Latin America Dances to its Own Beat

During the past few months, hotel companies have been announcing expansion plans and new builds throughout Central and Latin America. Among the international banners flying in cities from Guayaquil, Ecuador to Lima, Peru and Cartagena, Colombia, are Hilton, Radisson and the luxury Five-Star Alliance that includes properties throughout the region including the Ritz Carlton in Santiago, Chile and Caesar Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hilton, Marriott, Crown and Express are among some of the hotel chains that are investing heavily in Costa Rica.
Radisson Hotels and Resorts Latin America (RHILA), a master franchisor of Radisson Hotels & Resorts, announced the addition of three new hotels to the Radisson system: the Radisson Decapolis Hotel Miraflores and Radisson Hotel & Suites San Isidro in Lima, Peru; as well as the Radisson Summit Resort and Spa in Panama.
SuperClubs entered the Panama market with its recent groundbreaking on the 300-room Breezes Panama in Playa Blanca, marking the first development in Central America for the Jamaica-based all-inclusive resort firm. The resort, scheduled to open in late 2008, is set on Panama's south coast fronting the Pacific.
Additionally, new itineraries based on the Mayans -- "El Mundo Maya" or the World of the Maya - who lived in Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador weave through all these countries, so agents will be seeing more extensive tour programs that link their histories and cultures.
Many Latin American countries do not have tourist offices, but agents can obtain information from consulates, embassies, national airlines or U.S. airlines that serve Latin American countries.

ARGENTINA
Besides the tango, nowadays Argentina is among the top international wine producers, which has given rise to tourism products involving wineries, vineyard tours and wine tastings.
Several provinces in the west and north of Argentina offer several visits to vineyards, wineries and restaurants where the wine is the indisputable star. According to a study of Wineries in Argentina, in 2006 a total of 1,004,810 tourists traveled the Wine Routes of Argentina.
The growth of the quantity of tourists who visit these routes (45%) has been bigger than the growth of total of those who visit Argentina in general (15.3%). The Province of Mendoza (in the western part) is the province with most visited wineries, but San Juan and Salta have also seen an abundance of tourist visits and other regions are also tourist ready: wineries dot the districts of López, Valentín Bianchi, San Telmo, Escorihuela, Cavas de Weinert, J&F Lurton, Trapiche, Flichman, La Rural, Norton, Félix Lavaque, Lagarde, Navarro Correas, Nieto Senetiner, Goyenechea and Chandon. Watch for new tours combining Argentina with Chile linked by the grape. Visit www.geographia.com/argentina

BELIZE
Belize reported a 2.6 percent increase in total visitors for 2007 at their main point of entry, the Philip Goldson International Airport. Belize welcomed 151,616 U.S. visitors this past year, denoting an overall 72.3 percent increase from 1998 when only 87,991 Americans visited Belize. Arrivals from Belize’s chief tourism markets outside of the U.S. continue to also thrive.
The growth of arrivals from Canada is of great significance with an increase of 6.7 percent over the last year. In addition, Belize continues to see an influx of European visitors with an increase of 31.2 percent over the last nine years, an average annual increase of 3.5 percent per year.
The hotel and cruise sector are key instruments in Belize’s dynamic tourism industry. Employment in Belize’s hotel sector increased 12 percent over 2006; hotel revenues for 2007 rose an impressive 13.8 percent over 2006. Official cruise figures for 2007 are recorded at 624,528 passengers aboard 278 cruise ship calls, which is a 12% decrease in cruise passenger arrivals, a direct result of Hurricanes Dean and Felix, but the industry has since recovered its footing.
Call 800-624-0686; www.travelbelize.org

BOLIVIA
Bolivia is set in central South America; sharing borders with Brazil in the northeast and east; Paraguay in the east and southeast; Argentina in the south; Chile in the west; and Peru in the west and northwest.
Until recently mining has been the mainstay of the Bolivian economy. In the 1940s, minerals constituted over 70 percent of Bolivia's exports, mainly tin and tungsten. During World War II, the Allied Powers depended on Bolivian tin. Tourism is a small but growing activity in Bolivia with potential for greater foreign exchange earnings. The number of tourists jumped from 22,250 in 1970 to 155,400 in 1980 but fell to 127,000 by 1985, or about one percent of all tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 300 hotels and scores of motels and tourist accommodations add up to about 9,000 rooms and 16,000 beds. By 1997, 375,000 tourists visited Bolivia: 60 percent came from the Americas, 35 percent from Europe, four percent from Asia, and one percent from Africa. Income from tourism in 1997 was $180 million.
The major tourist attractions are Bolivia's snowcapped mountains, Lake Titicaca, pre-Inca ruins at Tiahuanaco, its vast tropical areas, remote national parks, sightseeing on the national railroad, and the Indian cultures. New attractions for some tourists are the locations where the celebrated 20th-century Marxist leader Che Guevarra was captured and mortally wounded, and the stark village of San Vicente on the windy altiplano where, in 1908, the romanticized U.S. outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, were ambushed and killed.
The government is actively promoting tourism and encouraging tourists to stay longer and also make it a prime destination. Most tourists spend only a few days in the country, combining their visit with longer stays in the neighboring countries.
Visit www.bolivia-tourism.com

BRAZIL
Best known for its spectacular four-day Brazilian Carnival celebrated annually during the month of February, Rio de Janeiro’s amazing tropical beaches, the most famous of which are Copacabana and Ipanema, and major nearby attractions such as the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado Mountain), Sugar Loaf Mountain, Maracana Stadium, Tijuca National Park, and Favela da Rocinha add up to a memorable vacation.
The number of foreigners visiting the country went from an average of 1.5 million per year in the 1990s to more than 4 million visitors per year since 2000, according to Embratur. Surveys indicate visitors find the country truly beautiful. The results also show that 52% of them return home boasting of their contact with the Brazilian people. After all, besides enjoying some of the most beautiful spots on the planet – which include countless beaches, ecological paradises and historical cities – visitors find the natives are eager to show them the best sights, and assist them, rendering an unforgettable memory.
Visit www.embratur.com

CHILE
Situated south of Peru and west of Bolivia and Argentina, Chile fills a narrow 2,880-mile strip between the Andes and the Pacific; almost 30 percent of the country is covered by the towering ranges of the Andes. The southernmost point of South America is Cape Horn, a 1,390-foot rock on Horn Island in the Wollaston group, which, belongs to Chile. Chile also claims sovereignty over 482,628 square miles of Antarctic territory; the Juan Fernández Islands, about 400 miles west of the mainland; and Easter Island, about 2,000 miles due west. Among its most treasured areas is Patagonia.
One of Patagonia's least-known waterways, the Pascua runs through an uninhabited area in southern Chile that takes melt water from the Patagonian Ice Field, the largest expanse of permanent ice outside Antarctica and Greenland, for 38 tumultuous miles through steep granite valleys to one of the many fjords that serrate the southern coastline.
Currently, there is a movement afoot to protect the Pascua and the nearby Baker Rivers, both of which are threatened by the development of a vast hydroelectric project that would construct five large dams. The plans could impact on as many as 14 national parks and protected reserves.
Visit www.chile.com

COLOMBIA
Beyond the headlines, there is a thriving society with a rising middle class in Colombia, some of the best health care and universities in South America, and improved security.
In the past year, 196,054 foreigners visited Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta, an increase of 10,556 international tourists compared to 2006 when the total was 185,498.
Cartagena, alone received 133,172 tourists in 2007, a 3.3 percent increase compared to 2006, followed by Barranquilla with 48,882 visitors for a 9.6 percent increase, Santa Marta reported the highest increase -- 17.4 percent or 14,000 tourists.
Nubia Stella Martinez, vice president of Tourism Proexport, says, the increase of tourists in Cartagena and Santa Marta undoubtedly is due, among other factors, to the return of cruise ships. Barranquilla on the other hand is an important business hub and is reinforced by events like Barranquijazz, Platform K and Carnival of Arts and Barranquilla."The best tourism product that can be Colombia is the Carib corridor, " she adds. “If we build this package with the historical part - cultural Cartagena, the cultural product, shopping and events of Barranquilla and nature and the beaches of Magdalena, we would have a highly competitive product."
The promotional plan for this year will see Colombia particiate in almost 50 international fairs and trade shows in an effort to create a brand identity.
Visit www.proexport.com

COSTA RICA
Unquestionably, 2007 was a year of growth for Costa Rica’s national tourism industry and the beginning of 2008 confirms consistency. January of 2008 marked a good start in tourist air arrivals according to the preliminary data gathered by the Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT). Despite economic worries in the main North American markets, the first month of 2008 shows optimism. International tourism arrivals have showed a steady growth. According to the ICT, 127,647 international visitors arrived by plane in January of 2008, marking a 13.7 percent over the same month of 2007.
For Costa Rica Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, “These figures are excellent news, a 13 percent increase is way over the annual estimates and we should take advantage of this to work even harder throughout the year, especially now considering the economic situation, particularly in the United States.”
In the case of the national airport Juan Santamaría, the numbers indicate an estimated increase of 15 percent, representing approximately 121,000 tourists. The Daniel Oduber airport has an expected increase of 7.3 percent, with 23,000 visitors.
EXPOTUR, the annual Costa Rica Travel Mart and Central America’s prominent travel trade show will take place May 13 - 15 at the Hotel Ramada Plaza Herradura in San Jose, visit www.expotur.com
Call 866-267-8274; www.visitcostarica.com

ECUADOR
Ecuador begins 600 miles west of the coast of South America, where the Galapagos Islands serve as a living laboratory for the study of species evolution. The coastal region of Ecuador has retained its low-key charm and natural serenity. There are ample remote surfing beaches, charming fishing villages and the bustling port city of Guayaquil.
Moving inland to the Andes region, Ecuador rewards visitors with breathtaking mountains, and the handsome capitol city of Quito. The eastern region of Ecuador is highlighted by the Amazon rainforest. Rich in biodiversity, thousands of exotic species of animals and plants await travelers.
Known mainly for the Galapagos Islands, travel agents attending the various trade shows that have taken place in the last year in Quito, Ecuador have returned with a new perception about Ecuador. Quito and its old town is among one of the finest preserved centers and it is commanding new investments and enhancements. Visit www.purecuador.com

EL SALVADOR
The famous Mayan Route weaves through several countries including El Salvador. Behind its modern International Airport, the largest in the region, its increasingly expanding highways, and ports as well as the business hub of Central America, its capital of San Salvador, is a country of traditions. For now, the country is emphasizing its business profile as almost 25% of its visitor arrivals are for business and meetings. “We have the largest private banking sector in the region; and we are the second most important financial center after Panama. We have the TACA Group hub that further supports business travelers to use the country as a meeting center,” says Rubén Rochi, El Salvador’s first Minister of Tourism.
The cruise and seaports are also on the list for major investment as is a railroad, underwritten in part, by the Japanese, that will stretch from El Salvador through Honduras, thus linking the Pacific with the Atlantic Oceans.
El Salvador’s first biosphere reserve was added to UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program’s global network. Apaneca-Llamatepec is located in the western part of the country that conserves zones of primary succession mountain vegetation over lava fields. About 40 miles west of San Salvador is another UNESCO World Heritage site, Joya de Cerén. This was a pre-Hispanic farming community that, like Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy, was buried under a volcanic eruption c. A.D. 600.
El Salvador received 1.4 million visitors from all over the world in 2006. “Our goal is to attract two million visitors by 2014, currently visitors spend about $90 a day, we would like to boost that to $140 a day; just as we would like to extend their stays from an average of 2.3 nights as we recorded in 2006 to five to seven days,” he adds.
Visit www.corsatur.gob.sv

GUATEMALA
Guatemala has been called "Central America in concentrated form." With the region's highest and most active volcanoes, most impressive Mayan ruins, and largest protected jungle, Guatemala packs incredible diversity into a country about the size of Tennessee. In addition to its natural wonders, the mix of indigenous and Spanish in its population creates a fascinating culture.
The Republic of Guatemala is a country in Central America, in the south of the continent of North America, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Bordered by Mexico to the north, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast, it is a major link in the Rutas de las Mayas.
Except for the south coastal area, and the vast lowlands of the Peten in the north, Guatemala is mountainous, with a hot tropical climate more temperate in the highlands, and drier in the easternmost departments. All of the major cities are situated in the southern half of the country; the major cities are the capital Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango and Escuintla. The large lake Lago de Izabal is situated close to the Caribbean coast.
Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land has created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.
Visit www.guatemala.com

HONDURAS
Honduras is enjoying a boom in popularity, as travelers have found an untouristy destination.
A vibrant country, brimming with clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush jungles, breathtaking mountains, challenging rivers, and fascinating ancient ruins, 2008 promises to be a landmark year in tourism development in Honduras. The first luxury villas in the La Ensenada Beach Villas and Resort are expected to be finished and ready to use before the end of the year.
Roatan will surely consolidate its position as a leading port of call for cruise ships as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines begins the expansion of the current dock to convert it into a full fledged passenger terminal for cruise ships. Carnival Cruise Lines is expected to invest in another passenger terminal that will be located at Coral Cay, also in Roatan. In addition, the new Tourism Free Zone that was declared by the Honduran National Congress is expected to have a very positive impact in the generation of new investments on all three of the Bay Islands.
Without doubt, a continued strong growth will continue to be seen throughout Honduras, which has been growing at a faster pace that the rest of the world
Honduras is also home to a rather large Garifuna society, also known as the Black Caribs, which first originated in XVII in San Vicente, about a century after the conquering of Central America, South America, and the lower Antilles.
Ecotours, inexpensive scuba diving, river rafting, soft adventure tours and mountain treks are what Honduras is known for today.
Visit www.honduras.com

NICARAGUA
Admittedly getting around Nicaragua is not as easy as it is in other countries… but instead of flying between cities, visitors are more likely to catch a bus or hire a car.
There are a number of reasonable hotels in Nicaragua that provide decent accommodation. Most of them accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express - or you can pay in dollars if you are running short on the local currency. Otherwise you can pay in Cordobas. Hotel staff are generally friendly and speak either English, Spanish or a combination of the two. Make sure you book ahead to secure your room – especially during the holiday season or during festival time.
Numerous forms of ecotourism are offered throughout the country and make for an amazing vacation in Nicaragua. These guided tours will take you to Nicaragua's beautiful untouched natural splendors. From forest to marsh, from the archipelago to active volcanoes, Nicaragua has it all. Hike through jungle or up one of the massive volcanoes dotting the landscape. Dive in the clear waters surrounding Nicaragua's islands.
Visit www.nicaragua.com

PANAMA
One of the key crossroads in the world, the land bridge between North America and South America and the waterway between the Atlantic and the Pacific, Panama has all the elements of a Central American hotspot: teeming wildlife, sandy beaches, scuba diving, world-class fishing, English proficiency, reliable transportation and a cosmopolitan capital city.
Already an enormously popular port of call, Panama’s most pressing concern now is a lack of hotel space so about 2,000 rooms will be added in the next three years. One of the biggest concerns in the tourism industry is the shortage of hotels in Panama City.
Fidel Reyes, a top Bern hotel executive, just did some research and came up with this list of all the hotels certain to be built in Panama City and nearby opening for sure from now until 2010: the 134-room Holiday Inn City at Knowledge opened March 27, 2008; 102-room Radisson Colon 2000 Hotel and Casino debuted April 15, 2008; coming on line are 134 rooms at The Bristol Buenaventura to open December, 2008. Future openings include the 103-room Radisson Summit Golf and Resort will open April 2009; the Panama Marriott is adding 80 rooms bringing the total to 376 rooms by late 2009.
Visit www.panamainfo.com

PERU
Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Perú is a magical spot with one of the richest biodiversities in the world. Peru features a total of 62 natural areas or conservation units, covering approximately 14.04% of the country's territory. Further, Peri boasts four commercial airports and 10 ready for international flights: Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Pisco, Pucallpa, Iquitos, Cusco, Trujillo, Tacna and Juliaca; 17 airlines operate international flights; seven airline companies offering domestic flights.
While Peru inevitably evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, the country is riddled with archaeological sites that are a legacy of even more ancient times. Modern-day amenities have not been overlooked in Peru’s pursuit of viable and sustainable tourism: the country counts 7,646 properties accounting for 131,624 rooms and 229,886 beds; additionally, Peru boasts 26 five-star hotels, 26 four-star hotels, 487 three-star hotels; 927 two star-hotels, 411 one star-hotels and 42 lodges.
The Inkaterra resorts are among those that have further contributed to preservaton and growth.
Visit www.peru.org.pe

Regional Information
Frommer’s recommends the following websites:
http://lanic.utexas.edu: The University of Texas Latin American Studies Department's database features an extensive list of useful links for every country in South America.
www.southamericadaily.com: for solid daily reports, with good links.

June 2007 Central America Round-Up Feature

When Lying on a Beach Just Won’t Do

New and fascinating destinations in Central America are waiting to be explored by visitors searching for a unique travel experience such as San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua for a beach stay, and Roatan in Honduras for a diving experience with more hotel options and activities. History and archaeology, friendly people and amazing landscapes with volcanoes, untouched forests and beaches can be found all over Central America,” says Mariana Elejalde, Latin America manager for Solar Tours.
The World Travel Organization recently reported the number of tourists visiting Central America increased by 11 percent worldwide during the first six months of 2006; and increased by 15 percent in 2005 compared to 2004 for a visitor count of over six million visitors.

Belize
Undoubtedly few destinations offer the diversity of a lush rainforest interior combined with sugar-white beaches and a barrier reef stretching 180-miles along the mainland.
With over 540 different, colorful species of birds in the country, Belize is a must for the professional or amateur bird-watcher. In the Orange Walk District alone, over 400 species of birds have been recorded. More so than anywhere else in the country, the Orange Walk District is the country’s leader as a birder’s paradise. With its unusually diverse habitats, the famous Maya Ruin area of Lamanai is a must for professional ornithologists or casual bird watchers where 366 bird species have been recorded, a figure that is expected to reach 409 shortly. The uncommon nocturnal Yucatan nightjars, as well as the long-tailed hummingbird, have been spotted at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Cruising the New River by boat to the Lamanai ruins is also a birder’s paradise. The waterway teems with bird life. Rare birds abound, like the roseate spoonbills, sun grebes and long-necked anhinga. Near the mouth of the lagoon is a large ceiba tree with a huge nest, home to a five-foot jabiru stork, the largest bird in the country that has a wingspan of approximately eight feet.
Programme for Belize, a nonprofit organization with offices in both Belize and the United States, manages the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area in this northern district where more than 400 recorded species offers world-class birding. Rio Bravo is a reserve, which covers 280,000 acres. It is a tropical forest area that is home to all of the Belizean cats and numerous other animals, including king vultures, and more than 80 species of bats.
“A Field Guide to the Birds of Belize” by Jones and Gardner will help visitors familiarize themselves with many of the species to be seen. The Gallon Jug Conservation Society, the Belize Audubon Society, the Lamanai Field Research Center or any of the lodges in the area here also appreciate field notes from visitors who record rare, unexpected sightings.
Visit www.belize.com

Costa Rica
Several tour operators JF contacted indicated that Costa Rica, which is referred to in its marketing lines as Pura Vida or Pure Life, remains the frontrunner in terms of popularity among countries outside the U.S. and Canada.
Lush rainforests and pristine beaches; tiny blue frogs and giant leatherback turtles; screaming howler monkeys and crashing white waves: tour packages offer a breathtaking array of sights and sounds. A travel itinerary might include whitewater rafting, a rainforest canopy tour, relaxing at the beach or exploring one of the country’s many fabulous ecolodges as well as its towns.
Of all places to experience the rainforest, Costa Rica comes to mind as one of the best choices for families of any age. Small rainforest lodges with excellent guides and creative cooks dot the country and travel times are rarely longer than three hours. Some of these lodges have developed special programs for families traveling with children. For tours including whitewater rafting, the minimum age for rafting the Revantazon River is 10 and the minimum age for the Pacuare River is 14. A great alternative for families with younger children is an upgrade to the Rainforest Aerial Tram. Visit www.costarica.com

El salvador
Once known as the coffee republic, El Salvador is the smallest country of Central America, and has the highest population density. Most of El Salvador (‘the saviour’ in Spanish) is volcanic, a magnet for adventuresome travelers, backpackers and hikers.
San Salvador is the capital city. It is a modern city; the old capital was destroyed by an earthquake in 1854. Santa Ana is the second largest city of the country. It is only 35 miles from the capital and lies in a rich coffee growing region on the slopes of the Santa Ana volcano. It is an attractive town with many old buildings. Excursions can be made to Lake Coatepeque and Chalchuapa.
Despite the scars left by civil war, poverty and natural disasters, visitors will appreciate the resilience and optimism such tragedy seems to have inspired in El Salvadorans. Poor communities such as Ilobasco and La Palma have become renowned for their handicrafts and folk art. The country’s major attractions include volcanoes, mountains (especially those in Cerro Verde National Park), beaches, tropical nature preserves and archaeological sites from the Maya civilization.
Sites for information include www.gocentralamerica.about.com; www.worldtravelguide.net; lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/svtoc.html

Guatemala
The height of the foreign tourist season is from Christmas to Easter; clients need to book at least one year ahead to attend the festivities around Semana Santa or Holy Week in the city of Antigua, which was declared a National Monument by the Guatemalan government in 1944, a Monument of the Americas by the General Assembly of the Pan American Institute of Geography and History in 1965 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Antigua is famous for its Catholic celebration of Holy Week, which commemorates the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire city participates in the event, and thousands of national and international visitors flock to Antigua to witness the dramatic happenings. Taking place sometime between March 22 and April 23, the entire week is full of solemn activities that replicate the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ, culminating in jubilation on Easter.
On Good Friday the streets of Antigua are covered with natural, aromatic carpets (alfombras) of flowers, pines, clover and fruits, which the residents put together and place in front of their homes. There are all kinds and shapes. Some are very long, even up to a kilometer, with colonial, Mayan, Roman and original designs.
A secondary high season lasts from June to August when throngs of North Americans and Europeans descend on Guatemala. Visit www.terra.com.gt

Honduras
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Copan ruins are some of the best and most historically significant in Central America. Ancient artisans carved intricate stone images and scribes etched complex hieroglyphics at Copan. The extensive Hieroglyphic Stairway, along with other inscriptions on stelae and altars, is the largest concentration of Mayan texts. The texts have played a significant role in deciphering Mayan code and revealing their culture, including their fascination with astronomy. The Mayan culture’s high period lasted from 250 to 900 AD and Copan, one of the regional capitals, is believed to have been abandoned in the 10th century AD. As well as the Hieroglyphic Stairway, other areas of interest are the Great Plaza, the Ball Court, the Acropolis, the Tunnels and Las Sepulturas where Mayan royalty lived.
The ruins of ancient Copan are some of the most artistic and historically significant Mayan ruins in Central America, and the adjacent Sculpture Museum houses a stunning replica of the Rosalila Temple. Tours are available from the Hotel to a coffee plantation, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve, a butterfly farm and other local sites.
Visit www.honduras.com

Nicaragua
As in many countries, there are many local and international organizations operating throughout Nicaragua that welcome the assistance and voluntary work that is offered by students, tourists and the concerned public. Voluntary work in Nicaragua can be done on a short and long-term basis depending on the volunteer, the organization and the local needs. Most volunteer programs last only a few weeks, with many people signing up for voluntary work during their vacations or between semesters. The programs not only enrich the lives of the local citizenry by providing much needed services, they also offers volunteers rewarding opportunities to visit and explore their host country. Visit www.nicaragua.com

Panama
Panama’s location and climate offer a spectacular opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful sceneries and sounds that nature has to offer, ranging from the complex sounds of the tropical forest to the beauty and tranquility of a desert, and even more relaxing is the crashing of the waves in one of our marvelous beaches, where visitors can bond with nature, and with the people who have been in that area for hundreds of years.
Last year, 14 U.S. cruise ships ranging from small to medium and large-sized ships and from luxury to niche and specialty ships for various durations, called at Panama, which may be the first way Americans visit the region, but an increasing number of young people are also finding their way to this affordable and attractive destination within a few hours of New York, Miami and the west coast.
According to Panamanian minister, Ruben Blades, the cruise sector is expected to see an increase in the number of ships and tourists – for the 2006-07 season the country will welcome some 207 luxury cruise calls.
Cruise passengers generally stay long enough to take in a visit to the Canal, the rainforest, the historic old quarter of the capital, Panama City and to shop at duty-free prices in the city’s malls.
Besides Panama City and the all-inclusive resorts such as Gamboa, the country counts the pristine San Blas islands among its tourism treasures. Home to the native Cuna Indians, these islands are an indigenous protectorate and the land, the sea and the way of life is carefully preserved by the watchful Cuna tribe. www.visitpanama.com