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Thanks to low consumer prices, vibrant culture and sunny climate, Latin America has become perhaps the most important destination price-conscious touristsespecially Americans looking to escape the bleak Northern Hemisphere winter.
From Mexico to Brazil, these sunny spots steal the spotlight and post record arrival numbers.
Yet there is one a lot of smaller Latin gem that is often forgotten, but has recently been crowned one of the best travel destinations this year CNN.
If you are looking for a unique destination that is not yet saturated in the media and where prices are not absurd, Panama is where you need to go:
A small country with an impressive diversity in nature
Panama, a transcontinental country located right on the border between North and Central America, at the southernmost tip of the Central American Isthmus, is a small country that offers access to both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and a impressive abundance of nature.
Crisscrossed by hiking trails, bordered by azure waters, and with more than 60% of the national territory covered by dense jungle, it is primarily a natural destination, which means that it tends to attract tourists who are averse to big cities and those who are actively looking for adventure.
Like the CNN writer notes: Panama has numerous national parks, including Volcán Barú, home to the country’s highest peak, La Amistad, dotted with majestic waterfalls, and Coiba, a UNESCO-protected island 12 miles from the mainland that is a haven for marine life offers.
In addition to its vast open spaces, Panama is famous for its ingenious, untitled canal, a man-built waterway that bisects the American landmass to allow the passage of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and for unparalleled engineering example.
Of course there is the Panamanian culture.
A fascinating cultural tapestry
Although the land was largely forested and originally inhabited by Native Americans, Spanish settlers who arrived in the 16th century would permanently change the landscape and demography through their introduction of urbanization and Western civilization.
At the height of transatlantic Spain, the constant influx of migrants transformed Panama into one of the most ethnically diverse areas on this side of the Atlantic, hosting not only Spaniards but also other Europeans and, of course, enslaving Africans during the construction of the nation.
It may have progressed after the horrors of colonization, but in modern times Panama has remained true to its multicultural characterR.
The cuisine incorporates elements of both the Iberian (Spanish) and Amerindian diets, and the historic cities reflect the fading grandeur of an extinct empire, and that’s just one facet of it.
According to CNN, Panama City is a “vibrant capital” with a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its city center, distinguished by its colonial architecture and Baroque churches.
Despite being a sprawling urban center, it is the only national capital bordering a tropical rainforest.
That’s no coincidence: it’s proof that, despite humanity’s best efforts, nature cannot be defeated, at least not in green Panama.
A thing CNN do not mention is how shockingly affordable Panama is for American visitors.
Panama is very cheap for American tourists
Based on data available on Budget your tripA weeklong trip to Panama costs an average of just $548 for one person, including accommodation, food and local transportation.
That is approximately $78.28 per dayat Costa Rica’s average daily cost of $115.
On Airbnb you can find rooms in Boquete Garden Innone of the top-rated accommodations in the small town of Boquete, in the heart of the jungle, for just $159.86 per night, or conveniently located guesthouses such as Buena Vista Boquete for just $56.92.
In Panama City, the capital, restaurant owners take you through $7 and $10 per personand even fine dining won’t weigh heavily on your wallet, with main courses at some of the most traditional eateries costing $25.
Tourism in Panama is to growand considering its thriving nature, fascinating culture and high affordability, we can’t say we’re surprised.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
