Panama’s San Blas Islands remain largely untouched by large-scale development. A few small lodges are scattered across the islands, but most remain inhabited by native peoples of the Kuna tribes.

Panama City is a vibrant and growing regional center for both commerce and tourism. Over the past decade, hotel capacity has grown tenfold, along with a number of noteworthy new restaurants.

The Gatun Locks raise ships 87 feet above the Caribbean Sea to begin the transit across a large reservoir of the same name before they are lowered into the Pacific.

Large swaths of unspoiled rainforests line sections of the Panama Canal. These wild areas are protected and have become popular ecotourism venues, as they are within easy reach of cities and resort areas.

Ecotourism continues to gain popularity in Panama. Zip-line tours are just one of many adventures to be found in the country’s highland cloud forests.