As
the plane hovered over Panama City before descending into Tocumen International Airport, I was struck by the city’s
incredible skyline. There, shooting out of the ground, were hundreds of modern skyscrapers.
Not what I imagined to find in the middle of Central America’s Pacific Coast.
Dubbed
the “Dubai of Latin America”, Panama City is the thriving cosmopolitan capital
of Central America known for its international trading and banking. The city is
a wonderful fusion of old and new with the centuries-old buildings of Casco
Viejo (Old Quarter) juxtaposed against the dense skyline of modern Panama; a
skyline that according to my tour guide Jesus, will transform before your eyes.
Panama
City boasts a diverse range of culture along with a trendy selection of
restaurants, cafés, night clubs and art galleries. The Old Town, declared a Historical Monument by
UNESCO, is filled with cobblestoned streets and charming shops selling the
famous Panama hat. Its beautifully restored buildings transport you to another
era. Still, part of the charm lies in the dilapidated buildings you stumble
upon. And there, in the middle of ancient ruins I enjoyed a delicious meal at
The Fish Market.
The Panama
Canal is celebrating 100 years of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans,
and the city is hosting festivities all year long such as the opening of Frank
Gehry’s BioMuseo. While visiting the Miraflores Locks visitor center to watch a
ship pass through the canal I learned that 38 to 40 ships make this crossing
every day at a cost of $100,000 USD per ship that must be paid in cash by money
wire. I was surprised to discover that the canal is only the fourth largest source
of revenue for Panama; first being the country’s duty free shopping (second
largest in the world) with an income of around 23 billion dollars a year; second
is the banking industry; and third is the country’s rapidly growing tourism.
Panama
is surrounded by coastline
and tropical rainforest, especially green and lush during the rainy season from
May to November. Panama offers an incredible array of vacation options for
travellers to enjoy a full
Panamanian experience by combining their beach stay with a city break.
During my stay in Panama, I relaxed on the beach and sipped cocktails poolside. I also enjoyed wonderful excursions like snorkelling and swimming at Farallon Island, a scenic drive through the Pan-American Highway, zip-lining over a waterfall in El Macho, shopping at a local market and lunch at La Casa de Lourdes. But I have to say that visiting local communities to witness firsthand the skillful creation of the Panama hat, carved woods and soapstone figures was truly an authentic, educational and humbling experience.
During my stay in Panama, I relaxed on the beach and sipped cocktails poolside. I also enjoyed wonderful excursions like snorkelling and swimming at Farallon Island, a scenic drive through the Pan-American Highway, zip-lining over a waterfall in El Macho, shopping at a local market and lunch at La Casa de Lourdes. But I have to say that visiting local communities to witness firsthand the skillful creation of the Panama hat, carved woods and soapstone figures was truly an authentic, educational and humbling experience.
With so much to see and do
and such a diverse range of experiences, Panama is a holiday like no other.
Book a city and beach stay in Panama with RIU Hotels and Resorts through Signature Vacations. For more images and information, please visit Travelweek.
Book a city and beach stay in Panama with RIU Hotels and Resorts through Signature Vacations. For more images and information, please visit Travelweek.