National Geographic Traveler: Panama (National Geographic Traveler)

By Christopher P. Baker

Book Overview

A small-scale country on the surface, Panama is a Central American giant and gem just awakening to its vast potential. Esteemed travel writer Christopher Baker takes the reader on a journey of this fascinating place in his fully updated edition. Beginning in the cosmopolitan, steamy capital of Panama City, you move on to the Canal Zone and the central Caribbean, with world-class birding and rafting; Kuna Yala, administrated anonomously by indigenous Kuna people; the Darien, a biological Eden; and Central Panama, blessed with fine beaches, mountains, pre-Columbia sites, and important colonial architecture. Among the guide's special features are mapped walking and driving tours--including a walk around Panama City's Casco Antiguo and a drive across the Continental Divide; and special two-page entries on topics such as the Panama Canal and parrots and macaws. National Geographic and local experts provide insider tips on favorite or little known sites and events, and dozens of sidebars highlight experiences that show you how to truly get the most from your trip, including how to assist archaeologists uncover ancient artifacts at Panama Viejo and white-water rafting in the Highlands. This comprehensive guide includes essential background information and the author's pick of hotels and restaurants.

Aimed at active travelers who want authentic, enriching, cultural experiences and expert advice from a trustworthy source, National Geographic Travelers provide ways for people to experience a place rather than just visit, and give the true feel of each destination not easily found online.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1426214014
• ISBN13: 9781426214011
• Release Date: January 2015
• Publisher: National Geographic Society
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Good, but ould be better

This was a pretty good book. Popular with others, as I saw two more copies among fellow travelers. My biggest complaint is the effusive use of adjectives in describing things. More appropriate for the tourism dept. I just want simple facts. If it was pretty, say it was pretty, instead of saying the bejeweled expanse of powdery sand as white as gypsum dazzled the senses, and so forth.

Get this Book and the Map and you are set!!

Get this book and the National Geo waterproof Map and you are set for the adventures of your lifetime! Great book to go along with the map!! Covers more than all the other guide books and is up to date (2/2009)!

Reference Book

This book has good basic information on each part of Panama, wonderful pictures and is an excellent second book to compliment a Moon Travel book.

Informative enough with awesome photography

National Geographic is well known by the quality of their maps & their awesome photography; and this travel guidebook it's no exception. It's very informative without being too in depth. The pictures makes you feel like you're there (in my opinion). This one can complement the Moon's guidebook which focus is just the opposite. Well put together. Highly recommended.

Panama traveler

I purchased this book in anticipation of traveling to Panama in January. I was able to find every place we intend to go and also find a lot of useful hints for our travels. We have traveled to a number of countries and always buy some sort of guides to let us know what to expect and to help us plan our trip. This book gives a concise description of the areas without being too concise but also without being too verbose. I also have the Frommer's guide to Panama and much prefer the much more colorful National Geographic guide.