After crazy times at work during EMAs, followed up by the christmas season, January was finally there and we booked ourselves a holiday away from the cold weather, towards.... Panama! Why Panama? Well, I never visited Central (nor South) America before. But then again, you might ask; why Panama? Since we found ourselves a return flight for only 450 euro! One tip: when you are planning to fly away far for holidays and try to save some money, keep a track on ticketspy, they search the web for the best deals and post them on their facebook wall. The deals are incredible, but you have to be willing to make a transfer (or two;)). But back to Panama again. Next to the nice deal, I also wanted to visit the country since many people were crazy enthusiastic about it, especially as it is not as touristic as Costa Rica and saver then, for instance, Guatemala. Foremost, Panama has a great combo of beautiful city, intense jungle, paradise islands, high mountains and great wildlife. Only thing that disappointed me, was the food. If you're up for rice and beans with fried fish or chicken, then this is your place. But the beers tasted as good as anywhere, and luckily, their lack of an own kitchen gets compensated with the massive offer of seafoods, with the atlantic and pacific ocean surrounding this country. So; my top 5 of Panama:
1. Panama City: As in many cities, you've got to know where to go. And that is Casco Viejo. Although very touristy, it still is a beautiful colonial part of the city where you can see how Panama City started in 1670. The neighborhood was impoverished during the 20th century, until it was declared Unesco World Heritage. The buildings are still being restored, and it is beautiful to stroll around and see the crumbled and sometimes abandoned houses. During the day, take a beer at La Rana Dorada and at night, visit the exciting roof terrace of Tantalo.
2. San Blas Islands: I am lucky to say that I have been to multiple beautiful, white sand beaches in the world, but I have never seen anything so beautiful as the San Blas Islands. The water is so blue and the sand is so white, it hurts your eyes looking at it! But, you need to lose your expectations on luxury, since sleeping is done in hammocks with multiple people in one hut and you will eat rice, beans and fish or chicken every day. But wow, you are in paradise! Coral reefs are right at the beach, so you can snorkel the day away.
3. Parque Internacional La Amistad: Intense jungle, thick lianas, small streams and views from the top that take some serious hiking. If you like adventure, then Parque Amistad is where you want to be. We walked for hours, without seeing anyone. A bit scary sometimes, with Panama having 25 species of (some very venomonous) snakes, but also so crazy beautiful! We braved lots of rain and mud, but it was all worth it when you encounter green leaves with the size of your own body and streams so clear you want to drink the water. Beautiful!
4. Punta Burica: When you like off the beaten track places, then Punta Burica is a definite must-go. It's the most Southern point of Panama, nearby the Cost Rican coast. Although many websites state you can only get there by 4WD, we managed with a Kia Picanto (ok; where we had to ditch the car 30 mins before getting there). There a no places to stay except for Mono Feliz; a paradise in the middle of the jungle & right at the beach. It is run by an American old sailor with his Panamanian wife. They build some small (open!) cabins at their beautiful property, which also contains an open kitchen (where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner) and a natural swimmingpool with water from the mountains.
5. Santa Catalina: If you like surfing, a laidback atmosphere, great pizza's, nice beers and mind-blowing breakfasts, go to Santa Catalina. At this cozy beachplace you wander around other laid back, international tourists, who are all in for a corona and a talk while watching the sunset from one of the nice open bars. Great place to end your holidays!
