Once an informer for the CIA, Noriega was arrested by US troops after their invasion of Panama in 1989.

BBC: Panama's Manuel Noriega convicted by French court

With some planning, an open mind and a willingness to problem solve, camping is a rewarding way to see this incredibly diverse region, which stretches from Mexico's wide northern border with the US to the skinny southern tip of Panama.

BBC: Camping through Mexico and Central America

Hydroelectric power accounted for almost 60% of Panama's electricity generation in 2010, according to the US Energy Information System.

BBC: Panama orders power rationing as drought continues