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Panama

6

Reasons To
Visit Panama

  • Birding

    Panama has an extremely rich array of birdlife and is one of the best countries in the world for birding. There are over 970 species and over two thirds of these can be found in the rainforests that surround the Panama Canal, including the rare harpy eagle. The Chiriquí Highlands, El Valle and the Darien Jungle are also prolific regions to view some of the many wonderful birds.

    Birding

  • Indigenous cultures

    The indigenous communities of Panama add a fascinating dimension for visitors and interacting with them in a sustainable and responsible manner is a wonderful experience. The most accessible and welcoming indigenous inhabitants can be found in the San Blas archipelago, along with the Embera communities in the Darien Jungle and the Ngobe-Bugle communities in the Chiriquí Highlands.

    Indigenous cultures

  • Islands

    Panama has numerous tropical islands to explore in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Each has its own special attraction from the blue-yellow macaws and deserted beaches of The Pearl Islands to the colourful reef-life and dolphins of Bocas del Toro to the indigenous Kuna communities of The San Blas archipelago.

    Islands

  • Off the beaten track

    One of the highlights of travelling in Panama is that you will find it relatively untouched. Outside of Panama City you will often find yourself on a deserted stretch of rainforest or pristine beach with just your small lodge as the only place for miles. Be prepared for spectacular journeys on bumpy roads, light aircraft and speedboats and you will have an experience of a lifetime!

    Off the beaten track

  • Panama Canal

    Watching a huge ship nudge its way through the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience in Panama. 48 miles long, the canal connects the pacific ocean and the Atlantic, and is a real feat of engineering.

    Panama Canal

  • Snorkelling

    With both Caribbean and Pacific coasts available, there is some beautiful snorkelling to be had in Panama in relatively untouched spots. The San Blas islands in particular have incredibly colourful reefs, and the Kuna guides are experts at picking the best places to take you.

    Snorkelling

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Excursions in Panama: Panama City & Canal Tour

The tour of Panama City takes in the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo. The tour begins with a visit to the impressive Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.

Panama Canal, Panama
Panama Canal, PanamaGatun Locks, Panama CanalPanama la Vieja, PanamaCasco Antiguo, Panama CityPlaza Mayor, Casco AntiguoCasco Viejo, Panama CityPanama City skyline, seen from Casco ViejoPanama Viejo- ruins of the old city

Panama City & Canal Tour

Panama City, Panama
  • Cruises, Sailing & Water
  • Culture & History

The tour of Panama City takes in the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo. The tour begins with a visit to the impressive Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is arguably one of the 20th century's most important engineering feats and runs between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans for approximately 80kms. You have time to explore the new visitor's centre which documents the history of the canal from the first attempts by the French through the US completion of the project in 1914. The Americans controlled the canal until the 31st December 1999 when it was handed over to Panama.

At the Miraflores Locks you will also have the opportunity to observe the locks functioning as giant cargo ships are raised and lowered in them just metres in front of you. From here you head for Panama Viejo on the eastern edge of modern Panama City, the first city founded in the isthmus by Pedro Arias de Avila (otherwise known as Pedrarias) in 1519 at the beginning of colonization. Today the only remnants are those left by pirate Henry Morgan, who ransacked and destroyed the city in 1671.

The city is undergoing renovation following years of neglect particularly during the reign of General Noriega but you are able to get a scale of the site. You visit the nearby Panama La Vieja Visitor Centre, which has scale models of the town before its destruction and many artefacts discovered during its uncovering.

Finally, you visit the second colonial city of Panama, Casco Antiguo (or San Felipe), which was built in 1673. This old city centre has plenty of charm and a diverse selection of museums, colonial churches and 19th century mansions all painted in an array of different colours. Casco Antiguo is home to the presidential palace and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Here you will see the French Plaza, which is dedicated to the 22,000 Francophone workers who lost their lives to yellow fever during the early construction of the canal.

You also visit the San Jose church, home of the famous Golden Altar which was saved from the clutches of Henry Morgan by being painted black by local churchmen. Local legend has it that when questioned of its whereabouts, a local priest convinced Morgan that earlier pirates had made off with the altar and even convinced the privateer to donate money for a new one. Morgan reportedly quoted the clergyman as being "more of a pirate than he was!" Although Casco Antiguo is a poor neighbourhood, the area is slowly being restored and regenerated.

Further reading:
PanamaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout PanamaCountry Guides

Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:
BelizeCosta RicaCubaGuatemalaHondurasMexicoNicaragua

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