Panama and Costa Rica

On one side lies the up-and-coming Panama City, and on the other, lush rain forests with their teeming diversity of animals. In between, the Panama Canal connects this ancient natural paradise to the modern megacity. Passing through the locks by day is an unforgettable experience.

Panama: between city life and indigenous culture

As small as the country may appear on the map, Panama is full of great contrasts. In the national parks and on the San Blas archipelago, where the Guna people live in seclusion, time seems to be standing still –in stark contrast to the Panama Canal and the metropolis of Panama City. And what other vacation would offer you the chance of snorkeling in both the Atlantic and Pacifi c Oceans?

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Costa Rica’s abundant nature

A safe home for howler monkey, macaw, and orchid: With more than 160 nature reserves and national parks, about a quarter of Costa Rica is under conservation. While the interior is covered by dense tropical forest, mangrove-rich wetlands line the coasts – a paradise for birdwatchers and dolphin spotters.