Panama City

Cuidad de Panama makes an ideal, centrally located locale for your base when visiting the Republic of Panama. The city is located on the pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, and is the capital of Panama as well as the political and administrative center for the country. The city has a superior infrastructure and is vital for international business and banking, with numerous towering apartments and offices in the city.

The city was founded in 1519 and became capital in 1903 – when Panama declared independence from Colombia. The city when founded was an exploration and trading point for the Spanish and was repeatedly raided by pirates, like the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. The original city was burnt down in 1671 and later rebuilt further southwest 1673, in the area now known as Casco Viejo. The old ruins still serve as a popular tourist attraction and are known as Panama le Viejo or Old Panama. A visit to Casco Viejo is a must for all as the area is steeped in history, culture and tradition.

Modern day Panama City is home to the International Tocumen Airport, which has access to Europe and the Americas, as well as all domestic flights to the local attractions. The city has numerous hotels and apartments to select from and offers wonderful attractions and activities for all tourists. The city is a combination of colonial and modern cultures which offers diverse cuisine and entertainment, with a multitude of cinemas, night clubs and cultural venues to suit every taste. There are city tours available, taking one to the various historical and cultural monuments and places of interest and if it’s the nightlife you’re after, a definite good time will be found at one of the hotspots within the business district or Casco Viejo, alternatively the Amador Causeway is home to some of the more popular night out venues.

Panama’s commitment to nature is even reflected around this major cosmopolitan city, with easy access to the Natural Metropolitan Park, Camino de Cruces Park, Soberania and Summit Parks, all within close reach of the city. The principal attraction of the city remains the Panama Canal, where you will be amazed with the size of ships going in and out of the canal – the ideal viewing spot would be at the nearby Miraflores Locks, where a restaurant will ensure that you can grab a bite to eat and wonder through the amazing history of facts within the museum.

For those wishing to take a walk and view the city from the Ancon Hill, a rewarding walk through the rainforest, with fantastic birding opportunities of sighting the various colorful species of resident birds. At the top of Ancon Hill one will be greeted by an amazing view of the city and the canal. For the ultimate shopping experience, Panama City has shopping sites, malls and markets available, including the duty free shopping at the airport, as well as in the Colon Free Trade Zone.

Panama City is a modern fast paced centre, which offers superior infrastructure, accommodation and activities and shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting the beautiful country of Panama.

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