This slender nation is famous above all for the canal with which it shares its name—but shipping logistics aside, this under-the-radar spot has much to offer. If you love the great outdoors, you shouldn't miss Soberanía National Park, beloved of birdwatchers and hikers, and the pristine San Blas Islands. Looking for an adrenaline kick? Whitewater rafting on the Chiriquí River is a sure-fire way to get your heart racing. Away from the natural world, head to Panama City to soak up its gleaming skyline—and the old-world charm of Casco Viejo.