VIDEO : Widening The Panama Canal

It’s time to experience the Panama Canal Transiting.  the Panama Canal is a traveler’s “must do” adventure

Tour Suggested:

Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Panama Canal Helicopter Tour

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For more Tour Option : www.panamatourismtravel.com

About the Video : Extreme Engineering is a documentary television series aired on the Discovery Channel and The Science Channel which features futuristic and ongoing engineering projects.The show was renamed Build It Bigger in the US but retains its name when broadcast in Europe.

PANAMA NATIONAL ANTHEM

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 Lyrics by Jerónimo de la Ossa

Music by Santos Jorge

CHORUS

At last we reached victory
In the joyous field of the union;
With ardent fires of glory
A new nation is alight.

It is necessary to cover with a veil
The past times of Calvary and cross;
Let now the blue skies be adorned with
The splendid light of the concord.

Progress caresses your path.
To the rhythm of a sublime song,
You see both your seas roar at your feet
Giving you a path to your noble mission.

(Chorus)

In your soil covered with flowers
To the kisses of the warm clouds of dust,
Warrior roars have ceased;
Only fraternal love reigns.

Ahead the shovel and pick,
At work without any more dilation,
and we will be as such at work and gala
of this fruitful world of Columbus.

(Chorus)

VIDEO: History of the Panama Canal

It’s time to experience the Panama Canal Transiting. the Panama Canal is a traveler’s “must do” adventure

                                                                                   Part 1
                                                                                



Tour Suggested:

Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Panama Canal Helicopter Tour

BOOK NOW !

For more Tour Option : www.panamatourismtravel.com

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

See The Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks

Tour Avaliable
Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Panama Canal Tour

For those wishing to see that “8th Wonder of the World”, but have little time, I suggest this tour. This two hour tour takes you to the Miraflores Locks where we will visit the Miraflores Visitor Center and see the great ships of the world transiting through.

Miraflores is the name of one of the three locks that form part of the Panama Canal and the name of the small lake that separates these locks from the Pedro Miguel locks upstream. In the Miraflores locks, vessels are lifted (or lowered) in three stages totalling 8 m, allowing them to transit to or from the Pacific Ocean port of Balboa (near Panama City). Ships cross below the Puente de las Américas (Bridge of the Americas) which connects North and South America.

Four exhibition halls constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitor Center . The exhibitions include historic pieces, interactive modules, video presentations, models of the Panama Canal, and objects used in Canal operations.

The History Hall portrays the background, technological innovations, and sanitary initiatives that went hand in hand with the construction of the Canal. This exhibition hall honors the hundreds of men and women who made this achievement possible.

The Hall of Water: Source of Life emphasizes the importance of water, conservation of the environment and biodiversity, protection of the Canal Watershed, and the ACP’s commitment to the sustainable management of this resource and the interoceanic region.

The Canal in Action depicts in an amusing manner how the Canal operates and allows us the experience of being inside a navigation simulator and one of the lock culverts. A virtual ocean-to-ocean transit is also made possible through the use of a topographical model. This exhibition showcases Canal improvement, modernization, and maintenance projects.

The Canal in the World provides information on the importance of the Canal to world trade; describes the trade routes it serves; and identifies its main users, the various types of vessels that transit the waterway, and the commodities they carry. In addition, it presents an overview of studies conducted in order to guarantee the future competitiveness of the Canal and the benefits to the Republic of Panama.

What is the lowest toll paid for a transit through the Panama Canal ?

Tour Suggested:

Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Panama Canal Helicopter Tour

BOOK NOW !


For more Tour Option : www.panamatourismtravel.com

Swimming, whether as a hobby or a sport, is a very enjoyable activity and one that is relatively easy to engage in, as well as economical. As the works in the Panama Canal progressed, there were greater opportunities to find and furnish places for these enjoyments. Therefore, to prevent a disorderly use of these areas, in December 1913 Colonel George W. Goethals, President of the Canal Commission, published Circular Letter No. 515, whereby swimming areas were being restricted to prevent any interference with the works of the canal. A special site was reserved for the use of personnel stationed at Fort Elliot and Fort Otis. The Police and Prisons Division was authorized to specifically enforce these provisions. Those who worked with floating equipment (dredges, tugs, excavators, cranes, etc.) could bathe in the ocean or the lakes near their work sites in their off-duty time, as long as they observed existing provisions.

The desire to swim across the Panama Canal was expressed by many individuals, as soon as the works were nearing termination. On November 12, 1913, special permission was granted Captain Allan Borran and Hellen My Golding, to swim in the Canal, excluding Gaillard Cut, which was not yet completed. On November 22, beginning at Gatun Locks, Captain Borran swam a distance of some 20 miles from 5:20 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Two days later he resumed his swim at 10 a.m. to arrive at Balboa at 2:30 p.m. A total of thirty miles covered in 16 hours an 35 minutes, in addition to the resting period already stated.

Hellen My Golding swam from Cristobal to Balboa in several stages, although her attempt did not include a swim through the locks. To this time she is the only woman to have ever attempted such a feat.

The first ocean-to-ocean crossing of the canal was made by J. R. Bingaman and James Wendell Green who, upon requesting authorization, stated that they ought to be granted this honor, inasmuch as they were Canal Company employees. On August 18, 1914, barely three days after the official opening of the canal with the transit of steamship Ancon, they were granted authorization.

They initiated their journey on August 22, but because they were Canal employees, they were only allowed to swim on Sundays (their main argument). In this manner, on October 18, they concluded the 45-mile journey with a total of 26 hours and 34 minutes waters time. They were assisted by boats with food, timekeepers, and officials. They were authorized to swim the locks when these were not in operation; therefore, they had to climb or descend them by stairs.

 

The most publicized event was August 14, 1928, when Governor M. L. Walker agreed to the crossing by Richard Halliburton. The document read as follows:

Tivoli Hotel
Ancon, Canal Zone

In reference to our personal conversation today, I wish to inform you that Canal officials have no objection to your proposed swim from Colon to Panama.

To this regard, you are hereby cautioned that you will need a series of anti-typhoid vaccinations. We would also wish to inform you that alligators have been seen frequently in the Gaillard Cut.

Likewise, you are authorized to be accompanied by a boat carrying an expert marksman, a photographer, and a reporter. You are also authorized to swim the locks.

 

We wish to clarify that any expenses incurred by this expedition shall be borne by you and that the Panama Canal shall not be liable for any damages you may sustain.

Sincerely,
M. L. Walker
Governor

Halliburton swam through the locks, which were appropriately raised and lowered, as they would have for the largest vessel in a fleet. Based on his body weight (140 lbs.), he had to pay 36 cents. Halliburton’s journey lasted 10 days, with a total of 50 hours waters time. After his successful crossing, he wrote the book New Worlds to Conquer, published in 1929 by Bobs-Merrill & Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. The eighth chapter entitled "The SS Richard Halliburton" (page 90) is a very detailed and anecdotal description of his endeavor.

A new attempt to cross the canal was made by Marvin Beacham and Regis Parton in 1936, but the respective authorities denied their request, even though their preparations had been well under way. On June 22, 1950, Charles Mcginn swam from Gatun to the Miraflores Locks in 36 hours. The trip lasted six days, including rest periods.

Captain Robert F. Legge made the journey from Gatun to Miraflores in October 1958 in 21 hours and 54 minutes. He paid 72 cents for this crossing. Subsequently, Governor William Potter presented him with the Panama Canal Master Key in the grade of "Honorary Ship" in recognition of his achievement.

On May 12, 1959, Sergeant George W. Harrison swam from Gatun to the Miraflores Locks in 22 hours and 52 minutes, resting outside the water to take food, and apply oils and massages. However, he did not swim across the Pedro Miguel Locks, but rather walked across on its edges. (Panama Canal Review, August 1966, page 8).

On December 29, 1962, Albert H. Oshiver went from Gatun to Gamboa in a record time of 29 hours, without resting along the way. He paid 72 cents in toll. He arrived in Gamboa on the following day at 5 a.m. He was also presented with the master key of the Canal.

The last attempt to swim the entire canal, non-stop, was by the Hindi Mihir Sen, on October 30, 1966. However, he had to give up after 15 hours on account of strong stomach cramps, after having swum 12 of the total 45 miles of the route.

After this, no more authorizations of any kind were granted for these feats.

The use of the waters of the Big Ditch for diving, water skiing, aquaplaning, low-draft boats, hydroplanes, ferries, yachts, and other types of water vessels is well defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is reviewed annually. The Code consists of 50 Titles, each divided in chapters.

Book 35 contains provisions on the Panama Canal  It is interesting to note the drive and motivation of the ten individuals who engaged in this feat. Most of them did so to satisfy a desire, to reach a goal in their lives, and to overcome an obsession

Notes:

Richard_Halliburton Biography

Which was the first vessel to transit the Panama Canal?

 

Website: http://www.panamatourismtravel.com

Tour Avaliable
Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit

SS Ancon was an American steamship that became the first ship to officially transit the Panama Canal in 1914. The steamer began life as the SS Shawmut, built for the Boston Steamship Line in 1902. About 1910 she was purchased by the Panama Railroad Company to provide shipping required for the construction of the Panama Canal. The name was changed to Ancon after Ancon Hill and Ancon township in Panama, home to the head of the Canal Commission.

Ancon and her sister ship Cristobal played a crucial role in building the canal, bringing workers and supplies, notably massive amounts of cement, from New York to Panama for the construction project.

On August 15, 1914 Ancon made the first official transit of the canal as part the canal's opening ceremonies. (Her sister ship Cristobal had made the first unofficial transit on August 3, delivering a load of cement, while an old French crane boat Alexandre La Valley had crossed the canal from the Atlantic in stages during construction, finally reaching the Pacific on January 7.)

Ancon was acquired by the United States Navy from the US Army just after the end of World War I and fitted out as USS Ancon (ID-1467), a troop transport to return Americans home.

The Panama Railroad Company replaced SS Ancon in 1938 with a second SS Ancon, a larger steam turbine cargo liner which later saw considerable action as US Navy Transport USS Ancon in World War II.

Officially ,the SS Ancon was the first vessel to transit the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914. However, the first transit completed through the Canal was done as part of a work routine on January 7, 1914, when the crane Alexander La Valley crossed the Pacific locks without any type of ceremony

On August 15, 1914 marked the start of a revolution in global trade and transportation. It was on that day that a cargo ship called the S.S. Ancon made the first passage through the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal Locomotive

Contact: pttstaff@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.panamatourismtravel.com

Tour Avaliable
Panama Canal Partial Transit
Panama Canal Full Transit
Panama Canal Tour

The 290 HP locomotives are used to keep ships in the proper relation to the locks structures. They are essential for a safe and expeditious transit, and run on tow tracks along the lock walls from one end to the other.

A new generation of locomotives has now been incorporated into the Panama Canal, and they are expected to enhance Canal services for the benefit of world trade. Each locomotive weighs 50 tons, operates with two 290 HP traction units and has a towing capacity of 311.8 kilonewtons at 4.8 kilometers per hour, and of 178.2 kilonewtons at 8 kilometers per hour. They can move the same load at 3.2 and 4.8 kilometers per hour, respectively. Their maximum return speed is 16 kilometers per hour. They are lighter, stronger, and faster than the previously used models. Reduction in lockage time is among the benefits of their new design.

The original locomotives used in the Canal, or "mules" as they were also called, were built by General Electric. They weighed 43 metric tons and could pull 111.07 kilonewtons at a towing speed of up to 3.2 kilometers per hour. Their return speed was 8 kilometers maximum. As of 1964, they have been replaced with Mitsubishi locomotives that weigh 55 tons and tow up to 311 kilonewtons at their maximum towing speed of 4.8 kilometers per hour. They use two windlasses, and have a return speed of 14.4 kilometers.

In 1997, the Mitsubishi Corporation was awarded the contract for the manufacture of new locomotives. The first eight prototypes were delivered in August 1999, at a cost of $2.3 million each. After a 6-month test period, they began operating at Miraflores Locks.

The second group arrived in August 2001, at a cost of $1.9 million per unit. Sixteen of the 26 locomotives ordered are already in operation at Miraflores Locks. The remaining 10 arrived in March 2002 and joined the Miraflores fleet. The fleet has now increased to 100 units, and the full replacement of the fleet with this new type of locomotives is now under way.

The size of the locomotive fleet has grown over the years in order to cope with the increase in number and size of the vessels transiting the Canal. Most of the ships transiting the locks used to only require the assistance of four locomotives. Today, because of their size, some ships require up to eight of the new, stronger locomotives.

The ACP has also replaced more than 16 kilometers of existing tow track with a new design built to withstand current and future Canal traffic demands. This new track lowers maintenance costs, improves service and enables the locomotives to assist transiting vessels maintain position within the locks chambers. The project was completed in September 2007.

Birdwatching in Canopy Tower at Soberania National Park Tour

Contact: pttstaff@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.panamatourismtravel.com


Tour Options :
The Awakening of the Rainforest (6:30 am—Noon)

Dawn is the most active period of the day for most wildlife of the forest. You definitely want to be up early on the Observation Deck, 50 feet above the forest floor, to experience the peaceful sunrise over the Pacific, to hear the thundering bellows of the Mantled Howlers proclaiming their territory and to be amazed at the incredible diversity of birds as they begin their never-ending search for food! After a hearty deluxe breakfast, join one of our guides for a 3-4-hour guided walk along Semaphore Hill Road, where you will experience even more of the magnificent wildlife of the tropical rainforest!

Lunch on Top of the Hill (Noon—5:00 pm)

Mid-day is the best time to see birds of prey (raptors) as they ride thermals, soaring effortlessly high in the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere's fall and spring seasons, the Observation Deck offers an extraordinary vantage point to witness hundreds of thousands of hawks and vultures flying en masse on their annual migration. From the Observation Deck you may see Blue Cotingas, Keel-billed Toucans, Green Shrike-Vireos, Mantled Howlers, Geoffroy's Tamarins, Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloths or Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths and Green Iguanas basking on a Cecropia branch! Noon is also the best time to watch ships navigate the Culebra Cut. After a delicious lunch, join one of our guides for a 3-4-hour guided walk down Semaphore Hill Road. This popular nature walk provides a ground-level view of the rainforest. We often spot manakins, antbirds, tinamous, sloths, coatis, agoutis and an amazing abundance of butterflies and other insects. Along the road you will see 46 species of trees identified by scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, many having medicinal value and most producing food for birds and mammals. Time permitting, we may walk for a short distance along Plantation Road. At the end of the walk, the Rainfomobile or the Birdmobile will ferry you back to the Canopy Tower.

Note:

* Tours are led by experienced, bilingual, birding/nature guides who carry Leica binoculars and a   Leica 77 mm scope.

* Transportation ( round—trip), Include one delicious meal, entrance fee to Soberanía National Park, and use of the Canopy Tower's Observation Deck where our guides will help you identify wildlife.

About the Tower:

The Canopy Tower is a prime location from which to observe the birds and other wildlife of the forest canopy. Because the birds and mammals are at eye level, it is common to get fantastic views otherwise nearly impossible from the ground.

The Observation Deck

The Observation Deck, 50 feet above the ground, gives guests a grand view of the canopy and beyond. Many of the best photographs are taken from the Observation deck. In the morning, ardent bird watchers and nature lovers assemble here for coffee and crackers while enjoying the abundant action in the treetops just below.

"When I was building the Canopy Tower there were moments of doubts about the eventual success of the enterprise, when those moments appeared I'd go up to the Observation Deck and feel the wind, hear the howlers, see the birds and my fears would vanish".  Raul Arias de Para

Short History of The Canopy Tower:

The structure destined to become the Canopy Tower was built in 1965 by the United States Air Force to house a powerful radar used in the defense of the Panama Canal. By 1969, the site was jointly used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to control air traffic in the area, and by the Panama Canal Commission (PCC) as a communications tower.

In September of 1988, the radar tower received an important new assignment when it was activated as Site One in the Caribbean Basin Radar Network (CBRN). This network of radars was used by the United States government to detect airplanes suspected of carrying drugs from South America. The tower played this role until June of 1995 when it was closed and left vacant waiting for better days.

In November of 1996, the radar tower and the Semaphore Hill site, consisting of approximately 35 acres of rainforest within Soberanía National Park, was transferred to Panama in compliance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

In August of 1997, the government of Panama signed a long-term contract with Raul Arias de Para to transform the site into a center for neotropical-rainforest observation and ecotourism.

In January of 1999, the Canopy Tower was inaugurated and the rest, as they say, is history

The Tower Location:

Is located in impressive rainforest atop Semaphore Hill within Soberanía National Park, 35 miles north of Panamá City in the Republic of Panamá right in the center of the New World— and just 2½ hours from Miami!

Panamá's shape creates a natural funnel, concentrating migratory birds on a narrow isthmus— land that the birds desperately need for rest and to refuel before continuing their long journey. At peak times of the year, this migration is a spectacle rivaled by none in the World! An incredible 970+ species of birds have been recorded from this country that is not even the size of South Carolina!

FAQ's

What is the best time of the year to visit the Tower?

The best time for your visit depends on your interests, as there's always something interesting going on in the forest.

For example, if you visit us from early December to mid-January you will see the forest still lush and green as the rainy season has just ended. Some northern migrants are present as well as the resident species. The days are sunny and balmy. January, February and March is our "high season", there is a lot of sun and practically no rain (bring sun block), the birding is continuous from sunrise to sunset and, occasionally, into the evenings to look for owls and pottoos.

In mid-March to early May you'll find yourself in the middle of spring migration, a great time to see many different warblers and other neotropical migratory birds in fresh breeding plumage, as well as hundreds of thousands of raptors on their way north.

In May and June it is the start of the rainy season, and many resident birds will be starting to nest and vocalize more often. From June to August you will see the forest at its lushest, there is plenty of food out there and you will see immature birds being fed by their parents. There is usually a tropical shower in the early afternoon, "siesta" time anyway. After the shower the sun comes out, birding is restarted and life continues on. The nights are clear and cool. Migrants are gone, but you'll find plenty of resident species to keep you distracted. Our prices are heavily discounted at this time of the year because many of our customers prefer to come to the tropics during the winter months to escape the cold, so demand is slower. Click here to see birding reports at this time of the year.

In September we start getting the first fall migrants, and this number climbs and reaches its climax around the middle of October and extending until the first week of November. This is the fall migration, a fantastic natural phenomenon when hundreds of thousands of raptors fly over the Tower on the way to their southern wintering grounds. This is one of the most impressive natural spectacles of neotropical birding

What should I bring for my visit?

If you come during the period of May to early January, bring rain gear; an umbrella might also come in handy. Rubber boots are not necessary since we will not be crossing any streams, but an extra pair of sneakers or hiking shoes/boots is advised since some trails have plenty of mud. Insect repellent is also recommended for your walks in the forest. Hair dryers are provided.

A good pair of binoculars is a must, even if you are not a birdwatcher. There are plenty of other critters to look for. We recommend Leica equipment. Our guides use this brand and it is excelente. If you come during the rest of the year, a good hat to shade you from the near equatorial sun is a good idea as well as a pair of sandals to lounge around the Tower. In any case, bring earplugs (we also provide them at no additional cost). Sounds in the Tower travel easily and they might also come in handy: if your neighbor's snoring rivals the howls of the Howler Monkeys, you'll be glad you did! Finally, we have a Leica 77mm scope available on the top floor, but if you have one bring it anyway -- having an extra scope never hurt anybody.

Outdoor clothing, preferably made of cotton, of neutral colors to blend with the surroundings and facilitate wildlife observation. You may ask, what are neutral colors? Well, think of a Hawaiian shirt, the opposite of that is attire of neutral colors. For dinner, we like to dress up a bit, nothing fancy, very informal.

Will I be able to recharge my camera batteries? Do I need a special adapter?

There are plenty of electric outlets in your room. No adapters are needed; our electricity is the same as in the good-old-USA. This was, after all, a USAF military installation

I am not all that interested in birdwatching. What else is there to do?

The abundant bird life around The Canopy Tower may change your mind!

In any event, the rainforest surrounding the Tower offers endless interest. Many of the trees along Semaphore Hill Road have numbered tags that identify them to species level on a booklet prepared by botanists and biologists of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Mammals are also abundant around the tower: coatis, agoutis, and anteaters are commonly seen from the road, and howler and tamarin monkeys are sighted frequently from the tower. Due to "good seeing" resulting from few nearby lights at night, stargazing from the roof on a clear night can be delightful. At night, Panama City's lights are visible on the horizon, and lighted ships traverse the Canal. During the day you can see both the skyline of Panama City and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

The Canal is itself of prime interest to many. Two sets of locks on the Pacific side of the Canal, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel, are a short drive from the Tower, as well as the Panama Canal Visitor Center. Panama City itself, with its museums, fine restaurants and shops, is only 30 minutes away.

Visit www.panamatourismtravel.com and book a tour like kayaking in the Panama Canal, an aerial tram, orchids and butterfly exhibits and fishing expeditions in the Gatun Lake, Monkey Island.

What is your policy regarding children?

Canopy Tower is not really a place for children younger than 13 years of age. The activities which we offer, and in which the Canopy Tower excels -- wildlife observation -- require silence and calm. Few young children can sustain these qualities while waiting to see a bird or a mammal. As you can imagine, a restless child can become a disturbance to other guests, while spoiling parental enjoyment of our extraordinary place.

What is your policy regarding smoking?

Canopy Tower is a smoke-free lodge. However, there are smoking areas in the Observation Deck and in the front patio.

At what altitude is the Canopy Tower?

The Canopy Tower is on top of Semaphore Hill at an altitude of 285 meters (940 feet) above sea level

 

Why you should visit Panama ?

Contact: pttstaff@hotmail.com

Website: http://www.panamatourismtravel.com

1. Panama has a great variety of world-class attractions all in close proximity.

Exotic tropical rainforests, beautiful mountain refuges, Caribbean-style beaches, seven living Indian cultures, a Miami-style capital city, historical sites, golf, diving, rafting, sportfishing- not to mention that 8th wonder of the world and engineering marvel- The Panama Canal. And it's all in a country just 50 miles wide, the size of South Carolina.

2. Panama is safe

Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. In a Newsweek magazine article on tourism safely worldwide, Panama received same tourism safety rating as the USA. Foreign residents in Panama will tell you how safe they feel living in Panama compared to any other country in Central America.


3. Panama has a First World infrastrucure.

Panama has a first-world infrastructure starting with a safe cosmopolitan Miami- style capital city with high speed internet, first rate hotels, fine dining and beautiful shopping malls. The highway infrastructure, medical care, telecommunications and business services are excellent-comparable to the USA as noted in the ARRP's Modern Maturity magazine. Panama also has the second largest Free Trade Zone in the world and a banking sector with 100 banks.

4. Panama is close.

As part of Central America, Panama is just a short plane ride away. Eight major US cities offer direct daily flights to Panama City: Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Orlando.

5. Panama is tourist friendly.

English is spoken as a second language. The Panamanian people are amongst the friendliest in the world. They are known for their peaceful, get-along and fun loving nature. As a result of the 90 year presence of Americans in the Canal Zone, Panamanians understand and appreciate Americans- thousands have worked with Americans as well as studied in the United States.

6.Panama has the US dollar as its currency.

Panama's currency is the US dollar. That's right! What a great convenience. In Panama, there's no need for currency exchange. No need to be a mathematical genius to figure out what that meal just cost or how much to tip the bellboy. Your bank accounts and investments are also all of course in US dollars.

7.Panama has world-class medical care and a healthy environment.

Many Panamanian doctors are speak English and are American-trained. Several hospitals have medical services on a par with US hospitals. Sanitary conditions are excellent- there is almost none of that tourism scrouge- "Montezuma's Revenge". You can even drink the tap water- a rarity in Latin America. An amazing abundance of fresh and inexpensive fruits and vegetables makes healthy living a pleasure.

8. Panama is the best place for nature travel,ecotourism and eco-adventure today.

Panama has the easiest-to-get-to exotic nature in the world. It's position as a narrow land bridge connecting two continents has endowed it with some of the worlds’ most pristine and bio-diverse rainforests in national parks covering 5 million acres. A key indicator of its bio-diversity: Panama has 944 recorded bird species, more than the U.S. and Canada combined. Furthermore, all that great nature is very accessible, with some of the best locations less than an hour from Panama City. There is a local saying that while in other countries you have 20 tourists looking at one bird, in Panama you have one tourist looking at 20 birds

9. Panama has a wide selection of beaches and island venues and activities.

With two coasts, one thousand islands and Caribbean-style beaches, there is much to choose from for beach vacations from the all-inclusive resorts to exotic island retreats.

10. Panama- the affordable exotic destination.

Normally this kind of pristine natural beauty comes at a fancy price. Panama has just begun to promote itself as a tourism destination and so prices are still some of the best in the market.

11. Panama is world-class for adventure.

International experts rave about river running in Panama which includes rafting, kayaking and motorized river boats. There are rivers in Panama where you can ride 20 sets of rapids in one afternoon. Canyoning, trekking, rapelling and surfing offer similar world-class experiences for the hard and soft adventure seeker.

12. Panama has world class fishing, diving, snorkeling and sailing. One place in Panama, Pinas Bay, holds 170 world fishing records. There are five world class diving areas: Coiba National Marine Park, the Pearl Islands, Bocas del Toro archipelago, Portobello and for historical diving the Panama Canal.

13.Panama City is a smart choice for convention and incentive travel.

Panama City is a sophisticated and safe city with fascinating and fun things to do nearby. Day trips from Panama City include world-class sportfishing, rainforest adventures, golf, Indian village tours, scuba diving, fascinating historical sites and the Panama Canal

14. Panama Has no Hurricanes nor major destructive earthquakes.

Panama is blessed by nature-unlike the rest of her Central American neighbors, Panama has no hurricanes-amazingly it’s in a special climate area that is totally hurricane-proof. It also has no major earthquakes. Your Panama vacation will never be re-scheduled due to natural events. Your property investment will always be safe from hurricanes and earthquakes.

15.Panama is Survivor Country.

How exotic and interesting is Panama? 14 countries have filmed their Survivor programs in the islands of Bocas del Toro and the Pearl Islands. CBS's Survivor series for Fall 2003 and Winter 2004 took place in Panama’s Pearl Islands.

Panama Economy

Contact: pttstaff@hotmail.com

Website: http://www.panamatourismtravel.com

Panama is a growing country and can be considered a first world country by many ways. Panama is predicted to be the fastest growing Latin American country. Due to its location and other such factors Panama’s primary location comes from banking private firms and real estate in Panama. Buying and selling of Panama property is relatively profitable and property development is a big business in Panama. Also Panama earns over a billion every year from tourism contributing in a big way towards the economy of Panama. After the canal and the military installation have been handed over to the United States of America there has been a lot of development in the recent times in the economy of Panama.

There has been a lot of development projects planned which would improve tourism as well as business in Panama. There has been many structural reforms undertaken that have resulted in a growing economy and this has resulted in the rapid development in the growth of value of Panama real estate. The various reforms have encouraged architecture, planning, investment and tourism which have greatly helped in increase the economy of the country.

The canal is again undergoing huge reforms and expansion which is further set to improve the economy of the country. The national revenue is put to good use by development of land and property that would develop further revenue. A lot of planning and care is undertaken so that the money of the investors of Panama real estate is safe guarded. This encourages more and more investors to invest into Panama real estate. Also there are many tax benefits in Panama. This largely reduces the cost of living in Panama.

Panama has the largest free trade zone in the whole of the western hemisphere. This has greatly contributed to the development of the value of Panama real estate. Also the trade and exportation of coffee greatly supports the economy. The high levels of globalization have led to a multi cultured environment in Panama. This only results in the increased number of investors in Panama real estate. People who are looking to invest money on real estate business firms’ etc. invest in Panama property knowing that there will be good returns. With the growing and developing state of economy there is very little rate of inflation.

The citizens of Panama have undergone very little rates of inflation and the cost of living basically remains less. The highland climates are also known to promote Panama real estate and property development. This increases the investments in the country as well as investor potential in the country. Also the tourism industry benefits a big way from the natural beauty that is available in the country. The tourism industry is a steady source of economy and will continue to be so for years to come. This industry is also responsible for the development of real estate in the country. People who come here on vacations most often buy Panama property and settle down here. This adds to the economy of the country by promoting buying and selling of real estate.