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By Mackenzie Carpenter
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Panama

It's getting increasingly popular as a warm-weather destination, but it's still something of a bargain: Sherman Travel offers a five-night getaway, including air fare, for $899. Seven years after the U.S. government handed the Panama Canal back to the Panamanians, and 17 years after dictator Manuel Noriega exited the scene, this country has suddenly become Central America' newest place to play. It boasts a full complement of beaches, islands, rainforest, indigenous tribes, multi-ethnic culture and duty-free shopping. Panama City's skyline is like Miami's and the city's multicultural mix is reflected in shops and restaurants, says Norman Vanamee, editor-in-chief of Sherman's Travel. You can tour the 90-year-old Panama Canal, still an amazing feat of engineering.

You can explore the country's Pacific side, with some of the most pristine jungle landscape in the world and Native American tribes who live in remote wilderness villages. Eco-tour groups abound, and one of the largest is called Ancon.

But Vanamee seems most enthusiastic about the Archipielago de San Blas, on Panama's northeast Caribbean Coast islands, a group of 400 or so islands, many uninhabited, and overseen by the Kuna Indians. "It's a gorgeous area with spectacular diving and beaches," he says.

Resource:
ShermansTravel.com

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