Do you dream of sitting under a swaying palm tree, soaking up the sun on a white sandy beach? Can you imagine cooling down as the turquoise waves wash over you? If so, then you are in the right place. The temperature in Panama is a constant 24 degrees in the morning, rising to around 30 degrees in the afternoon. We also benefit from a cooling breeze in the evenings. If you just want to unwind then we work with beachside hotels to suit your budget. Just speak to our financial coordinator and they can work with your budget to not only cover the right treatment plan, but also ensure you don’t overspend on the vacation element of the trip.
Panama City is the capital of Panama and boasts a population of 470,000 people living and working here. Although a vibrant and metropolitan city you can still escape the hustle and bustle of the skyscrapers to get lost in the old world of Casco Viejo. This is the historical center, with cobbled streets and bougainvillea filled plazas with cafes and bars. If you want to learn more about Panamanian culture then you are spoilt for choice with many museums and art galleries. A visit to any of these will give you an insight the rich heritage and history of our beautiful country.
Whilst in Panama, one trip you have to take is to visit the world-famous Panama Canal. The Mireflores Locks gives a great view of the ships passing through the canal. The first idea of the canal dates back to 1513, when the potential was first recognised. For centuries the early European colonists put many proposals forward as to how this idea could become a reality. It wasn’t until the late 19th century when technology had advanced that the project first got underway.
The first attempt was led by the French in 1881, who attempted to build a sea level canal. This work was underway for 4 years before engineers realised that they needed a lock-based canal. This plan was not implemented until 1887. The project was fraught with problems, including disease among the workers with over 22,000 losing their lives. They also had the added complication of mudslides and frequent flooding. By 1889 the company went bankrupt leaving the canal far from completion.
Political unrest at the time in Panama was fuelled by an offer from President Roosevelt. He encouraged the Panamanians to revolt from Columbia by offering US Naval assistance. The Panamanians were triumphant and in return handed over the Panama Canal Company to the US for $10 million. The US engineers started work on the project in 1904 and the project took 10 years to complete. It cost the USA $375 million by the end of the project but is still considered to be a technological marvel and was an important strategic and economic asset to the US. It changed world shipping patterns, removing the need for ships to navigate the Drake Passage and Cape Horn. The canal saves a total of about 7,800 miles on a sea trip from New York to San Francisco.
The Panama Canal Company was handed back to Panama in 1977 by President Carter.
During your stay in Panama, you will probably spot a few sloths hanging around the city! With the rainforests being so close to the city centre, a few end up off the beaten track, especially the baby sloths who have lost their mother. Thankfully, we have the APPC Sloth Sanctuary who rescue orphans and sloths who are out of their natural habitat. They are assessed and nursed back to health before being released back into the wild. Tours of the APPC Sloth Sanctuary can be arranged for you for a cute afternoon out.
