Panama

With its ideal location between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, a topography that includes everything from rugged mountains and dense forests to miles of unspoiled coastline, it’s hard to believe that Panama is only just beginning to capture the world’s attention as a vacation destination. Panama may be known primarily as the gateway between North and South America, but there’s so much more to this prospering Central American nation. With nearly one-third of Panama’s land area dedicated to national parks, wildlife refuges and forest reserves, and miles of protected coral reefs offshore, Panama is quickly becoming one of the world’s most exciting ecotourism destinations. And two ocean fronts means a near limitless variety of perfect beaches, from small coves to miles of wide open sand, all surrounded by crystal clear waters and coconut palms.