For New Year’s eve, we decided to travel to Panama, eager for an  adventure and ecotourism experience.

This trip turned out to be an incredible journey with exciting opportunities to bird watching, river boating, dolphin watching, horse riding and rainforests hikes. It was also eye opening on the richness of the diversity of races and ethnicity of Panamanians: indigenous, Western Caribe, Latinos and numerous expatriates who moved to Panama for the past few years. Not to mention, the diversity of animals that we saw at our hotel property: sloth, toucan, boa constrictor, tarantula, eagle, capibara, caiman, birds, birds, birds…there are about 900 bird species in Panama.

First, Panama city: the capital with high rise buildings above the ocean and the rainforest, first class hotels to quaint inns, restaurants for all tastes and pockets. There, we saw the impressive Panama Canal which is in early stage of multibillion dollar expansion.

Then, we flew to the archipelago de Bocas del Toro, which consists of six densely forested islands including Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park. It is located on the North East side of the country, on the Caribbean sea side. Palm fringed islands, white sand beaches, pristine water, mangroves, rainforests, an extensive coral reef ecosystem everywhere on the archipelago.  Low key development helps preserve the authenticity and laid back atmosphere of the area. Stunning!

I feel inspired, rejuvenated by this beautiful trip. Vivid colors, exquisite and unspoiled flora and fauna, uplifting peaceful environment…Nature is one of my major sources of inspiration. Enjoy!

We stayed at: “Dolphin Hideaway” lodge at Bocas Del Toro.

Dolphin Hideaway Lodge: http://www.dolphinbayhideaway.com/

New York Times, Panama #1 : http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=all