Panama

The Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo is an enduring testament to Panama's rich colonial history. Founded in 1519 by Spanish settlers, it is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Panamá Viejo retains its historical significance as the foundation of modern Panama City despite enduring natural disasters, pirate attacks, and relocation. Together with the Historic District of Panama, it forms a UNESCO site, preserving the remnants of Panama's early colonial architecture and urban planning.

Barú Volcano National Park, located in the Chiriquí Province of western Panama, is home to the tallest mountain in the country, the Barú Volcano. The Barú Volcano offers breathtaking views and a unique ecological environment. The park has diverse flora and fauna, rich cultural history, and geological significance. As a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, Barú Volcano National Park provides a unique opportunity to experience Panama's natural beauty and explore one of its most iconic landmarks.

The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, located off the northern Caribbean coast of Panama, is an enchanting collection of islands, islets, and cays that captivates visitors with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. The archipelago, known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, is a hub of ecotourism, offering travelers opportunities to experience relaxation and adventure. As part of Panama's Bocas del Toro Province, this region is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Caribbean.

Cerro Hoya National Park, located on the southern tip of the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, is a bastion of untouched natural beauty and ecological significance. Spanning the Los Santos and Veraguas provinces, this park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, unique landscapes, and historical importance. As one of the last refuges of the peninsula's original forests, the park serves as a critical conservation area, preserving rare species of flora and fauna and offering a glimpse into Panama's past.

Coiba Island, located off the western coast of Panama, is a natural paradise characterized by its remarkable biodiversity and unspoiled ecosystems. As the largest island in Central America, Coiba and its surrounding National Park provide a unique refuge for numerous plant and animal species. Over the centuries, this island has evolved from an isolated haven to a feared prison colony and, finally, to a renowned conservation area and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cordillera de Talamanca, a majestic mountain range in southern Costa Rica extending into western Panama, is one of Central America's most ecologically significant and biologically diverse regions. Renowned for its rugged terrain, towering peaks, and unique ecosystems, this mountain range is a natural barrier and a sanctuary for countless endemic species. With its rich biodiversity, varied climates, and cultural heritage, the mountain range is a living testament to the region's natural beauty and ecological importance.

In the southeastern corner of Panama, Darién National Park is a sprawling sanctuary in the Darién Province. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, it is one of Central America's most ecologically and culturally significant protected areas. The park boasts an exceptional variety of ecosystems and serves as a vital habitat for numerous species, including critically endangered mammals and birds. It is also a living cultural landscape, home to several indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

The Fortifications on the Caribbean side of Panamá: Portobelo-San Lorenzo are located along the coast of the Province of Colón. These Panamanian forts on the Caribbean coast form part of the defense system built by the Spanish Crown to protect transatlantic trade.

The Gulf of Panama, a prominent body of water along Panama's southern coast, serves as a key connection between the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal, making it a vital hub for global maritime trade. With its unique geographical features and ecological diversity, this expansive Gulf is central to Panama's economy and natural heritage. Home to the bustling capital, Panama City, and bordered by smaller gulfs and bays, the Gulf is a dynamic region where urban development and natural environments coexist.

La Amistad International Park is a Transboundary Protected Area that extends along the border between Costa Rica and Panama, which, along with the surrounding Biosphere Reserves, preserves a significant tract of tropical forest known for its extraordinary biodiversity and endemism.