or two at these islands be prepared for some rest and relaxation as well as some fantastic seafood. It is always lobster season on the San Blas Islands.

Surfing in Bocas del Toro
Tucked just south of the border with Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro are a part of an island archipelago teeming with life. For surfers this is one of the best places in Central America to catch a wave. For those interested in aquatic life the diving and snorkelling is world class as hammerhead sharks and sting rays swim around vying for your attention. If you'd rather just relax, feel free to simply sit back and relax with a rum punch in hand and enjoy the Caribbean vibe.

Is Panama on your radar? Tell us why in the comments section below. Then head to Twitter and Facebook to see what the rest of the Gecko's community is saying.

Now is the perfect time to get out and explore Panama. Gecko's Get Me Out of Here sale offers 15% on all Gecko's tours departing by 31 December 2011*. But be quick, the sale finishes on 31 July 2011.

See which of our trips head to Panama and start planning your adventure today.

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