This is the 4th leg of our journey through Panama -on this trip, we traveled to Panama City. Read our previous adventures in Panama – Boquete Activities, Lodging and Food, Bocas Del Toro, Isla Carenero, and Starfish Beach, and Isla Canas and the Hostal Pachamama.
We once again arrived at our destination after dark and immediately began searching for a room. Our guidebook led us to several hotels that no longer existed, but eventually, we found Hospedaje Casco Viejo, which was a serviceable hostel. It was a bit noisy and lacked air conditioning, but it was cheap and clean. We were staying in the heart of the renovation-in-progress old neighborhood of Casco Viejo.
[amazon_link asins=’0804143536,B01AXZ5I9O,B01LE7F0DY,B004TB73YC,1566952603,1426214014,1628872543,0241280699,185733339X’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’shmyje-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d3b08f96-364f-11e8-b216-a3c77b66a078′]Casco Viejo.
Casco Viejo is a mishmash of dilapidated and renovated colonial homes, some from the 17th century. It is a perfect place for rambling and is very much an up-and-coming neighborhood for the city’s elite to visit for a night on the town.
Strolling the old quarter and its old church square really gives a sense of what life may have looked like back in the late 1600’s; it’s a beautiful location. Just at the edge of Casco Viejo is Cafe Coca-Cola, which claims to be the oldest cafe in the city, having opened in 1875. I had a Cuban sandwich which turned out very tasty, and Mary Beth finally got the melon smoothie she had been craving all trip.
Panama Canal.
If you go to Panama City, naturally you have to go to the Panama Canal. While there’s nothing particularly exciting about watching a ship go through the locks, they are impressive feats of engineering that leave you feeling in awe of the thousands of people who toiled for years to build the canal. We happened to be there right as the canal opened in the morning, so we got to see a huge Celebrity cruise ship go through the canal, it was the largest type of ship that the canal allows!
Parque Natural Metropolitano.
Luckily for those short on time, the Miraflores Locks are only about 10 minutes from downtown Panama City, so make sure you take the time to check it out. From the Locks, it was only a brief taxi ride to a vast local nature preserve, the Parque Natural Metropolitano.
Within the Parque Natural Metropolitano are several trails frequented by locals and tourists alike. Of the two short hikes we did, both were very easy, but still had lots to see. On your walk, you may see hundreds of different bird species, as well as reptiles, insects, amphibians, and even sloths. While we missed out on seeing sloths, we did see several interesting
Reserva Cerro Ancon.
Another nearby hike, this time in Reserva Cerro Ancon, is considerably more challenging, but also more rewarding, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the entirety of Casco Viejo along with the hundreds of boats queuing to go through the Panama Canal. The hike is very much worth it, though can also be reached by car should you rent one or want to catch a cab up.
Taking one last walk around Casco Viejo admiring the city lights at night left me wishing I had had a little more time to see Panama City and Panama as a whole. My advice, should you plan to go, allow at least 14 days in the country, or take in fewer cities, as each one has a wealth of things to discover! Central America is often overlooked, but there is so much to uncover, consider Panama for your next trip abroad, you won’t be disappointed.
Your trip looks amazing! Panama City looks beautiful! Now I want to visit.
These are beautiful photos, I am glad you are having a good time on your trip. I have always wanted to visit Panama, it is closer to the top of my travel wish list.
I just saw on your bio that you and your husband both work for a major airline. How wonderful to get to travel so much.
Panama is on my someday list! Looks amazing!
I have not been to Panama City, but it looks so nice. There sure are a lot fo things to do while you are there.
Panama is such a gorgeous place. I hope that when I get to finally see some places that I make it to see this one!
It looks a little rundown but so inviting at the same time. It looks like a relaxing place to visit!
This area looks like it has a lot of culture, I am in love with the photos and would certainly travel here some day!
What a beautiful place to visit! I want to go there one day with my family.
How fun it would be to travel like that. I wouldn’t mind going there.
Panama City looks amazing. I would love to go on an adventure here. These are great photos.
Wow. What beautiful and historic sights. Awesome adventure you are on.
What a fantastic trip and your photos are extraordinary! I feel like I was on the trip with you.
What an absolutely beautiful place to visit. Too bad you didn’t see any sloths on your hike (I would have been giddy with excitement to come across one!) you certainly did get to see some interesting creatures!
The architecture is stunning and simply takes my breath away. Exploring Central and South America is high on my husband’s travel bucket list.
Wow, this really makes me want to see Panama City. I’d love to explore the city for a cultural experience.
Wow these are beautiful photos! I would love to visit Panama City, sounds and looks amazing!
What beautiful pictures. The gazebo in the courtyard looks so inviting. It would be fun to see Panama City and the canal.
After reading all your posts, I really want to visit Panama. It sounds like an amazing place with a lot to see and a lot of culture.
I had no idea that Panama City was so beautiful! Those colors are amazing, and it’s just oozing with culture.