| Population | 2.8 million |
| Capital | Panama City |
| Languages spoken | Spanish, English & Indian languages |
| Currency | US Dollar (known as Balboa) |
| Average temperature | 85°F (29.5°C) |
| High season | Mid-December to mid-April |
If you're looking to enjoy the outdoors, find some culture, gamble, and party, the first place that should come to mind is Panama. No, I haven't lost my mind; there's more to Panama than Noriega and that canal.
The surprisingly sleek Panama City offers visitors the chance to party, dine at French bistros, see lots of pretty women and win money (legally) in a relatively safe environment.
Day 1: Hit the dormant volcano
Just an hour or so outside of Panama City sits an extinct volcano caldron called El Valle (the Valley). It's an easy ride by car but there are lots of inexpensive bus services from Panama City as well. With its plethora of activities, the Valley is a playground for guys.Impress your special lady with some fun activities, culture and romance. Get her heart racing and head to the canopy tours -- zip line -- which are located in the mountain town of El Valle de Anton. For those not accustomed to the zip line, it's basically a fast ride down a series of suspended cables that use pulleys and a harness, providing a bird's eye view of the rainforest.
The various length cables run from tree to tree in the middle of the rainforest high above the streams, plants and people who tend to look like ants. The speed depends on how tight a grip you and your honey have on the harness.
Once you're back on the ground, grab that adventurous woman of yours and head toward the Sleeping Indian Mountain. The trail to the top remains challenging but not too taxing. Impress her by telling her about the legend of the mountain: an Indian princess fell in love with a conquistador, and when her father would not allow the relationship to continue, the lovesick princess laid down and died, and the erosion over the years covered her.
At the summit, enjoy the spectacular view, with a glass of Panamanian wine and some cheese. From there, it's possible to view one of the most romantic B&Bs in the Valley. Park Eden Bed & Breakfast is appropriately named with six warmly decorated rooms situated around luscious gardens, and don't even think about getting into one of the hammocks unless you're prepared for total relaxation. The area isn't a big party scene so have a hearty meal at the B&B and enjoy your honey as there will be lots of sun and fun maana.
Day 2: Party near Noriega's crib
Normally, I'm not the kind of guy who goes for those all-inclusive resort-type places, but even spending just a little time at Decameron Hotel & Resort is enough to change anyone's mind -- including mine. This place is perfect for a week of partying with a group of friends or your woman. It's located just a couple of hours outside Panama City.Here's an example of a near perfect day at Decameron: Wake up around 9 a.m.; have some breakfast (buffet style) with tons of tasty grub like baked plantains, omelets, fresh fruit, and a perfect cup of joe, at one of the two outdoor breakfast restaurants, Atlantis and Panamai.
Take a leisurely stroll to the wide-open Playa Blanca beach. Plant yourself under an umbrella near one of the three beach bars and relax. This portion of the Pacific Ocean produces undersized waves with little swell, so don't expect any surfing. Even so, this beach rocks.
Those with an interest in the rich and powerful should take the 10-minute walk down the beach to check out Manuel Noriega's former crib. The interior has been trashed but it's possible to venture in and look around the former dictator's casa .
Hike back to the resort and park yourself by the pool, where the action continues throughout the day. Whether the activity is Frisbee or volleyball, there's usually a bevy of beauties in and about the pool and bar. Grab some lunch and try one of the afternoon activities such as kayaking, snorkeling or the ever-popular beer-drinking race.
As the afternoon disappears, head back to the beach with your woman and watch the beautiful sunset. Decide where you want to eat next, as there are many options including seafood, Mexican and Thai.
The fun continues after dinner, when you can catch a show and head to the disco and boogie.
Normally places like this run into the hundreds of dollars, but here, the per person price ranges from about $50 to $100 U.S., all-inclusive. I don't know about you guys but I could drink $50 of alcohol and be ahead of the game. Throw in the bikini-clad ladies, the beach, pool, food, and satellite TV, and it's a no-brainer to head here.
Day 3: Check out the Capital
Lots of people in the know come here and that includes the Miss Universe contestants of 2002. All the Miss Wherever's have since departed but the city is still a looker.Check out the Casco Antiguo (old Panama City) that sits on a peninsula. The founders originally chose this location as a defense against pirate attacks. The area still maintains an old militaristic charm with formidable sea walls and narrow streets, but today the area contains a mix of posh European-type eateries, a dash of colonial architecture, and old New Orleans charm.
To get a taste of the new city, while getting rid of those excess dollars, check out the downtown casinos. Don't expect Vegas size casinos here. Those seeking the ritzy casino atmosphere should head to the Hotel Caesar Park or the Miramar Inter-Continental. After hopefully taking the casino for a ride and not the other way around, use that extra loot and have a drink or two at the storied Hotel el Panama.
tips for the trip
Resources:
http://www.visitpanama.com/engl/100/120/where_to_go.asp?pagina=chiriqui
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/central_america/panama/index.htm
http://www.explorepanama.com/
http://www.panamainfo.com/home.php?categoria=home
http://panama-information.executivehotel-panama.com/in-panama-history.html
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