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Newest Additions
Santa Clara Beachfront Residences
$340,775
Whimsical Mountain Home in Altos del Maria
$499,900
Newly Built Single Family Home for Sale in Mountain Community of Altos del Maria
$489,000
Exclusive down town high-tech offices
$153,900
Nice apt in Marbella
$185,000
AMADOR HEIGHTS
$245,000
House in Penonome
$95,000
Albrook Duplex Home
$329,000
Ocean View Lots 60 mts. from the Beach, Las Tablas, Azuero
$80,000
Home plus guesthouse very close to beach
$225,000
Duplex villa in Playa Blanca
$750,000
Beautiful Farm Close to the Ocean, Nuevo Ocu, Azuero Peninsula
$585,000
The ideal place with the best location in the most chic area, San Francisco
$182,500
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Pearl Islands beckon beach bums, snorkelers, 'Survivor' fans
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"Shh ... shh get back," the man with the walkie-talkie said. "We're filming."
We had stumbled onto the set of a "Survivor"-like television show. But I'm getting ahead of myself. First let me tell you how we stumbled onto the Pearl Islands in Panama, and then I'll tell you how we came upon the Orange Tribe on the island of Mogo Mogo.
Every year, my husband and I take my niece on a summer vacation. This year, we decided to go to Panama. Besides the canal, Panama has a lot to offer: There are mountains, beaches, colonial cities and rain forests. After we found a $158 round trip flight from Miami, Florida, the decision was made. My only fear was the weather; it was rainy season in Central America.
After weeks of research, I was torn. We had enough time to visit one set of islands, and there were two island chains that I was having a hard time choosing between. The San Blas Islands are off the northeast coast of Panama in the Caribbean. They're also known as Kuna Yala and are home to the Kuna Indians. It would be a chance to see the Kunas up close, living as they have for centuries in grass huts along the water's edge.
The other option was the Pearl Islands. The Archipiélago de las Perlas, less well-known than the San Blas, is off the southern Pacific coast of Panama. After an agonizing week of self-debate, I decided that our summer vacation would include a trip to the Pearl Islands. The flight was only 20 minutes from Panama City, but more importantly, I was told it didn't rain as much on the Pacific side.
The sales pitch to my niece: "We are going to where the 2003 edition of 'Survivor' and 'Survivor: All-Stars' were filmed." I was referring to the popular American reality TV show, and I didn't realize that dozens of other countries had their own versions. I admit my destination choice was not as educational as a few days with the Kuna Indians, but I thought it would be better than being rained in with a bored teenager.
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Accommodation Options in Panama
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When planning a vacation to Panama, you will need to decide which type of accommodation option best suits you. There are certainly many different options from which you can choose. If you will be traveling into Panama City and plan to spend all or a portion of your stay there, you can choose from many different four and five star resorts that will cater to your every need during your trip. If you want to be thoroughly pampered, these resorts are an excellent choice.
There are also many other options throughout the country that you can choose to select as well. If you plan do any fishing or surfing during your trip, you might wish to choose one of the beach or island based resorts or hotels that will put you directly on the edge of the water for convenient access. These lodging options are designed to provide you with close proximity to all of the best water based activities while also providing you with comfortable amenities as well.
Ecotourism is also growing in popularity throughout the country. As a result, a number of eco-lodges have been established around Panama, giving you the ability to enjoy a relaxing vacation in resorts that have been specifically constructed not to infringe upon the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a relaxing vacation with no ecological worries.
For a romantic getaway, consider one of the lovely bed and breakfast inns that are nestled in one of the beautiful valleys in Panama or situated near the sea. These inns are the perfect choice to get away with your significant other, spend quality time with one another and rejuvenate.
Panama also offers many mountain lodges that will afford you with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, including sweeping vistas of jungle and ocean. If you want to experience the best of the beauty of Panama, this is certainly an option worth considering for your trip.
Regardless of whether you are looking for a cozy boutique hotel tucked out of the way or an upscale and luxurious resort right in the heart of Panama City, you will definitely want to compare the many different options available.
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An Inside Look at Panamanian Culture
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The beautiful and culturally rich country of Panama is a unique blend of different cultures as well as traditions that has formed over the last four centuries to create an environment that is not only exotic but also ethnically diverse. The diversity of the Panamanian culture and traditions is widely reflected in the numerous products you will find throughout the country, including ceremonial masks, woodcarvings and pottery. The country’s festivals, cuisine and architecture are also decidedly rich in culture and traditions.
When it comes to impressing one’s senses, Panama is without equal. Throughout the country impressions of the different groups of indigenous cultures as well as European cultures that have left their mark on Panama are easily visible. Inside the old city of Panama, Casco Antiguo, there are numerous areas that have been restored out of respect for the center’s architectural and historical importance. The charming, narrow lanes of this section of the city will lead visitors to gorgeous homes representing a variety of different architectural styles as well as gorgeous colonial churches, ancient ruins and a unique golden altar that was once saved from becoming pirate loot.
Folklore is also an important part of the cultural heritage of Panama as well. It is quite evident throughout the numerous dances and festivals that are held throughout the year all over the country. These traditions have been handed down through the years from one generation to the next. When in Panama, be sure to be on the lookout for the gorgeous pollera; an embroidered type of fabric that features brightly colored designs and is part of the Panamanian women’s national costume. Each design takes more than one year to finish. From one portion of the country to the other, visitors can also enjoy numerous festivals reflecting influences from a variety of different ethnic groups. These festivals are an excellent way to learn more about the local cultures.
Top off your trip to Panama by enjoying some of the fabulous local cuisine. Each region has a different specialty such as sancocho de gallina and carimañolas. In many off these areas, seafood and fish are quite prevalent, taking on many different delicious dishes.
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Most Popular for September
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