Panama Trip

I plan to take a trip to the republic of panama, leaving Sunday, May 7th and returning the following Sunday. Because I am a new traveler I decided to get professional help planning this trip. There is a local travel agency located in Lake Stevens, WA that was helpful creating my dream vacation. I will need to bring a friend along for this vacation and split the bill, as it will save money on the hotel and tour package.
The trip will begin with the departing flight from SeaTac airport to Houston, TX and then to Panama City. Upon arrival we will meet the tour guide from big five who will transport us to the Intercontinental Miramar Hotel. This is a nice five star hotel located in Panama City. The second day will take is into Casco Antiguo which is a 16th century city and the tour of the Panama Canal, the most famous part of panama.
The idea of building a channel to connect the two oceans began in 1534 when a Spanish official suggested a canal route close to that of the present canal.
However no action was taken until 1819 when the Spanish government authorized the construction of a canal. The actual construction was performed by the French Company headed by De Lesseps. Americans completed the construction between the years 1904 and 1914. Roughly 13,000 ships pass though the canal every year.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be spend in the islands of Bocas del Toro. These are for the most part, untouched by travelers. These islands are beautiful and include activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving to look at the coral reefs, boating, fishing and kayaking. Some of the native creatures living there include sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, iguanas and poison dart frogs. Bocas del Toro, the capital of the province is located on Isla Colon.

The day will end when we return to the Punta Caracol Acua hotel, which consists of
miniature lodges built on stilts over the water! The remainder of the vacation will be spent at Soberania National Park, a vast protected rainforest surrounding the Panama Canal. The trip will end with a transit though the Panama Canal and a flight back to the USA. Panama had a relatively prosperous economy. It is based mainly on agriculture, lights industry, services and revenues from the panama canal. The main crops are sugar, coffee, bananas, rice, maize and beans. The currency in Panama is based on the US dollar, and is called balboa. US $1 = b1. The panama canal came unto full Panamanian control in the year 2000 and the tolls levied on ships passing through it accounts for a good portion of government revenue. The tourist industry is growing fast as well. Panama also exports gasoline from imported crude oil. American, French and Spanish food is available in all restaurants and hotels in Panama City. The native dishes are based off creole cuisine. Most are hot and spicy. They include ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice, onions and peppers), patacones de plátano (fried plantain), sancocho (Panamanian stew with chicken, meat and vegetables), tamales (seasoned pie wrapped in banana leaves), carimañolas and empanadas (turnovers filled meat, chicken or cheese). For some reason, The Repubic of Panama is not a popular destination for travelers. In reality, the country contains the most luxurious beaches and the most diverse wildlife in the world. It is said that Panama has a bio-diversity three times higher than that of Europe, The United States, and Canada put together. From toucans to quetzal birds, Panama has over 900 species of birds. The temperature in panama usually in the 80s year round. It is ideal to visit during the months of February, March, and April to avoid the rainy season. For the most part lightweight clothing will be required and perhaps some raingear.