Contadora Island
Another popular tourist resort area is that of Contadora Island, located in the Pearl Island Archipelago off the coast of the Central American country of Panama. The island chain is about thirty miles south and east of Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. The Island is reached through regular flights from the capital city or from other locations in Panama. Boat travel in the area is possible, but since navigation may be tricky due to the shifting tides and currents most people arrive by plane. The eleven white sand beaches draw those who just want to relax and watch the waves.
Contadora Island is not a home for many Panamanians. Although many service personnel work on the island, the cost of living there puts the area out of reach for the working class families. The people who assist visitors to enjoy their stay on this small tropical island have are the same friendly types who recognize the importance of tourism on the Panamanian economy in the capitol city. People from around the world choose the Island for the luxurious resorts and for the food and shopping opportunities. The wide variety of visitors from every corner of the globe provides a truly cosmopolitan mixture of languages, cultures and personalities enjoying the resort atmosphere.
Pearl Island is named after the pre-Columbian occupation of pearl diving. The archipelago was ruled by an Indian king who encouraged the pearl as both ornamentation for his people and as currency used to trade with other tribes. The area has a reputation as the source of some of the most famous pearls in the world. The history of the islands includes the Spanish influence who was vitally interested in the gold and pearls. Infamous pirates that preyed on Spanish settlements and ships for hundreds of years used these small isles as shelter for their pirate fleets.
Contadora Island is famous as the location for the Survivor television series, but the culture of these islands is much older than reality TV. The rich store of gold and pearls during the heyday of Spanish occupation as well as the booty collected by pirate fleets and spent freely is part of the history and culture of this region. Now, activities are much more natural than in the past, but people still go to this location to enjoy holidays and recreational activities.
Pearl Island and the other islands in the archipelago have many beautiful beaches, many of which are within walking distance from the hotels and resorts of the island. If you prefer to have a more secluded beach, take advantage of boat or Jet Ski access to the nearby islands. Other water sports such as fishing, diving and sailing are popular with other tourist visitors. Many visitors choose to participate in one of the organized nature tours that specialize in bringing visitors closer to the unique features of the island's ecology. Visitors can choose canned tours or take part in one of the custom designed tours.
Many Contadora Island resorts have dining facilities associated with the hotel, villa or other facility where the holiday stay occurs. The food tends to reflect the cultural makeup of the region, with Caribbean, Spanish, European and North American influences in a unique and fascinating blend of tastes, styles and presentation. Even within the country of Panama, there are many different types of cuisine. Look for coconut, rice, beans heavily used in main dishes, while drinks run the gamut of world class coffee, fruit beverages and rum. In addition to the regional cuisine, you can always find typical North American fast food choices.
Pearl Island accommodations range from rentals by owners, hotels, resorts, villas, bed and breakfast and other types of lodging that will suit almost every pocketbook. Punta Galeon Resort is just one of the world class facilities that are popular with visitors. The resorts are close to activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing--and those are the water related activities. If you like golf, shopping, or eating, this region of Panama is the ideal location in which to enjoy your favorite activities. Clean modern accommodations are the hallmark of lodging in the region and in the country.
People of Contadora
Contadora Island is not a home for many Panamanians. Although many service personnel work on the island, the cost of living there puts the area out of reach for the working class families. The people who assist visitors to enjoy their stay on this small tropical island have are the same friendly types who recognize the importance of tourism on the Panamanian economy in the capitol city. People from around the world choose the Island for the luxurious resorts and for the food and shopping opportunities. The wide variety of visitors from every corner of the globe provides a truly cosmopolitan mixture of languages, cultures and personalities enjoying the resort atmosphere.
Contadora Island History
Pearl Island is named after the pre-Columbian occupation of pearl diving. The archipelago was ruled by an Indian king who encouraged the pearl as both ornamentation for his people and as currency used to trade with other tribes. The area has a reputation as the source of some of the most famous pearls in the world. The history of the islands includes the Spanish influence who was vitally interested in the gold and pearls. Infamous pirates that preyed on Spanish settlements and ships for hundreds of years used these small isles as shelter for their pirate fleets.
Culture of Contador Island
Contadora Island is famous as the location for the Survivor television series, but the culture of these islands is much older than reality TV. The rich store of gold and pearls during the heyday of Spanish occupation as well as the booty collected by pirate fleets and spent freely is part of the history and culture of this region. Now, activities are much more natural than in the past, but people still go to this location to enjoy holidays and recreational activities.
Points of Interest
Pearl Island and the other islands in the archipelago have many beautiful beaches, many of which are within walking distance from the hotels and resorts of the island. If you prefer to have a more secluded beach, take advantage of boat or Jet Ski access to the nearby islands. Other water sports such as fishing, diving and sailing are popular with other tourist visitors. Many visitors choose to participate in one of the organized nature tours that specialize in bringing visitors closer to the unique features of the island's ecology. Visitors can choose canned tours or take part in one of the custom designed tours.
Food and Drinks
Many Contadora Island resorts have dining facilities associated with the hotel, villa or other facility where the holiday stay occurs. The food tends to reflect the cultural makeup of the region, with Caribbean, Spanish, European and North American influences in a unique and fascinating blend of tastes, styles and presentation. Even within the country of Panama, there are many different types of cuisine. Look for coconut, rice, beans heavily used in main dishes, while drinks run the gamut of world class coffee, fruit beverages and rum. In addition to the regional cuisine, you can always find typical North American fast food choices.
Lodging in Contadora
Pearl Island accommodations range from rentals by owners, hotels, resorts, villas, bed and breakfast and other types of lodging that will suit almost every pocketbook. Punta Galeon Resort is just one of the world class facilities that are popular with visitors. The resorts are close to activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing--and those are the water related activities. If you like golf, shopping, or eating, this region of Panama is the ideal location in which to enjoy your favorite activities. Clean modern accommodations are the hallmark of lodging in the region and in the country.
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