Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Panama Beyond the Canal

For many people, a trip to Panama City isn't complete without visiting the Canal. Having transited the Canal and blogged about learning about its inner workings, I would agree. But I found in my Panama City wanderings, I also found that there were many green spaces as well as other gems that had nothing to do with the Canal. The green spaces, in particular, seemed little visited. Which is one reason why I sought them out. I recently wrote a piece on Eight Cool Things to do in Panama City for GoNOMAD that involve walking, biking or hiking or present interesting cultural offerings. You'll find out where you can roam around the ruins of old Panama City, rent a bicycle to peddle along a car-free waterside lane, or hike through an urban jungle with plenty of bird watching opportunities.

24 comments:

kris bordessa said...

I love that you always seek out the unexpected green belts in the areas you visit. I'd love to do the canal, but it's nice to know there's more to see beyond that.

Jane Louise Boursaw said...

Thanks for broadening my horizons, Jeanine. I never think of Panama beyond the canal -- until now, that is.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a lovely place to visit. I have to say the canal itself doesn't excite me, but there are other things to see that do.

Susan Johnston Taylor said...

I've never been to Panama but you've certainly piqued my interest, Jeanine! Thanks for the post.

Jesaka Long said...

You continually open my eyes to new areas as well as lesser known places to visit within them. Thanks for sharing your hidden gems and travel tips!

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jesaka, Thanks so much for your positive feedback. It's fun finding hidden treasures. Glad you enjoyed reading about those in Panama City.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi kris, Yes, as soon as I find out what a place is noted for, sure I'll visit that venue. But I immediately start looking for other gems as well, hopefully those involving green spaces.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jane Louise, Join the club. Everyone I told about my trip to Panama City thought it was only all about the Canal. When I told them I went hiking, they just looked at me curiously.

J The Travel Authority said...

HI marthaandme, When I signed on to transit the Canal, I have to admit that I didn't expect to be interested at all. What a surprise to find out the cool operations of the Canal. But then, I'm a bit of a geek and I love that kind of techy stuff. But, it's also good to know that you can have a blast in Panama City and not ever transit the Canal, if that's what you decide.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Susan, Glad you enjoyed the post. And I hope it proves helpful if you ever decide to visit Panama City.

Kristen said...

My parents went on a cruise through the Panama Canal to celebrate my dad's retirement. I'll have to pass this along!

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Kristen, That's a cool way to celebrate your dad's retirement. I hope they really enjoyed the adventure and thanks for passing along my post.

Stephanie Stiavetti said...

I've heard wonderful things about Panama! I'd love to get down there one day. I'd love to do a driving trip from the US all the way down to Argentine or Brazil, but that's a little risky, don't you think?

Alisa Bowman said...

I've been wanting to do a trip there if I can swing it soon. This list will come in handy!

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Stephanie, That sounds like it would be an amazing journey. I haven't done it driving so can't really assess the risk factor. But when you travel, there are always inherent risks, no matter where you go. I would check out this link to Andrew Evans, a travel writer with National Geographic Traveler who took a bus from the NG offices in DC all the way to Tierra del Fuego. It should give you an idea of what to expect along the way.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Alisa, Hope you get to travel to Panama and I'm glad my post can provide some cool insights for you.

The Writer's [Inner] Journey said...

I recently sent your site to some relatives who were traveling to the Panama Canal and they really enjoyed your take and info. ~Meredith

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Meredith, Thanks for that. I'm glad your relatives found my Canal post useful.

Cheap Boracay Resorts said...

I've only read Panama canal in our history books but reading your most made me look for more info about panama

thanks,
karl

Jennifer Stover said...

Panama does have a lot of overlooked areas; one of my favorite places to visit is Red Frog Beach. There's surfing and a TON of marine life, and you get to stay in super unique bungalows. I would definitely check it out: http://www.globalbasecamps.com/panama/bastimentos-eco-hotel/red-frog-bungalows

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Cheap Boracay Resorts, I'm glad I could provide some cool insights into alternative activities in Panama, beyond the Canal.

J The Travel Authority said...

Hi Jennifer, Red Frog Beach sounds amazing. Wish I had time to visit there when I was in the country. It, and many other venues, will have to wait for the next visit.

Amsterdam Holidays said...

Never make it to Panama yet, but would do in my next holidays trip..
Thanks for the nice post and pictures

art on canvas said...

My friends recently got back from Panama and he loved it, looks like a great place.