Panama, bordered on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, with heavily forested hills and mountain spaces, is best enjoyed by exploring its great outdoors.
To provide visitors unencumbered access to the country’s natural wonders, Panama announces, effective immediately, the lifting of mask requirements in outdoor spaces and open-air areas.
“With the improvement of COVID conditions, we are easing restrictions while maintaining necessary protocols. Mask removal in the outdoors is the latest step in keeping visitors and locals safe, and to help satisfy their wanderlust through our commitment to preservation of nature and culture, while empowering local communities,” says Ivan Eskildsen, Panama’s Minister of Tourism.
Boasting unparalleled biodiversity and rich culture, travelers can immerse themselves in the destination through three distinct heritage pillars identified in the country’s Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism introduced in 2020 which reactivated Panama’s Tourism, Conservation and Research strategy.
Distinct in their offerings, the pillars include Cultural Heritage which showcases Panama’s colorful history and multicultural diversity, a blend of African, North American, Spanish influences, as well as the country’s seven indigenous ethnic groups; Green Heritage which takes visitors across 13 National Parks and protected areas making up one-third of the country and Blue Heritage, which covers the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans with experiences including whale-watching, turtle conservation and marine exploration across Coiba National Park, a world-class diving destination part of the Easter Tropical Marine Corridor (CMAR) along with the Galapagos Islands, created to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.
The new mask policy is particularly good news for hikers to explore a wide range of incredible hikes at all experience levels – from easy strolls to moderate hikes and more serious trails for the seasoned trekker – all offering epic sights of Panama. An often asked “did you know” factoid is Panama’s distinction as the only metropolis in the world to have a jungle (Metropolitan Natural Park) within its city center with many trails on offer to see exotic wildlife that calls Panama home.
“Panama is an outdoor enthusiast paradise, providing endless opportunities to delve into nature, history, and culture,” says Fernando Fondevila, PROMTUR Panama’s Chief Executive Officer.
“From countryside farm-to-table dining to rainforest hiking trails, to surfing in the Pacific and the Atlantic, Panama has a rich array of easily accessible and highly rewarding soft adventures.”
For Panama’s most up-to-date health and safety protocols, as well as entry requirements, visit www.visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines/.
To learn more about Panama’s Cultural, Green and Blue Heritage and surrounding experiences, please visit https://visitpanama.com/things-to-do/.
