Panama: Eco-Adventurers, Luxury Jungle Resorts and the Panama Canal

Now that Panama officially owns the famous canal that U.S. military personnel built in the early twentieth century, the country faces the challenge of maintaining economic stability. The military has moved out, and with it, the revenue its staff generated for Panama. Instead of despairing that its chief financial source is gone, however, entrepreneurs have converted army barracks and an Air Force communications tower to hotels ideally situated near the canal’s rainforests. This move ensures an increase in eco-tourism if marketed properly, and gives Panama a chance to show off its natural resources while building a new financial future.

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort overlooks the Chagres River as it flows into artificial Gatún Lake, a primary component of the Panama Canal. While the hotel is just getting on its feet, it does offer a sky lift to a nearby observation tower as well as wildlife exhibits, including one that features twenty-five different butterfly types. For many travelers, though, the Canopy Tower offers the best value for money. This former communications tower affords a panorama of Soberanía National Park from its observation deck and provides guided jungle walks.

To succeed in the eco-tourism industry, Panama still has a long way to go before it can attract the amount of visitors fellow Central American countries Costa Rica and Belize do. Still, it’s taking steps to remedy this. Besides the jungle resorts, extended service via cruise ship and airplane have increased revenue. Panama is also crusading to turn Ft. Amador, a coastline town, into the next big tourist destination, with plans to open resorts, vacation properties, and a golf course. At this pace, watching the country develop should prove exciting for travel organizations and potential visitors.