Title: Beyond the Canal: Intriguing Facts about Panama Yet to Be Known!
Introduction
Imagine a land full of rich culture, jaw-dropping geography, and amazing wildlife all tucked away in the isthmus connecting North and South America. Yes, we’re talking about the beautiful country of Panama! Commonly known for the Panama Canal, this Central American gem has so much more to offer than its infamous transportation corridor. Join us on an exhilarating journey to explore the rising and mysterious parts of Panama that never cease to astonish the world. Here’s a gimlet filled with thrilling facts that you’ve never heard about this intriguing country, bound to leave you astounded.
The Abandoned French Event – Panama Canal Episode
Fasten your seatbelts for a trip down memory lane! Before the American dream was realized, the French had also tried to build a canal across Panama. And their endeavors, well, they weren’t a nightmare? It’s the fabled French Panama Canal, which was attempted in the late 19th century. A catastrophic series of events caused by disease, unstable work environment, scandals, and engineering mishaps led to their withdrawal. This historic incident left behind a ghostly town called Panama City named ‘Panamá Viejo now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The half-completed architecture, now decaying, is a spectacle not to be missed.
Mysterious Lost City of Ciudad Perdida
This head-scratcher is buried in the jungles of the West. Known as Las Piedras Parada, Ciudad Perdida is an Incan citadel believed to have been the first capital of the Tayrona civilization around 800 A.D. But wait! The story doesn’t end here. Around 300 years later, it was abandoned and swallowed by nature, untouched until 1976. Today, this forgotten wonder is famous for its mysterious appeal and enigmatic Mayan-like ruins. Then again, it doesn’t come without a test of endurance – hikers would need to trek a six-day journey through the Mangrove Forests to see it.
The Wonders of the Earth: Volcano Formation
Just when you thought the land couldn’t hold more surprises, the highlight reel is just beginning. Panama houses some of the most mesmerizing volcanoes. The Chiriquí Province is known for the Coiba National Park, where Mount Pirre stands tall with its dormant peak at 3,475 feet. Plan on witnessing a dormant volcano that last erupted around 100,000 years ago? That’s the enigma code "Colonia Volcano," an emerald grassland with frequent overnight sights of lava and hot springs.
Don’t Shun off Bugs! The Rarest Butterfly – Queen of Palmas
Our flutter-terrific turn takes us to the rainforests of the El Valle de Anton’s National Park. Known for its unique butterflies, the rare Palma Real, or the Queen of Palmas, victoriously flaunts its hues. The Fluttering Tala-haute-Pirrey, its secluded abode, is seldom visited, maintaining their close-knit population. This enigma was discovered in 1993, with the exact count of around 400 in the wild! Just another butterfly or a fluttering jewel of Panama’s butterfly world?
Tracing Ancient Civilizations – The Gamboa Fossils
An underground secret aching for excavation, the Gamboa Fossil Park is believed to be the battleground of many wars that took place 10,000-15,000 years ago. Humans and giant iguanas’ fossils found here expose an ancient battlefield ranging from the era of ancient civilizations to modern invasions such as the invasion of Christopher Columbus. Paleontologists are still trying to unlock these curls of time!
Veiled in Shadows – The Cocobolo Forest
The Gulf of Panama holds the oldest natural lightless zone, the "Cocobolo Forest". This mysterious park is best for those who fancy swimming in pitch-black water alongside soft, silent coral caves. Devil’s Eye, the volcanic crater lake, distills within it the murkiest waters, where peculiar electric eel and algae have developed glowing attributes to survive in the underwater dark ages combined with archaeological relics.
The Panoramic Panama Bridge
Envisage a rail family spanning over 40 kilometers, sliding over the Pacific azure, carving a connection between Pacific and Atlantic. Over 1906-1999, it was one of the longest bridges on earth at its closure, wrapped in the Dragon Hill. This panoramic appeal adorned with magnificent sunsets makes it an unforgettable outlook!
Think Alligators, Wait, Lizards too!
Panama, for the uninitiated, is a hub for just alligators, amén. Explore the less-told lizard tale – the "Tellyuga Fish” or the Purilacu, a critically endangered spectacle. This 2-3 ft Mauro’s Curly Lizards are only found at El Valle de Anton National Park, making this sighting rare and prized!
Waving the Flag of Football Success
Who said sports are limited to humans? Panama battled not just human adversaries but ‘Costa Rica’ in Cristobal Bogarín’s diary of football matches in Costa Rica 1960. Talk about groundbreaking! The Anaconda game is considered to be Panama’s greatest sporting sensation detailing their first international win in the Central American and South American tournament.
Expand Your Mind – The Mindo Schools for the Blind
How can one enjoy sight unseen? The Mindo Schools for the Blind achieves this feat by including individuals with no visual power. When nature puts the visual world out of the picture, their sensory perception takes the stage. Intriguing birdwatching, walking, and touchy-feely experiences hugely assisted by the supportive environment.
The Amazon Panama Cup
Celebrating the enormous diversity of the 2,727 species of birds residing within the Panamian borders, the Panama Cup provides incredible experiences. With birdwatching optics and guide expertise, the expedition might help you spot the sickle-billed ram and the paradise tanager.
Deeper into the Culture: Afro-Caribbean Festivals
With over 6% of the population being Caribbean, Panama has Panamanian Creole, Guna funk, and Afro-Antillean rhythms. The Thousand Claps is one such celebration where researchers swaowing to experience their passionate, market-yet-vibrant dances, songs and ceremonies. A true societal cornucopia highlights Panama’s social heritage.
A Hidden Gem – the Canal National Museum
The Canal National Museum is frequently overlooked, but it houses detailed history within its interiors along with fascinating documents and artifacts tracing the canal’s construction. Imagine stepping back in time into the world of the era’s canals!
Martial Arts vs Games – The Ancient Ball Game
Played between the Mayas and Aztecs, the Antón game illustrates spectators evading the ball as the victors and vanquished remained confined for days! Now existent are two modern games bridging the old with new – Batey and Changüi, that carry forward the tradition.
Beyond the Canal: Cynical Weather
The tropical climate of Panama may leave you in a hot sweat but don’t be disheartened. The ‘Ligue Caribbean Coast Fútbol Club’ has skilful players and will keep you entertained with soccer matches!
Witness the Natural Musician – Tatiana Ternera
A surprise for those who enjoy natural music is the vine-green of Panama – the ‘Abetarda’ Bird. Its ‘blah-boh’ burbling rhythm will surely be music to your ears. Here, you can visit the Chagres River to hear the rhythm first hand.
A Biological Reserve Of Bad Boys
Encounter this tropical Eden, home to all black tree snakes and a habitat of 5,000 type of plants and creatures. With 4% land receiving judicial protection, it’s an impressive tale of fragrant flowers and bats – larger than small dogs, astronomical!
Abuelo’s Black Orchids
In the expanse of Cocobolo Forest hides this alluring vibrance. The Palma Rosa and black orchids bloom here in sheer numbers. A stunning experience right in your backyard.
Rainforests apart from the Wildlife
Perhaps Panama’s most underrated attraction, the rainforests expanding over 5 million hectares and holding a 10% of the world’s species. With the continent’s highest diversity of frogs and the country’s largest number of orchids make their home here. Among the visually striking species are the Golden Poison Frogs.
FAQs
Q1. What other activities can one enjoy at the Gamboa Fossil Park besides excavations?
A1. Aside from archaeological digs, visitors can merely stroll around the park to enjoy calming scenery and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Q2. What can cyclists do at El Valle de Anton National Park?
A2. El Valle de Anton National Park offers biking in the eastern hills similar to biking in other national parks. They can also ride the famous Don Diego Drag Briefing Trail, explore different regions by bike, go birdwatching, or just enjoy biking on forest trails.
Q3. Are there any other historical locations in Panama as Aguel Data, Las Sitio or Panama founded by Columbus?
A3. Yes, other archaeological sites include the town of Santa Cruz de la Real Expedición del Valle del Dagua and the beaches of Taboga. There are also various colonial-era buildings and forts, such as the Fort San Lorenzo.
Q4. Is it possible for tourists to see the Chiriquí Volcano activity up close?
A4. The Chiriquí Volcano has not had any eruptions in centuries. However, you can visit the park on a guided tour. While they will not directly view the volcano’s interior, the view of the volcano and the surrounding area is mesmerizing.
Q5. What are some of the other delicacies Piña Express offers beyond Isthmus Burgers?
A5. Piña Express offers other dishes like Pepian (a traditional Panamanian chicken dish), Tapado (a traditional Panamanian rice dish), and Meatloaf. They also have sandwiches, salads, and other sides.
**Thus, before you pack your bags for Panama, always keep your sense of exploration ready as you dive into these off-the-beaten-track activities! Each of these amazing attractions holds the key to a memorable visit. To know more about Panama’s little marvels, read: "Cocobolo Forest: Unraveling the Rainforest Gem from Panama’s Untouched Wilderness," "Beyond the Canal: Hidden Marvels – The Untainted Sports Culture of Panama," “Panama’s Royal Butterfly: The Quest for the Queen of Palmas,” “Without Lights, But Not Out of Sight – Exploring Cocobolo Forest,” and "The Secret World of Afro-Caribbean Festivals in Panama" to get a wholesome understanding of this splendid country!
