Panama is a country that truly deserves a 5-star rating for its incredible diversity, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. My visit to this remarkable Central American gem was an experience filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable memories.
The natural beauty of Panama is simply breathtaking. From the lush rainforests of the Darien to the pristine beaches of Bocas del Toro, each region offers a unique and stunning display of nature. The Panama Canal, an engineering marvel, is a testament to the country’s historical significance and a must-visit.
Exploring Panamá Viejo was a journey through time. As the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, its ruins tell stories of the past, offering a profound sense of history. Walking among the remnants of this ancient city, I felt a deep connection to the centuries of stories embedded within its walls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a poignant reminder of Panama’s rich and layered history.
The cultural vibrancy of Panama, seen in the bustling streets of Casco Viejo and the traditional dances of indigenous communities, creates a rich tapestry of experiences. The blend of indigenous, Hispanic, and modern influences is enchanting, particularly in the historic neighborhoods where colonial architecture and lively plazas abound.
Panamanian cuisine is a delightful experience, with its fresh seafood, flavorful dishes, and exquisite coffee, especially from the highlands of Boquete. The warmth and hospitality of the Panamanian people further enhance the travel experience, making every visitor feel welcomed and valued.
In summary, Panama offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, cultural richness, and historical depth. Whether you’re exploring the tropical wilderness, delving into the historical intrigue of Panamá Viejo, or relaxing on a sun-kissed beach, Panama promises a diverse and enriching experience for every traveler. It’s a destination that’s not just to be visited, but to be experienced in all its...
Read moreThis was a cute stop, but if you are short on time, then this isn’t strictly necessary since there are many other (better) ruins in other parts of the world. With that said, we found the spot to be really interesting to show what the early colonial settlement looked like and we also learned about the ancient burial grounds of indigenous peoples. A few tips for you: after you buy your ticket, keep an eye open for the shuttle carts that will take you to the main parts of the ruins. We were not told about this shuttle service from any of the workers at this site, but we were lucky enough to see it arrive back at the visitor centre just before we were going to start walking along the path to the main ruins. The path between the visitor centre and the main section of the ruins is probably a 20 minute walk but with zero shade and under the beating sun so we would definitely not recommend walking. We did not see any one walk the entire time that we were there and everyone took the shuttle. Once you get to the main site of the ruins, make sure to climb the stairs up to the top of the tower for excellent panoramic views of the city. We also found all the signs within the tower to be incredibly informative. While we are not usually museum people, we actually spent so much time in the museum going over every exhibit because we found it very informative and interesting. If you get sunburnt easily or are sensitive to the sun and heat, we recommend bringing an umbrella for shade since there isn’t a lot of shaded areas...
Read moreLovely historic site and museum which when you arrive at the front entrance there are toilets, and from here you are talking on a little pull cart train which is a nice a little drive which you can see the seafront on the right hand side of you before you reach the museum. The museum entrance you enter and you go upstairs and and if I'm right I'm sure there are lifts we're you flow through the museum at the end there is a cafe here were you sit down and have refreshments. And from here you can flow the gardens onto the historical site and walk around its pretty impressive and you you really can imagine what was really happening when it came to life. There is some walking to be done. There at the tower there are a few levels and here you can get to the top by walking up and don't worry if you are tired at this time or you are wheelchair bound there access to lift 😀 which is great especially when you get to the top 😀 👍 the views are amazing 👏 🤩 you have a 360 degree views looking all over the city and of course the ocean I loved here I could of just stayed here. You do have a little walk from here around 200 to 300 metres walk to entrance were your transport will be waiting if you have arranged it or your tour guides. Yes I would highly recommend this for a visit especially if like museums and any historical site I'm glad it was lovely...
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