Panama is central America's hidden gem. It has long since emerged from the dark shadows of imperialism and Noriega, emerging as a the melting pot of the Americas. The colorful architecture, tropical diet, and non-stop tamborito dancing reveal a culture embracing its Carribbean, native American, and Spanish influences. I went in 2000 with a couple of friends--it was February, we were cold, and there were insanely cheap fares to the warm country of Panama. We went on a whim, and it has held fast as one of my favorite trips of all time.

Panama has this sometimes joyful, sometimes wild quality to it. The buses that cut across the country are converted Blue Bird school buses painted in gleefully garish colors. The rainforests are barely contained--they creep out into the roads and over buildings. You can dance and drink piña coladas anywhere in the country until the sun comes up...or while away an evening making nice with Panama's many expats--from Europe, China and both ends of the Americas.

Panama lends itself to adventure. There is great snorkeling, white water rafting and scuba diving--all for a fraction of the cost of the more glamorous Belize. Want to trek a volcano? Guatemala may have the stunning Volcan Pacaya (props to Guatemala--I love you too!), but you can visit an indigenous village (El Valle) *in an extinct volcano crater* in Panama.

Panama City--unlike many other central American capitals--is also worth a visit in its own right. The Panama Canal is pretty excellent, and it's worth it to take a taxi across the Bridge of the Americas (it won't really cost that much anyway) for the stunning views and also to say you were in South America for a minute. There is gorgeous architecture and great shopping. Plus the currency is the american dollar!

And did I mention the piña coladas?

We have this two week tour through Panama for only $700, and that include the local payment!! That works out to only $46 a day, and you get:

Day 1 Arrive San José

>Arrive in San José at any time.

Day 2-4 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

>The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers 14 km of incomparable white and black sand beaches. Try snorkelling or take it easy and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens. Rent a boogie board if the waves are calling, dance the night away to reggae and calypso, taste flavourful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and succumb to the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.

Day 5-7 Bocas del Toro

>Cross into Panama to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. There's plenty of time to try snorkelling, scuba diving, or just relaxing on the beach.

Day 8-10 Boquete

>Back on the mainland, continue to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including hiking, whitewater rafting and a tour of a coffee plantation.

Day 11-12 El Valle

>A little village in an extinct volcanic crater, El Valle makes a great stop along the Pan-American highway before reaching the capital. Explore the village, shop in the market, climb the India Dormida rock formation or discover the wonders of the indigenous culture that is prevalent in the area.

Day 13-14 Panama City

>After a short bus trip, arrive at the historical Panama City. Options include visiting the world-famous Panama Canal, exploring the old city and ruins and hitting the markets for souvenirs.

Day 15 Depart Panama City

This trip utilizes local vendors and transportation in a small group (max 15) of fellow students like yourself. It's insanely cheap, and you will get to experience the lush, delightful countries of both Costa Rica and Panama. Panama has something for the budget, cosmopolitan, adventurous and parrty-loving travel. Make your two weeks vacation count--go to Panama, eat fried plantains, dance the tamborito and have a piña coladas for me.