Panama, which indigenous name means abundance of fish, offers some of the finest birding, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing in the Americas. It offers astounding wildlife adventures and has respected its seven indigenous groups. It is a country proud of its culture, which celebrates its Spanish heritage with frequent and colorful festivals.   GEOGRAPHY Panama is the narrow link that joins North and South America. Thanks to the human ingenuity it's also a link among the two largest oceans on the planet -the Pacific and the Atlantic- through the renowned Panama Canal. The Panamanian coasts are surrounded by over 1,000 islands, small islands and keys. And a person can snorkel in the Caribbean Sea and swim in the Pacific Ocean...on the same day!   Panama possesses great hydrographic wealth, since it has around 480 rivers that flow into the two sides: the Caribbean and the Pacific. Among the Pacific's we can mention the Bayano, the Chucunaque and Tuira, that flow into in the Gulf of San Miguel. Among the Caribbean’s, the Chagres, Very important for the Canal's operation, The largest lakes are artificial, built to help in the use of the aquatic way. The Gatun is the most extensive one of them. CLIMATE Panama enjoys a tropical climate, with periods, one of rain (April to November) and one of sunshine (December to March) alternating throughout the year. In the coast and lowlands the average temperature could be around 27C or 80F and in the high lands an average of 18C or 64F. Annual precipitation varies among 1,770 mm and 3,255mm. Panama is very rarely affected by the hurricane season that whips the Caribbean and the southeast of the United States.   FLORA & FAUNA Because of it's strategic geographical position more than 10,000 species of tropical plants can be found in the region (many of them not found anywhere else in the world). Rainforests dominate the canal zone, the northwestern portion of the country and much of the eastern half. Wildlife abounds in the scarcely-visited national parks. Panama has 950 bird species, more than USA and Canada together. Also a very large number of mammals, amphibians and reptiles can be found.   CURRENCY Panamas currency is the BALBOA, but since it is equivalent to a U.S. Dollar, the dollar is used throughout the entire country. Accommodations, transportation and food's costs are very accessible for all budget travelers.