Tipped as the Central American destination to watch, Panama travel is on the verge of taking off. Other than Panama cruises, beach holidays in Panama and eco-oriented wildlife holidays in Panama are the main attraction.

Panama City is a cosmopolitan mix of old and modern. Its colonial architecture, impressive churches and the President's Palace all merit your attention. Head to the Peninsula de Azuero to discover traditional Spanish culture and Panama's many folkloric festivals.

The main tourist destination is the Panama Canal, the short cut that connects the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean; the scenery and engineering are both awe-inspiring and best taken in from a Panama cruise.

The Chiriqui province is a place of waterfalls, rivers, mountainous scenery and volcanic highlands. The highland resort of Boquette is located near the dormant Barú Volcano and the Barú National Park, which is good for bird watching and for walking.

Wildlife enthusiasts should also travel to Parque Internacional La Amistad, Parque Nacional Coiba or Parque Nacional Soberania for trekking, marine wildlife and bird watching respectively.

The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a laidback beach haven, as is the San Blás archipelago, which is also the home of the Kuna people, whilst Santa Catalina is a Panama's surfing hotspot

The infamous Darién Gap is an almost impenetrable wilderness. The only break on the Pan-American Highway it can be crossed by 4WD.