panama city -a gem in central america!

​About a month ago, Geoff and I were in Panama City with a group for a couple of days, prior to embarking upon a Panama Canal cruise.
 
We were so excited to spend some time in Panama City as we had heard so many good things about it and it did not disappoint.  We stayed in the Casco Viejo or the Old City in a historic hotel.  This hotel was the site of the ceremonial handover of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama.  It was a lovely place situated on one of the main plazas and across the street from an excellent museum about the Panama Canal.
 
The energy in this area was incredible.  The people are very welcoming, there was an abundance of music and the history of this region is worth knowing.  One night we decided to eat at a rooftop bar.  We envisioned a sedate meal overlooking the skyscraper skyline of the “new city”.  What we got was loud music orchestrated by a DJ and along with a view of the new city!  Not what we had intended but once the initial surprise wore off, we had a unique travel experience that we'll always remember!
 
We spent some time on a guided walk of the Old Town and learned a lot about the history of the area.  The Panama Canal museum offers not only a comprehensive look at the building of the canal, but the politics behind it.
 
We highly recommend experiencing Panama City - as well as the Panama Canal.  Oh, and yes - Geoff did come home with an authentic Panama hat!
 
- Cindy -

​destination of the week
panama city, panama

​A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos. The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and look down on the traffic below.
 
Panama City is much more than the country's capital. Here you can pedal in front of a skyline with some of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, enjoy the Pacific breeze as you ride along the Bay of Panama, walk among archaeological sites and trails, and see how colonial history and the night come alive in the same place. Panama City is a high-contrast destination where greenery, indigenous peoples and vibrant city life are waiting for you.
 
Its buildings portray it as a modern city, but it is also a historic city. In fact, it holds two other cities, both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The oldest one is Panama Viejo, it is an archaeological site that preserves the ruins of the first city, founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirates. The other one is Casco Antiguo, a walled colonial city full of color, history and flavor. Walk around its streets, you’ll find a great offer of museums, hotels and the best nightlife, with rooftops and restaurants.
If you are looking for culinary experiences, you’ll be delighted to know that Panama City is a Creative Gastronomic City, recognized by UNESCO and it has 4 restaurants on the list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Dine out in the areas of San Francisco, Costa del Este and Casco Antiguo in modern places with ambiance, or in the Cinta Costera for more local and outdoor experiences. Here you’ll find great food for all tastes and budgets.
Getting around the city is relatively easy. You have several digital transportation platforms, buses and the subway line. For the latter two, it is better to have cash. If it rains, you can also ask the hotel to call you a cab. Note that many tour operators include transportation in their rates for excursions, especially to the outskirts of the city. They can pick you up to go sailing to Taboga Island in the Gulf of Panama or have a cultural encounter with the Emberá community on the banks of the Chagres River or with the Gunas on their lands.

travel tip of the week
explore casco viejo

​Casco Viejo (“Old Quarter”) is the historic district of Panama City and the oldest city in all of the Americas. These days, the city’s red-bricked streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, though the Spanish-colonial style architecture makes Casco Viejo feel worlds apart from the glitzy skyscrapers of the newer parts of Panama City. There’s a coastal fortification walk, churches, and cute little squares to admire. It’s a popular place to stay and eat in and watch the sunset from one of the many rooftop bars. Head to Mercado de Mariscos (the fish market) for a $3 USD cup of ceviche (a dish of diced fish that has been cured in lemon juice, with onions, peppers, and spices).

virtualvacation of the week

​This beautiful area is Panama City's historic district located on a peninsula completely isolated by the sea. Today Casco preserves the first institutions and buildings of the modern city of Panama. Which is why it is known as Casco Viejo (Spanish for Old Town).
Video by Journey with Jen and Drew and found on YouTube

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