Panama is a wonderful country that is easy to navigate and makes for a great introduction to Central America. When people think of Panama, they most often think of Panama City, but there is so much more to this country. In addition to its cosmopolitan and cultural capital city, Panama has wonderful rainforests and national parks. It also has beautiful beaches, world renowned scuba diving, and countless trekking opportunities. The country is quite diverse, but offers an excellent internal transportation system in the form of intercity buses, frequent flights, and a large number of privatized tourist transportation companies. Whatever your budget and travel style, you'll likely be surprised at how easy it is to travel around this beautiful country. Because of its ease of transportation, many expats have chosen to make their home in Panama, and you can see the international influence throughout the country.

The weather is pleasant in Panama year around and the temperatures generally stay consistent with highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and evening temperatures in the seventies. There is a rainy season that runs from May to November, and a dry season that runs between December and April. Even in the rainy season, do not expect it to rain all day. Most of the day is still pleasant and enjoyable.

English is prevalent in Panama, and the currency is locked to the US dollar, making it a convenient place to experience this part of the world. Prices in Panama may be slightly higher than some other Central American countries, but you can still find some good deals. There are some tricks to staying on budget in this country. In particular, spend a few days in Panama City and then move on. Other destinations are just as interesting at a fraction of the cost. Also avoid taxis if at all possible, as the prices are unreasonably high and the drivers typically refuse to negotiate. If you're on a particularly tight budget, look for hotels and hostels that don't have hot water, then ask for a discount. The weather is so hot most of the year, you're unlikely to miss the hot water anyway.

Coiba National Marine Park: A great place to see rare land and sea animals, this area is sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Central America. Located about thirty miles off the coast of Panama in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Coiba National Marine Park has many islands, the largest of which is called Coiba.
Islas Secas: A series of islands located in the Chiriqui Gulf that is famous and world class for its sport fishing. They are privately owned by an American and have a nice eco resort that you can visit.
Volcan Baru National Park: Panama's tallest peak, standing high at over 11,000 feet, this park offers wonderful opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. It's near the town of Boquete and at the top you can see both oceans on a clear day. You'll also see crops of the famous geisha coffee growing along the edge of the volcano.

Patacones: A traditional dish of fried green plantains, patacones are included as a side dish with most meals. They are comparable to potato chips or fries, but are typically served with a garlic dipping sauce.
Chichas: A delicious fruit, water, and sugar drink often made with mangoes, tamarindo, papaya, or passionfruit. The drinks can be either alcoholic or nonalcoholic.
Empanadas: A quick snack dish, empanadas are a pastry filled with either meat, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. They can be quite large and are made with dough folded into a semicircle. They are a wonderful, affordable lunch option that are available at a lot of street stalls and many restaurants.