Panama’s
long term commitment to international commerce
has left the country’s exhausting array of
natural wonders virtually unspoiled and without
recognition. While many neighboring countries
including Costa Rica, Belize and Honduras,
routinely enjoy exposure regarding their natural
jewels, these "eco" destinations fall well
short when compared to Panama’s abundant natural
and cultural resources.
With thousands of miles of coast, Panama’s
coastline stretches from Colombia to Costa
Rica, with the Pacific Ocean to the south
and the Caribbean Sea to the north. Divided
nearly in half by the ever so famous Panama
Canal, Panama’s location and unique horizontal
shape make it unlike any other country in
the region, one that is on the verge of becoming
the regions next tourism mecca.
The eastern portion of Panama, comprised primarily
of the Darien and San Blas provinces, contains
some of Central America’s oldest and most
fascinating Indian cultures, the Embera and
Kuna Indians. As well, this particular province
is home to some of the most spectacular bird
watching and other wildlife in the Central
American region, which is the result of its
remote location and lush, dense forests. The
Embera Indians, most heavily concentrated
in the Darien province, are well known for
their woodcraft, carvings, and baskets, while,
the Kuna Indians of San Blas, are located
along the Caribbean coast and most noted for
their Molas and colorful apparel.
The country’s central region, or that portion
that straddles the Panama Canal, is blessed
with a wealth of cultural, historical and
adventurous excursions. First and foremost,
the Panama Canal, which on January 1st, 2000,
was transferred to Panamanian ownership after
nearly 100 years of US ownership.
With three distinct sets of locks, separated
only by Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal is the
country’s single most visited attraction.
Along the Atlantic Coast, not far from the
Panama Canal, one can find the ruins of Fort
San Lorenzo and Portobelo, both of which are
well maintained and provide terrific photographic
opportunities. In addition, the numerous inlets
that hug the Canal as well as the rivers running through the neighboring hillside before
emptying into the Canal, are home to numerous
small communities of Embera Indians and a
wide variety of wildlife.
The western portion of Panama, which includes
the Cócle, Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos,
Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui provinces, is
virtually undiscovered aside from a few mountainous
and beach areas. Rugged and virgin, this portion
of Panama is a cultural and touristic showcase,
harboring many of the country’s most attractive
tourist destinations. Miles of pristine beaches
run along both coasts, ideal for an assortment
of outdoor activities. For those who prefer
mountains, Boquete, Bambito, Cerro Punta,
El Valle de Anton and Santa Fé are ideal for
mountain biking, birding and hiking. As the
province moves west it becomes more and more
mountainous, and just before reaching the
Costa Rican border one finds Panama's highest
point, Baru Volcano. Everything from powerful,
thundering waterfalls to gentle, rivers and
streams can be found here.
HELIPAN CORP. is ideally suited for servicing the country’s
numerous tourist destinations, providing reliable,
efficient and flexible helicopter service.
We can service most of Panama’s most desirable
attractions quickly and on short notice, as
many of the islands, beaches, rivers and mountains
are often just a short flight aboard our comfortable
helicopters. For those who are interested
in visiting the country’s more remote, desolate
regions, we can transport you to an unlimited
number of destinations. Below, we have listed
just a sample of our helicopter tours, however,
any given tour can be customized to satisfy
your own particular interests or needs. If
you would like to design your own tour, please
feel free to contact us via e-mail.
