Prepare yourself to fall in love with Panama City - the dazzling jewel of Central America!
This stunning metropolis, nestled in the heart of Panama, offers a beauty that is unlike any other. Do not confuse it with Panama City in Florida- Panama City is the only capital city of Panama.
This city is a must-visit destination for any adventurous traveler, boasting an impressive skyline, rich history, and vibrant culture. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Panama City!
Panama City is flourishing mostly because of the Panama Canal—one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The city sits right at the entrance of the Panama Canal, on the Pacific side, which is very close to the Miraflores locks.
Panama City is rich in history and tradition, both of which intertwine perfectly with modernity. So if you are looking to travel to a place where you can be enveloped in natural surroundings, history, and tradition, but you still want to enjoy the comforts of modern luxury, with bustling cities, then Panama City is the place for you.
A cruise to the Panama Canal is a perfect way to enjoy the Panama Canal and Panama City. Some cruise itineraries have longer stays in Panama City which gives you the best opportunity to make the most out of your vacation time in the city.
The Panamanian Balboa (PAB) is the official currency of Panama but people widely accept and use the US dollar interchangeably with the Balboa.
Many shops and restaurants in Panama City list prices in both currencies and some even give change combining both currencies.
A Brief Rich History Of Panama City, Panama.
The indigenous tribes such as the Choco, were the first to inhabit the region. They occupied the place years before the Spanish arrived.
Panama City was founded when the Spanish arrived in 1519, they established a settlement called Panama Viejo (Old Panama). The city developed and played a very important economic role in the region.
Unfortunately, Panama Viejo was prone to attacks from rivals, and in 1617, pirate Henry Morgan burned the city down.
So the Spanish had to relocate and rebuild the city that was destroyed. The new city was called Panama Vieja or New Panama.
Panama Vieja was destroyed again and the Spanish had to rebuild the city again closer to the Pacific Ocean, right where Panama City is currently located.
Different countries owned Panama until Central America revolted and gained its independence when it joined Columbia. However, tried for a very long time to gain independence from Columbia. There were serious riots and civil unrest.
The US tried to solve the problem a few times until Panama finally got its independence. Later the US built and completed the Panama Canal.
Is Panama City Safe To Visit?
Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but like any other city, there are some risks to be aware of.
And just like in any other major city, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas, especially at night. It's best to be vigilant and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.
Is Panama City On The Beach?
Panama City is not directly on the beach, there are nearby beaches that are easily accessible and offer beautiful views and fun activities.
It is located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama, but there is a long stretch of land, known as the Amador Causeway, that connects the city to three small islands at the entrance of the Panama Canal.
This area is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, as it offers stunning views of the Panama Canal and the surrounding waters.
The Panama Canal.
The skyline of Panama City is an impressive sight. Tall, modern buildings stretch up to the sky. The streets are filled with people from all walks of life, and there's always something to see and do.
But there's more to this city than just skyscrapers, and it's all thanks to the Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive engineering feats of all time. It stretches for 50 miles across the country of Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The Panama Canal has also been instrumental in making Panama City a major business hub.
The Panama Canal was built close to Panama City because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, and because the city is located in an area where storms and hurricanes don't occur often. Storms and hurricanes are pretty common in the area.
How Can You Visit This Beautiful Destination?
Panama City has become a very popular tourist destination. You can visit Panama City by land, by sea, or by plane. Panama City has become a popular tourist destination by the day.
A cruise to Panama City is a safe and convenient way to visit this popular tourist destination. A majority of cruise lines offer sophisticated cruise itineraries to the Panama Canal, which include a stop in Panama City.
Cruise lines also offer shore-guided excursions at each destination you visit. A majority of cruise itineraries to the Panama Canal start in Ft. Lauderdale Port in Florida, Miami Florida, or Los Angeles California.
However, some cruise itineraries start in Panama City. In this case, you will have to fly to Panama to catch your cruise.
The airport you will fly to is called Tocumen International Airport. The cruise ports in Panama are Colon, which is on the Atlantic side, and Fuerte Amador (Balboa), which is on the Pacific side.
Panama City, Panama Entry Requirements.
The most important requirement is a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Your passport should also have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Your visit to Panama City might require a visa, depending on your nationality. It is always a good idea to check in with the Panamanian embassy, CBIT Visas, or other visa agencies to ensure that you have the documents that are required to enter Panama.
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or any European Union country, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days.
Amazing Things To Do In Panama City.
Whether you want to learn about the country's history, indulge in delicious cuisine, or simply relax on a beautiful beach, this city has something for everyone.
Here are some of the top things to do in Panama City, so you can make the most of your visit.
Visit Casco Viejo, Also Known As Casco Antiguo, The Old Quater Or San Felipe.
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is the historic district of Panama City, Panama. It was established to preserve history after Panama Viejo was destroyed.
Casco Viejo is a vibrant cultural hub, home to numerous art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On this tour of Casco Viejo, you will explore the hidden passages and alleys of Casco Viejo. You will visit the main sites of the area.
Some examples of some of the things you will do on this tour are;
-Pass by a church that was destroyed by fire in 1854 and was completely renovated.
-Visit Cafe Coca-Cola- the oldest Panamanian restaurant in town and many more historical places.
-Shop traditional products.
These and so much more.
Amador Causeway And The Panama Sign.
The early 20th century saw the construction of the Amador Causeway. It is an artificially created land strip that connects four small islands in the Pacific Ocean.
These islands are Naos Island, Culebra Island, Perico Island, and Flamenco Island. The causeway was built in 1913 with rocks that were excavated during the construction of the Panama Canal.
The Panama sign is located on Flamenco Island, which is part of the Amador Causeway in Panama City. It has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the beautiful views of the bay and the city.
The Panama Canal Full Transit tour below starts in Amador Causeway right next to the Panama Sign.
Enjoy A Full Transit Of The Panama Canal.
If you visit Panama City, then you have one of the best opportunities to enjoy the Panama Canal. But in the case of partial transits, most cruise ships explore one of the locks and then turn around at one of the lakes.
So if you would like to have a full transit of the Panama Canal, then you can purchase an excursion through the cruise line or one of the local tour companies.
On this tour, you will experience the full transit of the Panama Canal's old locks, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.
Miraflores Visitor Centre.
The Miraflores Visitor Centre is a place where visitors can learn about the Panama Canal's history. The center provides an overview of the canal's construction and operation.
The visitor center's main attraction is the observation deck, which offers a stunning view of the Panama Canal and the ships passing through.
Visitors can watch as the ships move through the lock chambers and learn about the engineering marvels that make the canal possible. The observation deck also has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking views.
The center has several other exhibits, including a museum that showcases the canal's history and its importance to Panama's economy.
There are also interactive displays that allow visitors to experience what it's like to navigate a ship through the canal's lock chambers.
Lake Gatun Wildlife Tour.
Those visiting Panama City often choose to participate in the Lake Gatun Wildlife Tour. The construction of the Panama Canal led to the creation of Lake Gatun, a man-made lake. Nowadays, the lake provides a diverse selection of wildlife for visitors to observe.
The chance to see monkeys in their natural habitat is one of the main attractions of the Lake Gatun Wildlife Tour. Howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and spider monkeys are among the several monkey species that reside in the lake.
The tour is typically conducted on a boat, providing visitors with an up-close and personal experience with the wildlife.
The guides leading the tour are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area and are happy to share their expertise with visitors.
What To Wear In Panama City.
Panama City enjoys a tropical climate averaging around 80°F (27°C) and high humidity levels. If you plan on visiting the city, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather.
In this case, it is recommended to wear lightweight and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hats, and sunglasses for protection against the strong sun.
During the rainy season, which runs from May to November, it is important to have a raincoat or umbrella on hand as showers can be heavy and sudden, but they usually pass quickly and clear up just as fast.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, Panama City - the jewel of Central America, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you're interested in exploring the historic Casco Viejo district or enjoying the city's many exciting outdoor activities. There is something for everyone here.