Panama has some of the most diverse wildlife in the Western Hemisphere, yet the country is largely undiscovered as an ecotourist destination.

There are more than 10,000 varieties of plants, and more then 1,000 species of birds. More than can be found in all of North America and Europe combined, including some of the rarest on Earth.

Currently almost 24 percent of the total area is protected. There are 49 parks, reserves and refuges, including five national parks, less than two hours from Panama City.

Here are a couple things to do or see that will help keep you busy.

ARCHIPIELAGO DE LAS PERLAS

The setting for TV's Survivor in 2003, the Pearl Islands have been a focal point of Panamanian tourism for many years. The beautiful beaches and former presence of some of the largest pearls in the world make for an exciting destination. Many of the 180 plus islands are uninhabited, yet just 90kms from the City of Panama; they are surprisingly accessible by plane. The main island, Contadora, used for counting treasure in the days of buccaneers, was once a favorite with the superstars of the world and home to Iran's exiled Shah, Reza Pahlavi, but now, despite still being charming island, only Michael Bolton and Christian Dior remain.

BIRD WATCHING

Panama City is one of the few modern cities in the world that lies less than 30 minutes away from the tropical virgin jungle. The Pipeline Road has earned the Audubon Society's World Record for most bird species spotted in 24 hours! Among the species, you can see Passerini's Tanager and Resplendent Quetzals, as well as South American species such as the Flame-rumped Tanager and Golden-headed Quetzal.

CAMINO REAL TREK

Recommended in National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the wildest adventures available, the original "path between the seas", a 50 mile trek crossing the isthmus of Panama is only for those in excellent physical condition.

ARCHIPIELAGO DE LAS PERLAS

The setting for the TV series Survivor in 2003, the Pearl Islands have been a focal point of Panamanian tourism for many years. The beautiful beaches and former presence of some of the largest pearls in the world make for an exciting destination. Many of the 180´plus islands are uninhabited, yet just 90kms from the City of Panama; they are surprisingly accessible by plane. The main island, Contadora, used for counting treasure in the days of buccaneers, was once a favorite with the superstars of the world and home to Iran’s exiled Shah, Reza Pahlavi, but now, despite still being charming island, only Michael Bolton and Christian Dior remain.

BARRO COLORADO WILDLIFE REFUGE

Barro Colorada is a national park and wildlife refuge operated by the Smithsonain Research Institue. It�s situtated on the Gatun Lake along side the Panama Canal. Known for it's Spider monkeys, birds, butterflies, peccaries and Army ant colonies.  You're certain to leave impressed.

BIRD WATCHING

Panama City is one of the few modern cities in the world that lies less than 30 minutes away from the tropical virgin jungle. The Pipeline Road has earned the Audubon Society’s World Record fro most bird species spotted in 24 hours! Among the species, you can see Passerini´s Tanager and Resplendent Quetzals, as well as South American species such as the Flame-rumped Tanager and Golden-headed Quetzal.

CAMINO REAL TREK

Recommended in National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the wildest adventures available, the original “path between the seasâ€