Vive Por Más

The nature, culture and sustainability of Panama

A SMALL COUNTRY WITH BIG TOURISM PAYBACK, PANAMA IS BEST KNOWN AS THE POINT THAT CONNECTS THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE GLOBE. THE COUNTRY IS A UNIQUE BLEND OF UNSCATHED NATURAL SPLENDOR AND URBAN PROGRESSION.

Offering a passageway between Central and South America, Panama holds a significant seat at the global table. It also has much to offer travel enthusiasts. In addition to bustling nightlife, the country is home to some of the best known Latin American restaurants and offers an array of entertainment opportunities. Wine tasting, bird-watching, world-class surfing, and hiking in the lush rainforest are just a few of the recreation options. And, with the Caribbean coastline on one side of the country and the Pacific Ocean on the other, water sports of every kind can be easily enjoyed.

Golf is a popular activity in Panama, and golf enthusiasts will want to visit The Santa Maria Golf Course located in Panama City. This 18-hole, par-72 golf course features sprawling greens amid a scenic cityscape adjacent to The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort. A Luxury Collection Resort, The Santa Maria is located minutes from the airport and is the only resort-style oasis in the city’s center. The property boasts a pool area, spa, fitness center, country club and beautiful guestrooms with views of Panama City.

The Santa Maria offers convenient access to Panama, and visitors can enjoy the hotel’s best as they explore the country’s landmarks and attractions. Located in Panama City’s upscale Santa Maria neighborhood, The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort features 182 guest rooms, each with posh amenities. Choices include Deluxe Rooms, Executive Suites, a Grand Suite and a Master Suite.

There are five on-site restaurants and three bars:

•

Mestizo Restaurant

Serving Panamanian-Mediterranean fusion.

• Featuring savory seafood, imported USDA prime meats and wine.

•

The Grill House FSH & STK

Aqva Pool Bar

Offering a casual, resort-inspired pool bar.

•

Coffee Shop & Delivery

Providing a cozy cafe featuring world-famous Geisha Coffee.

•

Lobby Bar

Offering happy hour Monday to Saturday and live music Thursday to Saturday.

Guests can spend days at The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort enjoying food, wines, spirits and all the activities on site. Plus, exploring much of the country is just an easy drive from the hotel.

Heading into town takes a journey through a panoramic skyline featuring a mix of ancient as well as contemporary buildings. The energetic city is an architectural showcase with shopping, restaurants and galleries to check out along the way. >>

In stark contrast, the rainforest, located at Chagres National Park at the northern half of Panama, is a visually majestic and tranquil tropical space. It’s a luxurious terrain consisting of 1,185 species of plants, 130 of which are unique to the region. Soberania National Park is a biodiverse rainforest located 45 minutes outside of Panama City.

For culture buffs, Panama holds many of the colonial relics in this part of the world, like the burial grounds of an ancient civilization, remnants of the first European settlement in the Pacific, as well as the oldest Spanish fort. Panama Carnival, which is held over a four-day period prior to the Catholic date of Ash Wednesday, is one of the most celebrated local events for all Panamanians.

The country’s North American, Spanish and

African influences are reflected in the lifestyle and customs of the Panamanian people. Those influences can also be detected in the crafts and handmade goods as well as the annual festivals celebrated.

A visit to Panama is incomplete without a stop at the Panama Canal. Originally built to decrease travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, it is truly fascinating to observe the lock system that lift ships 85 feet above sea level. Visitors can witness the process that freight ships, cruise ships and yachts employ from an observation deck at Miraflores.

Panama is a true geographic gem not to be missed. And now it’s easier than ever to arrange a visit since Copa Airlines launched a Stopover Program to facilitate a Panamanian excursion. g

Copa Airlines Stopover Program

Prior to purchasing a ticket to any destination to which Copa Airlines flies, plan how many days you want to stay in Panama. Your Panama Stopover can be from 24 hours to 7 days at no additional airfare, as a stop on your way to your destination or on your way back home. Book your flight directly at copa.com through the ConnectMiles Service Center or through a travel agency. Before buying a ticket, request the “Stopover in Panama” with Copa Airlines. stopoverinpanama.com

BY MONIQUE REIDY