The thinnest link between Central and South America, Panama became the centre of Spanish exploration and expansion at the beginning of the 16th century, after its discovery in 1501. Panama is rich in history and man-made achievements, from its pre-Colombian history to some of its modern man-made engineering features, such as the Panama Canal, whose daring will take your breath away. Major Indian tribes are the Guaymies, Cunas and Chocoe Indians, related to the Mayans in the north and the Chibchas of Colombia. Some of the noted explorers and conquistadors to have passed through the area are the Spaniards Bilboa and Francisco Pizarro, the Englishman Sir Frances Drake and the Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps.