From the days of its earliest foreign explorers, like Juan de Balboa, who in 1513 traveled through to become the first European to see the majestic Pacific Ocean, Panama has attracted travelers from all over the world. One of the smaller of the Latin American nations, Panama offers today’s explorer a plethora of unique and fascinating experiences, ranging from ecotourism and wilderness experiences to the cultural delights of sophisticated urban centers. While the temperatures are hospitable year round, there is a rainy season, and peak travel generally occurs from mid-December to mid-April.
Panama City is the nation’s capital, and, in addition to its many cultural attractions, offers a vibrant nightlife. Many find it useful to think of Panama City in three parts – the ultramodern, sophisticated urban center that serves as the capital of the nation and the center of commerce, the colonial era Casco Viejo section, which dates from the Spaniard controlled 17th century and the ruins of the original 16th century city, called Panama Viejo.
Panama City was originally founded in 1517, and was the first European built city on the Pacific coast. The city was destroyed in 1671 by the notorious pirate, Henry Morgan, never to be rebuilt on the original site. The remaining ruins attract sightseers and history fans from all over the world.
The old cathedral and the Jesuit Church and Covenant are among the most spectacular of the ruins, which consist of many houses and other buildings. Just east of the ruins is a fine museum, displaying archeological artifacts and exhibits depicting life during that era, including a scale model of the old city. Open from 9am to 5pm daily, the small two dollar entry fee is well worth it.
Casco Viejo offers a magnificent blend of historical buildings and sites from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. In addition to the restoration of these classic buildings, the city has allowed the creative use of many of them. Aside from numerous museums and art galleries, these historic structures also house a number of restaurants and nightclubs, providing a one of a kind ambience to a special night out.
The Casco Viejo Restaurant, located in the colonial era part of the city, offers French food and haute cuisine, with fresh seafood being a natural specialty. Patrons may dine inside this beautiful 100-year old house or out on the balcony. Las Bovedas, serving French cuisine and international dishes, faces Plaza Francia on Panama Bay and is located in historic stone vaults that once served as dungeons.
The modern part of Panama City, while sharing the qualities of many great cities – fabulous restaurants, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of cultural pursuits – is also a unique experience. Deemed one of the safest cities in the world, it offers the freedom to explore and enjoy that other major cities just can’t provide. It is the only major city with a rainforest within its limits, in the easy to find Metropolitan Natural Park.
Panama, however, has much more to offer the vacationer than its delightful capital city and the now classic visit to what has often been called the “eighth wonder of the world” – the Panama Canal with its fascinating historical exhibits and interactive displays of life on and at the canal. Panama has become a center of ecotourism and ethno-tourism, a place of learning and adventure.
Fully one quarter of Panama’s lands are devoted to carefully protected national parks. In these national parks the diversity of flora and fauna are simply astounding. There are 954 species of birds and more than 1500 types of orchids. World renowned for its rainforests and ecological wealth and diversity, Panama is home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research and numerous internationally known eco-lodges. Audubon Magazine has referred to the Canopy Tower eco-lodge as being among the best in the world. Gamboa Rainforest Resort, located on the banks of the Chagres River is also considered by many to be one of the greatest nature resorts in the world. There are many types of guided eco-tours available, sure to satisfy any degree of hiking skill or sightseeing interest.
In Panama, travelers can climb the mountains of the Chiriqui Highlands and hike to the top of a 10,000-foot extinct volcano in the Volcan Baru National Park. They can roam Panama’s numerous beaches and enjoy the sun and a wide variety of water sports and activities, such as surfing, diving, fishing and kayaking.
Panama is home to seven living Native American cultures. In tours that range from short daytrips to extended stays, the ancient magic of these cultures can be explored. In various locals and settings, travelers may observe native cultures, including those of the Embera, Kuna and Ngobe, and traditions that have survived centuries with few changes. Connecting with Panama’s local tourist information offices will help to match the traveler with the best ethno-tourism experience possible.
Panama is a travel destination of seemingly endless possibilities for exploration, qualities that have belonged to this nation from its earliest days. Internationally recognized for both its historic role in the world and for its many natural and man-made wonders, Panama is sure to enchant, educate and satisfy its travelers.
