Known for being a canal

Panama is the world-famous canal, a modern skyline and tropical islands. You should go if: You want a mix of city, rainforest, and islands You like history, from colonial streets to engineering You prefer a country that uses US dollars Must-visit places: Panama Canal: Watch ships at the Miraflores Locks Casco Viejo: The restored old quarter of Panama City San Blas (Guna Yala): Islands run by the Guna people Bocas del Toro: A Caribbean archipelago for diving and relaxing Boquete: Highlands, hiking and coffee farms Must-try foods: Sancocho: Chicken and root vegetable soup Ceviche and patacones Hojaldras: Fried breakfast bread Panamanian Geisha coffee, among the world's most prized Fun facts: The Panama Canal opened in 1914. "Panama hats" actually come from Ecuador. The country has more bird species than the US and Canada combined, by commonly cited counts. Logistics: Best time: January to April is the dry season Currency: US dollar (called the balboa); coins are Panamanian Getting there: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Getting around: Metro in Panama City; domestic flights to the islands Tipping: About 10 percent Must-learn phrases: Hello: Hola Please: Por favor Thank you: Gracias "¿Qué xopá?": What's up? How much is it?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?