Nowadays, everything seems to move fast. Technology has revolutionized the way we live, the way we think and the way we travel. Our attention span is shorter than ever and we expect to do more in shorter periods of time.
When you are on vacation, it can sometimes be hard to adjust to a slower pace, especially if you only have a few days to enjoy and relax. To help you make the best of your stay in Panama City, we have compiled a small list of activities that capture the essence of this small but beautiful country.
Visit the World Heritage Sites of Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo
Panama City is a city of contrasts: impressive skyscrapers, tropical luxuriance and colonial legacy. To get a feel of what life was like in Panama a few hundred years ago, you must visit the ruins of Panama Viejo and the remnants of the colonial neighborhood. The ruins of Panama Viejo are all that remain of the "first Panama City", founded in 1519 and destroyed by fire in 1672. The inhabitants of the city decided to rebuild the city 8 kilometres away, in what is now known as the Casco Antiguo of Panama, a remarkable gem of colonial architecture.
Casco Antiguo, Panama
Visit Monkey Island and Discover the Canal from Within
One of the best aspects of Panama City is its astonishing biodiversity and tropical luxuriance. The Gatun Lake, home to the famous Monkey Island, is just 20 minutes away from Panama City. Incredibly rich in fauna and flora, it was created in the early 20th century as a way to control the Chagres River. Today, it is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world and a major part of the Canal as well as a microcosm of Panamanian biodiversity. Monkey Island is a small island inhabited mainly by monkeys, accessible only by boat. To get to the island, you will pass and witness firsthand the areas affected by the expansion of the Panama Canal. You will most likely see large ships crossing the Canal and will experience it from within. This is a highly recommended activity to make the best of your Panama City Vacation as it will allow you to see the world-famous Canal from a different perspective as well as experience firsthand the natural beauty Panama has to offer.
Monkeys sizing us out at Monkey Island
Have an Ice-cream at the Amador Causeway
For a spectacular view of the Panama City skyline, you should definitely visit the Amador Causeway. Originally devised as a wave breaker to protect the Canal, the Causeway is now a great destination for tourists and locals alike who are looking to unwind and just enjoy a few hours of strolling. We recommend that you indulge in an ice-cream whilst admiring the remarkable horizon.
photo courtesy of pancanal.com
Panama City has a lot to offer travellers. This list, compiled by Coconut Lodge is but a sample of everything there is to do in this small but fascinating country, for travellers who want to make the best of their Panama City vacation. Don't hesitate to contact us and our bed and breakfast staff for more information!
