The
Old Panama Ruins
The original city of Panama, built by Spanish conquistador
Pedro Arias de Avila in 1519, was the first European settlement the
Pacific coast of the Americas. It was attacked and plundered by English
privateer Sir Henry Morgan in 1671.
Old Panama |
Panama
City’s Old Quarter
The "new" city built by the Spanish after the
destruction of Old Panama encompasses over 300 years of Panamanian
history. Within its premises, tourists will find beautiful plazas,
ruins of colonial forts and magnificent churches dating from the 16th
century. The area, along with the Old Panama ruins, was declared a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
The
Panama Canal Museum
Situated in the Old Quarter, the Interoceanic Canal Museum
offers tourists the opportunity to learn about the complete history
of the famous waterway as well as the technological, political and
scientific factors that changed the world as a consequence of the
Canal’s construction. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday,
from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Panama Canal Museum. |
The
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal opened to the world in 1914. It is a giant,
50-mile-long ditch across the Isthmus of Panama. Thanks to a system
of locks, the Canal allows ships of all sizes to transit from the
Atlantic to the Pacific and versa in approximately 8 hours.
The
Miraflores Locks Visitors’ Center
This new, four-story center located at the Canal’s
Miraflores Locks offers all the information a visitor needs to know
about the world’s most famous waterway. It features a museum,
a projection room, a cafeteria and a nice restaurant-bar offering
superb vistas of the Panama Canal. Expert, bilingual guides are always
at hand to help you.
China
Town
Located in the city’s Old Quarter, Panama’s
China Town is a tribute to one of the country’s most important
and prosperous ethnic groups.
Mi
Pueblito Tourist Center
This center, situated at the foot of Ancon Hill, is a replica
of three early-20th century towns –a tribute to Panama’s
three main ethnic groups (Hispanic, Native American and African.)
Colorful folklore dance performances take place there every weekend.
The
Panama Canal Administration Building
Officially inaugurated on July 15, 1914 (exactly one month
before the opening of the Canal itself) this building harbors the
fascinating historic legacy of the waterway. Built on the summit of
a hill overlooking the suburb of Balboa, the Administration Building
features an impressive rotunda adorned with frescoes depicting scenes
of the construction of the waterway, complemented with majestic columns
and marble floors. According to original records, the building represented
an investment of US$879,000 (1914 dollars.)
The
Bridge of the Americas
Visitors on the Amador Causeway, on the Pacific entrance
of the Canal, can enjoy a complete view of the Bridge of the Americas,
which links Panama City to the western part of the country and to
Central and North America. It was built by the U.S. government in
the 1960’s.
The
Amador Causeway
Located on the Pacific terminus of the Canal, the Amador
Causeway is a strip of land that thrusts in to the Pacific, linking
three islands in the Bay of Panama. In addition to offering superb
vistas of the Canal and Panama City, the causeway boasts numerous
stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars, hotels, a marina and several
kilometers of road for jogging, biking and skating. Perfect for enjoying
a romantic sunset with your better half.
Summit
Gardens
Located within Soberanía National Park, Summit Gardens
National
Park, Summit Gardens is recommended for anybody who loves the great
outdoors. Ideal for campers and nature lovers, the park includes a
small zoo, nature trails a special center dedicated to the Harpy Eagle
(Panama’s national bird) and countless species of flora from
all parts of the tropical world.
Old
Panama’s Visitors’ Center
Situated next to the Old Panama ruins, the center provides
complete tourist information for visitors, as well as a museum harboring
fascinating colonial artifacts found at the ruins during recent archaeological
excavations.
Canopy
Tower
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting this exclusive eco-resort,
nestled in the green forests surrounding the Panama Canal (Soberanía
National Park.) It is a paradise for birdwatchers.
