I served in the military (Ohio Air National Guard) in the 1980’s and one of my 2 week summer deployments was in Panama (back then, the US patrolled the Panama Canal). It was so beautiful and I was fascinated with the Panama Canal (still am). So, March, 2023, I took my husband for a week just outside of Panama City. We stayed at the The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City. My husband and I both say that we received the very best service at any hotel, ever! The staff remembered our names (and mine is a HARD one) everywhere we went.
We visited the San Blas Islands, which are made up of 365 islands and cays located off the north coast of Panama, and east of the Panama Canal. The islands are home to the Guna people, Latin America’s first indigenous group to gain autonomy. The islands are known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees, and they’re a popular destination for those seeking a tropical paradise with fewer crowds. They did not disappoint! We went to three of the islands, but passed many that are so beautiful. We got to have lunch with other travelers from all over the world (Haiti, Denmark, and other South American countries).
A visit to the Panama Canal is a MUST! The canal provides a vital shortcut connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, drastically reducing the maritime journey between these two vast bodies of water. Make sure to take the tour (they alternate between Spanish and English) as the speaker explains what is happening along the way providing many interesting facts like the fact that ships navigating through the canal must pay a toll, which is determined based on several factors, including the size and type of the vessel, the type of cargo, and the route taken through the canal. On average, tolls can range from $40,000 to $450,000 per ship!
