Things to see and do in Panama

Capital of the Los Santos province of Panama, Las Tablas finds itself host to several bustling fiestas throughout the year, including one of the country’s best Carnaval celebrations. The Las Tablas Carnaval involves two factions, each with a parade and its own festivities, trying to outdo the other.

Take a day trip from Panama City to the island of Barro Colorado in Gatun Lake, a vast manmade stretch of water created during construction of the Panama Canal. The island is a biological reserve and reputed to be one of the world's leading natural tropical laboratories.

40km (25 miles) north of Panama City National Park is one of the best spots in Panama to go birdwatching, and the country is considered one of the best birdwatching spots in the world, with about 950 species. Other recommended sites include the Baru National Park in the Chiriquí Province, famous for its extremely rare Quetzal birds.

Roam the Darién National Park in the sparsely populated wilderness of the Darién Gap, which contains an exceptional variety of habitats, ranging from sandy beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves and swamps to tropical rainforest. The park is also home to two Choco Indian tribes.

Attend one of the many fiestas in Panama's various cities - in particular, Panama City's Carnival is superb. This is held on the four days before Ash Wednesday. Others are held to celebrate local patron saints.

Along with Venado and Rio Mar in the Pacific and Isla Grande, Bluf and Careneros in the Atlantic, Santa Catalina is known as a prime surfer’s spot in Panama. Waves can reach 4.5m (15ft), and you can find good surfing almost all year round. Panama hasn’t been exploited as a surfer’s paradise yet, which makes it all the better.

Visit the interesting Panama Canal Museum in the Casco Viejo area. The canal was opened in 1914, and an average transit takes eight hours to complete. On 31 December 1999, Panama took over full control of the canal from the USA. The museum details the spectacular engineering of the canal and just what it took to get it built – you needn’t be an engineer to appreciate this.

Take an excursion to the ruins of Panama Viejo, including the square tower of the old cathedral, 6km (4 miles) from the capital. This is the original Panama City, sacked in 1671 by celebrated Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan, who helped undermine Spanish control of their colonies.

Notice Panama's Spanish legacy in Portobelo, a colonial garrison town with three large stone forts facing the harbour. Also in town are an old Spanish cannon, and the treasure house where gold and silver from Peru and Bolivia were stored before being shipped to Spain.

Breathe in the sea air of the island of Taboga, where fine beaches and quality hotels abound. The main method of transport is by water taxi, known locally as panga. A longer trip by launch is necessary to get to the Pearl Islands, which are visited mainly by sea-anglers.