Being the belly button of the American Continent, Panama City, Panama is a “must go” vacation place in the world. From its beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes and rivers, to its growing industries, industrialized city, and richness of culture and traditions, Panama is a country that can offer it all. Here I’m leaving you with the 10 reasons why I think you should visit Panama; and I promise that, after reading them all, you will end up desiring to go visit this amazing place.

1. The Panama Canal: finished in 1914, the Canal is one of the primary sources of income for this country. Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it should, in my opinion, be considered one of the world’s wonders as it is something that this country holds, that no other country has to this magnitude. It is a touristic attraction, a profitable industry, and an amazing architectural and engineering piece of work. Currently, because of so much traffic, the canal is being expanded with a third set of locks, and it is projected to be up and running next year (2016). It is an interesting and historical place to visit, at least once in your life.
2. The Beautiful Beaches: from black sand and blurry beaches, to clear water and white sand beaches, Panama has them all. Two of my personal favorites are “Bocas del Toro” and “San Blas” archipelago; both clear ocean waters that will amuse you every time. They are different from each other, Bocas being more of a “surfers” place, and San Blas being more of a “relaxing” place; but both beautiful and “must go” locations if you happen to be in Panama one day.
3. The Breathtaking Mountain Views: Panama has many places where you can go enjoy the view. Either the view of the city night lights, the view of the skyline from an island, or the view on top of its various mountains. But my favorite by far, is the view from the top of the mountains. There is this place called “Volcan Baru,” and although the climb to get to the is pretty rough, once you get there the view is breathtaking.
4. The Infinite Dining Possibilities: name the category of food you want to get, and I will find a place for you to go get it. From fancy to street food, from expensive to cheap, from healthy to fast food, from traditional to imported, from good to great. In Panama there are amazing burgers and BBQ places, tasteful Italian cuisine, authentic Chinese food, meat lovers’s restaurants, exotic Indian and Lebanese corners, amazing Japanese Sushi and Teppanyaki places, German bars and restaurants, brunch delights, dessert places that will leave your mouth watering, AND MORE. Not to mention the exquisite Panamanian cuisine. I dare you to go and try it all sometime.
5. The Interesting Nightlife: either you are the “bar-hopper” type (go to “Casco Viejo”), the “party-lights and disco” type (go to “1400”), the “I just want to chill” type (go to “Fenicia”), or the “Rooftop” kinda guy/gal (go to “Tantalo”), there is a place for you to be at night. Do not worry about them ID’ing you at the entrance, or when you are trying to order a drink at a bar… if you are 18, you are good to go.
6. The Exhilarating Wild Adventures: If you are the type of person who enjoys outdoor adventures, who does not mind getting sweaty from time to time, and lives for thrills and adrenaline rushes, you should visit Panama. From white water rafting, canopy, and bungee jumping, to scuba diving, surfing, and tons of sport possibilities. Since Panama has both beaches and mountains, and its weather basically consists in rain or shining sun, it is versatile enough to offer all these amazing possibilities.
7. The Unique Historical Places: the ruins of the old city are part of the current city’s landscape. Which I think, makes it much more interesting and rich. There are various places along the city where you can go submerge in the history and enjoy its current possibilities.
8. The Shopping Malls and Relatively Good Prices: Panama is a pretty small country, but it does not stop it from being as industrialized and profitable as it is. I would even consider it to be the New York City of Central America because of its huge buildings, high-end shopping malls, and overall industrialized city where people come do business.
9. The Richness In Traditions: from carnivals, dances, and festivities, to foods, costumes, music and arts Panama is a country that combines a unique set of traditions. Although I always say it is a country that is very influenced by American culture, I only mean that in the commercial side of it all. Talking about the country itself and its traditions and values, it is unique, original, and very interesting to watch and to experience.
10. The Amazing People: like any other place, it has good and bad people, but I choose to believe that there are more good people out there who outweigh the bad people, and that those people can (and will) make your experience in Panama one for the books! #VisitPanama