Panama: Travel and Safety Tips to Know Before You Go to the Central American Country

Panama is known for being a Spanish colony with a mixed population of Creoles, mestizos, European immigrants, Africans, and indigenous Indians.

It is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southwest, the Caribbean sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south, according to Adventure Life.

Panama is known for being a transit country due to the Panama Canal. It is popular for its natural tourist attractions such as birding, whitewater rafting, and snorkeling tours.

Panama's biodiversity is reportedly three times higher than the United States, Canada, and Europe combined, ensuring that there is a lot to see when you visit the Central American country. However, before deciding to travel to Panama, here are some safety guidelines one needs to know.

Panama: Travel Safety Guidelines

The U.S. State Department has issued a "Level 3" travel alert for Panama, advising travelers to reconsider traveling to the Central American country. The agency also advised American tourists in Panama to exercise increased caution due to crime.

The State Department urged travelers to avoid going to parts of the Mosquito Gulf and the Darién Region because of crime. The agency noted that the Mosquito Gulf is an extremely remote and inaccessible area along part of the north Caribbean coast.

It also advised travelers not to travel within the 10 miles of the coastline, from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui, to Cocle del Norte due to drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

Criminal elements and drug and human trafficking networks also operate in the areas of the Darién Region, including all areas south of the Jaque to Manene to Yaviza to Lajas Blancas cities to the Colombian border.

Tourist Attractions in Panama

The Panama Canal should be on the list of every traveler planning to visit Panama, being it is one of the features the country is best known for.

According to Planet Ware, visitors can see the canal from the five-story visitor center, complete with a small museum, a restaurant, and an IMAX theater in a separate building.

Pearl Islands could be your next destination in Panama, with its lush forests surrounded by white sandy beaches. It was populated with indigenous peoples until Spanish Conquistadors discovered the island's wealth of pearls in the 1500s.

Contador Island is the most developed part of the Pearl Islands. It features several resorts and an airstrip. Visitors can also charter private yachts to cruise and explore the islands.

Hiking and nature trips are also available in Panama with Boquete. It is located in a small valley and shadowed by Volcan Baru. It caters to tourists every year, with the town alive with the colors of local flowers, trees, and shrubs.

Boquete also features some of the best dining experiences in Panama. There are small hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts around the area. The area is known for being a hot spot for nature and wildlife, especially hiking and birdwatching.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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