Nestled between two bodies of water, the Isthmus of Panama is located at the heart of Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia. Although Panama has just 29,157 square miles (75,517 square kilometers) of territory, its population numbers more than 4 million. The country is made up of ten provinces and three indigenous regions, and it is a melting pot where people of different races and cultures come together.

Panama has been a hub of travel and trade dating as far back as pre-Colombian times, thanks to its advantageous geographic location, so the country’s development has long been closely linked to business and transportation activities. Over the course of Panama’s history, its status as a strategic connection point has been solidified by large-scale engineering projects like the Panama Canal and the Trans-Isthmus Railroad.

As a tropical country brimming with diversity, Panama is worth visiting just for the views of the wildlife that thrives there. The natural landscapes are astonishing in their variety, ranging from idyllic beaches to lush jungles and from mountainous areas to plains. Panama’s climate is typically humid and rather warm, with a rainy season that lasts almost year-round and a shorter dry season, so it’s a good idea to wear cool, comfortable clothing. At higher elevations, where it’s a little colder, you’ll want to dress more warmly. Fly to Panama with Copa Airlines, Latin America’s most on-time airline, and discover its allure.