Panama and its history
Panamanian society is a special, multicultural melting pot which is reflected in the strong traditions, the many festivals and varied cuisine. In many places you can still see how the past has shaped the Panama of the present.
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Old versus new in Panama City
Nowhere else in Central America do modern and traditional go hand in hand as well as in Panama City. On one side you'll find the high skyscrapers of the modern part and on the other side you'll walk through Casco Viejo, the historic centre, past colonial buildings, nice restaurants and the best coffees in town.
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The Panama Canal
A miracle of human technical ingenuity. From the viewpoint at the Miraflores locks you have a magnificent view of the canal and the locks. The experience will be completely unforgettable if you get to know the canal on a cruise or admire it from a helicopter.
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Colours and wonderful smells at the market
About a 2.5 hours’ drive from Panama City you will find the picturesque town of El Valle. On Sundays, Indians and farmers from the area gather here to sell their wares at the market. Here you will find many handicraft products which creates a beautiful palette of colourful colours and many fragrances. The traditional population you will find here consists of the tribes of the Ngöbe-Buglé, Embera and Wounaan Indians.
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Port city Portobelo
From the 16th to 18th century, this city, about 1.5 a hour’s drive from Panama City, was an important silver export port. Portobelo means 'beautiful port' in Portuguese and was conceived by Columbus when he discovered the bay in 1502. Here you will find many ruins and Spanish forts, such as Portobelo and the San Lorenzo fortress, perched high on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres River.
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Stay at El Otro Lado
If you cross the water at Portobelo you will arrive at El Otro Lado, in our opinion one of the most special hotels in Panama. El Otro Lado is surrounded by nature and is equipped with all the comforts of modern life. It is the ultimate combination of authenticity, luxury and comfort, with an overwhelming feeling of tranquillity.
The most important city of Central America
Panama City is Central America's most important trading centre. The city has a beautiful skyline of mainly high-rise buildings. A beautiful contrast is the tropical rainforest that surrounds the modern city. Panama City was founded on 15 August 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. In 1671 the pirate Henry Morgan plundered the city and set it on fire. Today the damage has (largely) been repaired. The city has enough sights and activities to stay a few days. From Panama City you can easily explore the rest of the country.
Travel through Panama?
Would you like to make a trip through Panama yourself and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.