PANAMA

My first and so far only visit to Panama was a 12-hour layover, so 7-8 hours of time to explore the city once you exclude the time through immigration to get out and then factor in check-in & security to get back to the gate. I hope to connect through Panama for my next Central/South American trip so that we can stay at least a night and further explore Casco Viejo, Causeway Amador and checkout the Bio Museo.

STAY
American Trade Hotel
If you are familiar with the Ace Hotel group, then this is the Ace of Panama located in Casco Viejo. Next time I’m in Panama, I hope to stay here to further explore Casco Viejo area of Panama up close.

EAT
El Trapiche
Traditional Panamanian food located on Calle Argentina. I found it interesting that so many things have completely different names in Panama than Puerto Rico. The hubby went with the Fried chicken and loved it. I did my usual rice, beans and plaintains and we both enjoyed our meals. We also received a few appetizers that included fried yucca and tostones along with a few others.

Raspados/Raspaos
Panama’s version of what we call Piraguas (snow cone) in Puerto Rico, are typically found on the street from vendors pushing carts. You can find these wherever there is a gathering of people on foot. Flavor options vary from fresh melon to lemon and cherry. There are also extra add-ons like condensed milk, malted milk and honey.

EXPLORE
Viejo Panama
The original city of Panama which today is only represented by the ruins that remain. Visit the museum before exploring the grounds to get a full history lesson. Climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the modern city.

Casco Viejo
This area is perfect for exploring the narrow streets. It is the old town where people lived originally and is in the middle of a revitalization. Restaurants, shops, bars and more are opening up on every block. There was a lot of construction during our visit which only means there are more to come.

Iglesia San Jose
Located in Casco Viejo, this church is known for the golden altar that was saved when Panama Viejo was destroyed.

BioMuseo
Opening in 2014 (after our visit, we were a month too early) the building was designed by Frank Gehry and is his first in Latin America. Located on Amador Causeway.

Panama Canal
We spent several hours at the Miraflores Visitor center, going through the museum, watching the 3D movie that explained the history of the canal and watching ships pass through. I never realized that the water rose and fell to lift/lower the boats like an elevator. Luckily, our timing worked out to see 2 large ships pass through the Canal during our visit. Get there early, 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the canal and as one of the most visited sites in Panama, there will be a line to get in.

A few tips… I searched online for the best time to visit and many people recommended going at 2pm to see the boats passing through. I would recommend arriving earlier around 11-12pm so that you can explore the center and then be in position once the boats arrive. We left around 2pm and the line outside was halfway through the parking lot, so everyone waiting to get in ended up missing the ships pass through. Also, the upper decks are the most packed with visitors. Stay on ground level and your experience will be more relaxing than the rush of people trying to get a good view from the top.

Amador Causeway
A cluster of islands that are connected by a road built using the rocks that were removed to create the Panama Canal. Originally, this area served as a place to protect the canal, but now it is primarily for tourists to spend time at the restaurants and shops. We did not have time to make it out this time since we ended up spending so much time at the canal, but definitely on the to do list for next time around.