PANAMA CITY

PANAMA CITY VACATIONS

Capital of the Republic of Panama, located near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, on the Gulf of Panama. The site was originally an Indian fishing village; the name Panamá means “many fish.” The old city (Panamá Viejo) was founded in 1519 by Governor Pedro Arias Dávila and was made the seat of both secular and ecclesiastical authority. From the Andean countries bullion was shipped northward by sea to Panama City and from there was carried across the isthmus by pack animals to Nombre de Dios or Portobelo on the Caribbean coast for shipment to Spain. The city prospered until the depredations of pirates and privateers curtailed trade. In 1595 Sir Francis Drake tried unsuccessfully to send a force across the isthmus to sack old Panama; in 1671, however, Henry (afterward Sir Henry) Morgan completely destroyed it. The new city (Panamá Nuevo) was rebuilt 5 miles (8 km) west of the old site in 1674 by Alonso Mercado de Villacorta, a Spanish conquistador. Political and economic decline followed, and in 1751 the city and area became part of New Granada and eventually part of Colombia. During the 19th century, Panama was the scene of much disorder. In 1903 independence from Colombia was declared there, and the city was made the national Panamanian capital. During the period 1903–36 the United States was responsible for policing the city.

PANAMA BEACHES

PANAMA HOLIDAYS

Fronting two oceans, Panama offers an expert's choice of beaches, both on the mainland and on islands just offshore. Both coasts have beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, white sand, coral reefs and coconut palm trees. From small coves to miles of open beaches, from sensual sandy beaches to rugged coasts, from popular beaches to deserted beaches, there is a beach for you in Panama. With so many possibilities, in Panama the challenge is choosing which one to visit.

With the exception of Chiriqui Highland, each region in Panama includes a unique and pleasurable beach destination. Only a few minutes drive from Panama City, you can find 80 kilometers of Pacific Beaches stretching from Punta Chame to Farallon offering resort hotels, sport facilities and restaurants for your enjoyment. Sailing enthusiasts can have their fun too in those quiet waters and visit the flower-island of Taboga or the enchanting Pearl Archipelago.

Just as is any other country with beaches, there are specific beaches, for specific activities. Surfing, which is the most popular water sports in Panama, can be practiced in beaches such as El Palmar, Rio Mar, Punta Barco and Playa Venao. On the other hand, if you are trying to find a partner for that special party on Saturday, then you better go to Coronado or Farallon.

Nevertheless, the first one of these beaches is 50 miles away from Panama City, but from that point on there is nothing but sand, sun, and waves. You can even hop in a bus and travel to many of these beaches in a day or two.

PANAMA DINING

PANAMA RESTAURANTS

Panama dining offers a range of choices, and though the food in Panama isn't necessarily why people come here, more and more quality restaurants are popping up across the country. The ethnic food of Panama is a result of the many different cultural influences that have occurred in Panama's history. Europeans and North Americans are among the immigrant groups with a strong presence in this melting pot country, and Afro-Caribbean influences are most commonly found on Panama's northern Atlantic coast. Panama is a tropical country, linking Central America to South America, and you'll find no shortage of fresh and healthy fruits here. Due to Panama's relatively small size, you can find typical Panamanian food dishes on the menu throughout the country's different regions. If you're feeling especially daring, you might sample what the Panama street vendors are offering.

Panama dining is probably best enjoyed in Panama City. Here, you will find the biggest variety of restaurants, some specializing in Panamanian food, and others offering international selections. The ethnic food of Panama City ranges from Thai and Japanese, to Italian and Middle Eastern. The Spanish, who figure prominently in Panama's storied history, have definitely left their mark on the food in Panama. Ceviche, which the Spanish more or less invented in Peru, can be found throughout Latin America, and Panama is no different. You can get Ceviche pretty much anywhere you go in Panama, and it generally is composed of fresh corvina fish that is chopped and "cooked" in lemon juice. Other spices are added, and the overall tanginess of the dish is part of what makes it so popular. Panama City has a variety of fast food-style restaurants, and grabbing a quick hamburger is easier than ever. Due to the increasing presence of North Americans in Panama, cafes and bistros are increasing in number. Outside of Panama City, your choices for restaurants will diminish significantly, but as tourism increases and more and more foreigners invest in Panama real estate, the choices keep getting better every day.

To start your day off in Panama, you might grab a cup of coffee and some "hojaldras". The Panamanian food version of doughnuts, hojaldras are deep fried dough pieces that are doused in sugar. Panama coffee can be quite good, and it is perhaps best enjoyed in the western Panama Chiriqui Highlands. Here, on the lush mountain slopes, coffee plantations churn out high-quality coffee beans. In the town of Boquete, the January Flower and Coffee Festival celebrates the region's coffee crop. It's surely one of the more interesting Panama festivals. Gallo Pinto is a Panama food dish that consists of pork, rice and beans. It is often enjoyed for breakfast across Panama, accompanied by eggs. Tortillas are a Panama food staple, and in the morning, many Panamanians like to start their day with a tortilla topped with eggs, beans, cheese and whatever else might be available. The Panama tortilla tends to be thicker than what you will find in other Latin American countries, and it is commonly deep fried. In the northwest Panama Bocas del Toro Province, fresh coconut often makes it to the table, and you might enjoy a nice "batido", or fruit shake. Afro-Caribbean cultures on Panama's north coast tend to enjoy greasy meats for breakfast, which while high on cholesterol, are quite savory.

Since Panama is very much dependent on its maritime links, you can bet that seafood is offered throughout the country. When you visit the San Blas Islands, for example, the Kuna Indians that will supply the bulk of your meals tend to offer rice and fish as primary staples. Red Snapper and Corvina (Sea Bass) are common fish that are found in Panamanian food dishes, and shrimp, lobster, and octopus are in ready supply wherever you go. Common at small food stands by the Panama beaches are "empanadas". These tasty snacks can be found all over Panama, really, and consist of flour turnovers that are filled with either meat or cheese. Sometimes, it's customary to sprinkle a little sugar over them. When it's time to enjoy a staple Panama food main course, a dish known as "Sancocho" is a good place to start. More or less a soup or stew, Sancocho is a combination of spices, chicken, and vegetables. Sancocho varies a bit depending on who prepares it, and sometimes other meats are added with the chicken. Exhibiting a bit of a Spanish influence, the Panama food dish known as "Casado" is sure to fill you up. It consists of rice and beans that are mixed with different meats and fish.

In the western Chiriqui Highlands, the volcanic soil and Spring-like climate lend themselves nicely to the cultivation of fresh vegetables. When exploring the Panama dining options in the Chiriqui Highlands, you'll find the salads to be a little more dynamic, for sure. Yucca is a common vegetable staple in Panama food, and is a starchy vegetable that grows best in the tropics. The Yucca root is generally fried or deep fried, and replaces french fries in many ways. "Carimañola" is a popular yucca dish, and consists of a yucca roll that is stuffed with meats and eggs. "Culantro" characterizes Panama food dishes, and is akin to cilantro, only it has a bit more flavor. Partly due to Afro-Caribbean influences, "platanos", or plantains, are a common Panama side dish, especially on the Atlantic coast. Though they look like bananas, plantains are noticeably different. Cut into slices and fried, platanos make for an excellent side dish. When the tropical Panama heat is getting to you, all you have to do is track down a street vendor selling "raspados". These vendors are easy to find, and they serve up shaved ice snow cones. You can choose from different flavors, and surely at some point you'll be tempted by these refreshing treats.

PANAMA SHOPPING

PANAMA SHOPPING MALLS

Panama shopping is certainly something that can be enjoyed during a Panama vacation. Whether you are looking to pick up some fresh vegetables at a local market, or are interested in stocking up on duty free items, shopping in Panama can fill more than its fair share of hours. Panama shopping is well-complimented by the handicraft items that some of the country's native populations are known for. Panama shops are most abundant in Panama City, and more and more upscale offerings are opening up every year here. Before you head to the Panama shops or markets, you'll want to learn a little bit about the currency of Panama.

The official Panama currency is the Panamanian Balboa, which is tied to the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar is the actual currency of Panama, and the Balboa more or less serves no more purpose than being a monetary symbol of sorts. The Balboa Panama currency comes in the form of coins that are offered in denominations similar to those of U.S. coins. Their values are easy to recognize, especially by U.S. citizens, as these Panama currency coins are even sized the same as U.S. coins. While North Americans will not have to worry about changing money in Panama, Europeans and others foreigners can change Euros and such at the Banco Nacional branches. There is a Banco Nacional branch at the Panama City Tocumen International Airport, so you might stop there once you arrive. Changing money before you leave on your Panama trip is always a good idea. There are ATM machines in the larger Panama cities, which can come in handy, and credit cards can also serve you well. If you want to withdraw some currency in Panama with your credit card, you'll generally get pretty good exchange rates.

Once you've armed yourself with some Panama currency, you're ready to hit the Panama shops and markets. As mentioned, you'll find Panama City to have the largest selection of Panama shops. There are a few malls around town here, and the Amador Causeway has a shopping center where you can spend a good part of the day. Vía España is one of Panama City's main avenues, and here you'll find a nice array of stores, both high and low end. Avenida Central is a fun street to do some Panama shopping on. It's quite a lively atmosphere, and you'll find plenty of cheap stores here, not to mention all kinds of interesting street vendors. If you are staying at one of the Panama City hotels or vacation rentals that have units with kitchens, you might head to the Mercado de Mariscos on Avenida Balboa. You can find all kinds of fresh seafood here. Next to the seafood market is the Public Market (Mercado Publico). It's a wonderful farmer's market offering up all sorts of spices, meats, fruits and vegetables. Indigenous handicrafts are among the most popular Panama shopping items. Though buying them at traditional villages is always more authentic, you can find handicraft markets in Panama City should you be limited on time. The Mercado Nacional de Artesanías in Panama City's Panama Viejo district offers handmade crafts from around the country. The Kuna and Embera cultures sell their goods at markets in nearby Balboa.

PANAMA SHOPPING INFO

Kuna Indians, who control an autonomous region on Panama's northeast coast, make and sell one of the most coveted Panama products. The Kuna women are known to weave what are known as "Molas". These colorful garments feature ornate designs, sometimes of sea creatures and other animals. Taking a few Molas home is sure to add some neat flare to your wardrobe, and they certainly make for excellent and unique gifts. When visiting the San Blas Islands, you'll have the chance to tour native Kuna villages and do some firsthand shopping. The Kuna women also make intriguing and equally colorful leg wrappings. These beaded fashion items are sure to make quite a statement back home. If you make it over Panama's western Chiriqui Highlands, you won't want to leave without picking up some locally grown coffee. Various cafes and grocery stores in the towns of Boquete and Volcan sell coffee products, and you can always take a coffee plantation tour to learn more about Panama coffee production. At Boquete's main plaza, you'll find a handicraft market where you can get items made by the Kuna, Embera, and Ngobe-Bugle cultures.

If you have taken an interest in Panama shopping, you probably have heard of the country's duty free shops. In Colon, Panama, which is about a 45-minute drive from Panama City, you'll find the famous Free Trade Zone. This conglomeration of shops features products from companies found around the world. Many guests of Panama cruises hit the Free Trade Zone to peruse the goods, and you can easily arrange a visit from either Colon or Panama City. For those who plan on doing a lot of Panama shopping, you might bring an extra suitcase. You won't need to pack a bunch of bulky, cold-weather clothes after all. Perhaps you might fill a suitcase with gifts of all kinds for Panamanian children, and then use it to put your Panama goods in for the trip home.

PANAMA CANAL HISTORY

PANAMA CANAL TOURS

The Canal de Panama, or Panama Canal, is the most renowned Panama attraction, figuring prominently in recent Panama history. A most important key to shipping in the Americas, the Panama Canal is more than just a waterway. It's a historical connecting point that once served as the hemisphere's primary route for business and travel before the time of airplanes. So many international companies have benefitted from the Panama Canal, and with future plans aimed at further developments, it's hard to think the Canal de Panama will lose its importance any time soon. One thing is for sure, and that is the fact that the Panama Canal is a Panama treasure, only recently being awarded to the country where it is found. As Panama continues to move successfully into the next millennium, the Panama Canal will likely see more visitors than ever. Awaiting the curious are an array of wonderful Panama Canal tours that can help you further your understanding of this most featured attraction.

Panama Canal cruises are a good way to see the Panama Canal Zone, which is basically the term for the Canal's stretch and the land immediately surrounding it. Panama Canal history has seen its fair share of trials and tribulations, and if you are visiting Panama, it's almost a sin to miss it. This famous ship canal basically splits the Isthmus of Panama in half, running from the southern Pacific Coast, to the northern Caribbean Coast. One of the Panama Canal facts that you might be wondering about is how long it is. The Panama Canal runs the length of about 48 miles, forming an aquatic bond of sorts between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. On the Pacific side, the canal begins at Panama City, where ships wait to pass under the Bridge of the Americas from the Gulf of Panama. The bridge was finished in 1962 at a cost of $20 million. The Canal de Panama certainly wasn't easy to construct. First attempted by the French in the 1880"s, the venture proved fruitless, claiming the lives of thousands of workers. The United States would make a second go at building the Panama Canal, which they began in the early 1900"s. It would be completed in 1914.

One of the more interesting Panama Canal facts pertains to the number of workers who lost their lives building it. Some 27,500 French and American workers perished in the effort, victims to such plagues as yellow fever and deadly landslides. A huge success the canal has been ever since it opened, and it's importance to the shipping industry is monumental. Before it was available, ships had to pass around Cape Horn at the southern edge of South America. The Canal de Panama would spare ships from having to take the "scenic route", lessening the trip by almost 8,000 miles, which is among the more intriguing Panama Canal facts. The first ship to pass through the Panama Canal was the Ancon, which did so on August 15, 1914. Nowadays, approximately 15,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal every year, transporting hundreds of millions of tons of cargo. The Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Zone were largely under U.S. control, which bothered some Panamanian citizens. As tensions between the countries intensified after World War II, the passageway became a big bone of contention. One of the most important Panama Canal facts has to do with its change of ownership. On December 31, 1999, the canal was turned over to Panama, who would now have complete ownership and control of it.

The Canal de Panama and the Panama Canal Zone are made up of a grouping of artificial lakes and channels. Three sets of locks handle the lowering and raising of ships at various points along the way, among which figure the Gatun Locks. These are one of the more popular attractions for tours from the city of Colon. Colon and Panama City are actually found just outside the Canal Zone, though the distance is negligible. Both are ideal basing points for Panama Canal tours. Panama Canal cruises have been increasing in popularity in recent decades, and together with the San Blas Islands, the canal is among the featured Panama cruise destinations. Whether you are on a large mega-ship, or just heading out for a day cruise, it's a special treat to experience this world landmark. Plans are in the works to the tune of billions of dollars to renovate the Panama Canal, which will need to improvements to maintain its market share. As ships increase in size, the canal in its current state would be unable to facilitate a good percentage of them. Before you take a Panama Canal tour, it's a good idea to head to Panama City's Panama Canal Museum, which is found at Avenue Central at Plaza Independencia. You can learn all about Panama Canal history and the Panama Isthmus, going all the way back to Pre-Columbian times.

PANAMA TOP DESTINATIONS

PANAMA HOLIDAYS

Panama City - This modern, thriving commerical centre of Panama runs along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo in the east to Panama Canal in the west.The colonial part, Casco Antiguo ( or San Felipe or Casco Viejo) juts into the sea with its decaying colonial grandeur, striking architecture, peeling paint and decrepit balconies. Some attractions in the city include a 17th Century church, the history museum of Panama and the sea wall, built by the Spainards four centuries ago.

Boquete - This small Alpine town is known for its cool, fresh climate & pristine natural enviroment.Outdoor lovers will enjoy this town for its walks, bird-watching, horseriding and enjoying the cool after the lowlands heat. Flowers, coffee and citrus fruits are grown here and it is a good base to climb the 3475m Volcan Baru.

Isla Toboga - Just 20 km south of Panama City, this island has an attractive beach, lovely protected rain forest and is home to one of the largest colonies of brown pelicans in Latin America.It is also known as the Island of Flowers from the many aromatic blooms at certain times of the year.The small church on the island is claimed to be the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

Panama Canal - An engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways in the world. It stretches 80km from Panama City on the Pacific coast to Colon on the Atlantic side and carries over 14000 vessels a year.Boat tours are offered as well as a museum with a model and film of the Canal.