The Most Beautiful Places in Panama

I think that just about everything in Panama is beautiful, except for maybe the heat. However some places are even more beautiful than others. Most people don't consider going to the Guaymi Indian villages out in the mountains which is a shame. I've been several times to different areas and no matter which part of Panama I go to, the Guaymi live in the most beautiful places imaginable. It's like seeing something out of a book.

Now one's taste has everything to do with what they think is beautiful, however I am sure that anyone who could see what I have seen would agree that it is incredible. There is one small village about four hours from where I live. It is high in the mountains and only a 4x4 truck can make it up, and even then the road is so bad that it's like riding in a washing machine set on spin for two hours. It is very uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but it is well worth the trip. Once you reach the village and step out of the back of the truck, usually crammed with ten people or more, you're jaw instantly drops. When you are so high up it's like you can see all of Panama! There are no cities nearby, only about one car every couple of hours, no electricity or running water. Then, all around you are lush mountains that go as far as the eye can see.

At night the stars are incredible and the Guaymi don't sleep very much so there is always someone to talk to. It is such a simple and relaxing life that if I didn't have any connections to worry about back down the mountain I would gladly move there. In all my life I have never seen such a beautiful place. Novel little houses dotting the mountain sides can be seen in all directions which adds so much life and character. Yet even though they live so far from each other they often have church services. People will walk for miles to come to church! It truly is amazing.