Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal

Fuerte Amador, Panama

This recently developed port with its modern shopping plazas is just next door to Panama City, once a vital link along the Golden Main. In 1671, it was destroyed by the Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan and a new colonial city was built: Casco Antiguo, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit both old and new, and shop for duty-free bargains including the famous molas handwoven by the Cuna Indians of San Blas.

Highlights

MIRAFLORES LOCKS
The new Miraflores Visitor Center allows the visitor to observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn first hand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed.

PANAMA CITY
This capital and largest city of Panama, is located on the central coast near the Pacific end of the Panama Canal. Since its founding in the 16th century, Panama City has been a centre for the movement of people and goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is the centre of commerce for the country and a very modern city with an impressive skyline. With its colonial ruins, high-rise office buildings, and luxury homes, the city’s neighbourhoods reflect a blend of cultures.

CASCO VIEJO (OLD CITY)
Built by the Spaniards in the 1670s, this district was originally surrounded by walls to provide protection from pirates. Some remnants of the Spanish fortifications can still be seen, including Las Bovedas (the dungeons). The Casco Viejo features several notable buildings, including the colonial Catholic cathedral; the Presidential Palace, where the nation’s president lives; and the National Theatre.

PANAMA VIEJO (OLD PANAMA)
This is where the city was first established in 1519, only to be destroyed by pirates 150 years later. The site still has many ruins of this once important town.