Panama is quickly becoming a popular American vacation spot because of the easy access and low costs. Panama has adopted the US currency making it even easier to visit. There is much to see and do when vacationing in Panama regardless of what your interests are.

You can visit the Portobelo National Park which is located on the Caribbean cost of Panama. This area is protected where the rain forest and sea meet each other including about 86,000 acres and about twenty percent of that is marine area.

The Portobelo National Park has 70 kilometers of breathtaking beaches which are favored by both Panamanian and foreign divers. This park is located about an hour and a half on the Transisthmian Highway.

Another one of Panamas most popular destinations is the fort at San Lorenzo. This fort was built during the late 16th century after King Philip II of Spain demanded that a fortress be built to overlook the mouth of the Rio Chagres. The Rio Chagres was mainly used by commerce and slave ships. This was also the easiest entry for pirates and buccaneers looking for loot.

The fort was originally made of wood which deteriorated over time in Panama’s six month long rainy seasons. Eventually with the help of pirates and Francis Drake who set it on fire in 1596 the fort collapsed. The fort was rebuilt but captured in 1671 by Joseph Bradley under orders sent by Henry Morgan, a pirate. There were about 350 people at the fort during the battle and all but 30 were killed.

The fort was eventually rebuilt by the Spaniards in a higher area on an odd-shaped cliff using masonry. In 1761 it was repaired and was never attacked by pirates again. What is still left standing has been a part of history for more than 400 years.