These ancient city ruins, known as Panama la Vieja, are from the early 1500's and have been maintained and restored to show building construction at that time. Native artistic booths are available to purchase hand made carvings and clothes. I found this particular location to be trustworthy with many interesting products. The buildings were in various stages of repair but overall quite good for their age.
Click Picture for Video Clip
![Ancient Ruins (circa 1500) - Panama City, Panama]()
The Story behind the picture
John`s Comments
Panama la Vieja, otherwise known as "Old Panama" in English was founded in August of 1519, and is the oldest Spanish settlement on the
Pacific. It was destroyed in 1671 during Sir Henry Morgan's invasion, the city was never rebuilt. Today it is in restoration mode and
the grounds have additional buildings that one can purchase products made in Panama. The area that encompasses the many different
types of building is approximately 4-5 acres, and one can walk throughout within several hours. Some of remaining structures are quite
impressive, with several of them still at heights over 30-40 feet.
John`s Recollections
OK, first off, I would not consider myself to be a historian, but two trips to the area showed some interest. With some 500 years of
history behind it, the size of the grounds indicated that this was a civilization that represented a small town. The buildings or
those that were still standing were built to last. Best of all, after reviewing the ancient buildings you are able to visit a small
building that houses products created in the Panama of today. A dinner placque that we purchased (Approx 13 X 20 inches),
with carved letters and painted, was $35. By itself, it did not pay for the flight down, but it has been a great conversation piece
for many, many years.
Time Out, for all. Carnival time in Panama, means carnival time. Everything else stops.
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![Carnival Time - Panama City, Country of Panama]()
The Story behind the picture
Our lodging was located within Panama City carnival activities and their festivities became mine as well. The ox driven wagon carrying the Carnival Princess was quite different than I expected, but then so was the Carnival itself.
John`s Comments
Panama loves its` Carnival. Party time for everyone, with four full days off. This is the time for the city to rest & to party. Most business locations are closed so that the majority can enjoy the festive party atmosphere. Many Panamanians travel to small towns in the country for specific Carnival festivities, but Panama City also enjoys four days of parades & festivals.
John`s Recollections
This carnival really is for the citizens of Panama but as a visitor it does allow one to be a participant. Seeing the native bands and queens from the neighborhood suburbs is a site that should not be missed. It made one want to participate as many did. Being one that was able to communicate (even at times when there were distinct language differences) made this a fun time and one where a return would be appreciated. A major point to consider would be that the route used was a main business road and it was actually closed for four full days.
The "Red Devils" are Panama City`s bus system. Painted in various colors ( Mainly red ), they provide the means for most to travel from one part of the city to another. Fare is quite reasonable ( 25c ), and are mostly privately owned and follow few traffic controls. It is the noise that one will notice most, as it could remind one of being in an oval stock car race.
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![Red Devils - Panama]()
The Story behind the picture
John`s Comments
The "Red Devil`s of Panama City. Really just the bus system, but after experiencing the driving it is quite easy to see why the nickname of "Red Devil`s" has stuck. Quite fast, colorful and very, very different. This actually took quite a time to get used to, especially with the amount of people that use them and the noise which was louder than we experience back home. We, during our stay, actually never did use the service, but at 25 cents for a ride you could see why so many Panamanians did. Most of the buses are apparently privately owned and the cartoon characters and bright colours stand out. The taxi system, while still mostly private, was a service that we used extensively and the cost was very, very reasonable from a North American viewpoint.
John`s Recollections
Never did get up the nerve to go on a ride on one of these buses. They just did not convey the thought of safety, but I was impressed by the capability of the drivers who sped thru the main streets weaving in and out of heavy traffic. Most had a conductor ( or a helper ) who got out at various stops to help get passengers on board and likely to collect fares. The paintings, colors and noise provided for entertainment value but one would not expect it to be friendly to the environment. Found myself forever looking for the more colorful ones with comic cartoon drawings.
Casco Viejo is still very much an area that is a reminder of a 3rd world environment, however the transformation has started, and many of the older buildings have now been modernized to portray the past with today`s expectations. We spent most of a day here, had an excellent lunch, bought souvenirs at the point, etc. I also paid very close attention to where I was and where I was going. Video clips give a good representation.
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![Casco Viejo - Panama City, Country of Panama]()
The Story behind the picture
John`s Comments
First impressions are not the best, but after really visiting the area one becomes more aware
of the history, the actual reconstruction efforts of many of the old structures, the number of museums & government buildings.
It actually becomes quite exciting to walk around even when there is so much of a third world environment.
John`s Recollections
Here is the most visited area in Panama, however it takes time getting up the nerve to visit. It took my wife several times
before she stepped out of the taxi into what most would say is unchartered waters. Once there however and slowly making our way
down to the point it became our most enjoyable trip while there. Museums, restored buildings, the presidential
grounds etc. show a real commitment for improvement.
There is some similarity to Old New Orleans but with much more history.
Some more video clips
Click for Video Clip of Casco Viejo Golden Alter
Click for Video Clip of Casco Viejo Shopping
Click for Video Clip of Casco Viejo Church`s/Government Buildings
Click for Video Clip of Casco Viejo Peninsula Walk
Click for Video Clip of Casco Viejo Reconstruction
Click for Video Clip of Casco Viejo Streets
The Amador Causeway was built from Panama Canal tailings that were used to link several small islands together. Impressive walking paths allow one to view the ships as they enter or leave the canal. Several modern restaurants and shopping facilities allow you the opportunity to spend time on the causeway itself. Also at the far end of the causeway by the marina is a duty free shop that has good quality products.
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![Amador Causeway - Panama City. Panama]()
The Story behind the picture
John`s Comments
The Amador Causeway in addition to the amazing views, hosts restaurants fancy and simple, nightlife spots,
small shopping centers, bicycle rentals, a yacht marina, jogging paths and a Canal-side hotel.
Spend a casual afternoon and stroll the causeway. There is duty free shopping at the marina and many restaurants
to tempt your taste buds. Ships can be seen entering the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean and there are many
smaller craft awaiting transit times for the passage.
John`s Recollections
You can walk the paths, browse thru the stores, visit the marina with it`s duty free shopping, or just stop at one of many
restaurants along the pathway. We usually took a taxi to the Aquarium and then walked by the canal to the marina. Walkway is well
kept up and there are many areas to stop and view the ships entering or exiting the canal. Many sailboats in the area are awaiting
transit times and the marina has yachts of all shapes and sizes.
This is just a pleasant area to go to for a day out.
There has been considerable development along the causeway and edges of the islands, including port facilities, marinas, shopping,
and restaurants. Away from their perimeters, the hilly islands still contain isolated maritime jungle, though they are threatened by
continued development.
The town of El Valle is located in the bowl of an extinct volcano. The town although small is rather clean and has several sites worth exploring, including the rainforest, small zoo, and mineral springs. It was from our feelings that is was above average in cleanliness compared to many other areas in Panama. The thing that I was most interested was the open air marketplace, where Panamanian goods were sold and bartered for.
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![El Valle - Panama]()
The Story behind the picture
John`s Comments
El Valle is a lovely mountain town just two hours from Panama City. The drive is mostly on the Pan-American highway (expressway)
with the last half hour driving on a two lane, rather windy and steep country road that is in good shape. El Valle de Anton,
known simply as El Valle is nestled in the second largest volcano crater in the world - a five by three mile crater created when
a volcano blew its top off five million years ago. A lovely steep valley surrounded by jagged peaks and rich volcanic soil that
gives way to flowers and verdant forest is the result. El Valle also boasts a near perfect year-round spring climate.
John`s Recollections
This was a delightful full day trip. We fortunately had a rental vehicle and were able to explore the valley floor and see many nice homes scattered about. Also several smaller lodgings were encountered and all were quite nice. The climate was beautiful and 10-15F degrees cooler than Panama city and one did not mind walking in the open air market stalls in the downtown area. Personnally this market seemed to provide the value and variety that we were looking for. If you do go it would be best to find out when the market is open and plan your trip accordingly. In the town you notice the surrounding hills, with quite jagged peaks. On the way out, take your time and as you rise in height make sure to stop and view back to what is really noticable, a volcano basin in the valley surrounded by lush mountains.
The village is nestled in the caldera of the second largest inhabited volcano in the world. El Valle, lying 600 meters above sea level, owns an all-season mild springtime climate. Year-round average high temperature is 28° C, and the average nighttime minimum is 20° C, with little variation between summer and winter.
A very unique reststop, rarely travelled by tourists, has excellent beach & restaurant facilities and provides a great location to view Panamanians harvesting an early morning fish catch. This one night stop, followed by a quick visit to the Royal Decamaron Resort was just great. The beach area was very special, hardly a soul, yet just beautiful to walk by some of the homes along the beach. Hard to believe that there were so few business entities, as back home it would have been wall to wall business & resorts. Video clips provide a good review.
The Story behind the picture
Most people are in search of that dream location, where you can settle down, enjoy the environment and have that closeness to your desires. Well I think that this is mine! The people are friendly yet do not exhibit the traits of needing what you may have, the beach and ocean waters are more than what is necessary, food is plentiful and the weather is terrific. Sounds good doesn`t it, perhaps we need to return.
John`s Comments
Santa Clara, Panama is just over an hour west of Panama City and you can drive to the beach off the Pan-American Highway (Expressway). Santa Clara for the tourist has some pleasant accommodations & restaurants but it is mainly the beautiful white-sand beach, and with not too many people. During the week, the only signs of life you may see are a few fishing boats. The road from the highway (4 miles) to the beach is quite driveable.
John`s Recollections
Would I return. Yes for sure, and likely for a few days longer. The beach & accommodation will provide that incentive, yet it was an early morning fish harvest that helped to remind one of how the country really is. THIS IS PANAMA , a country of beautiful scenery, beaches and people but it still at times has very basic values showing others that life can be lived without the frills.
The settlement is a small fishing village with tourist lodgings and Panamanians' weekend homes. It is located just off the Inter- American Highway, 11 km norhwest of the El Valle turnoff and 100 km northwest of Panama City. The closest town is the beach resort Farallon. Santa Clara`s stretch of white sand beach is relatively uncrowded, and there are more locals and fewer tourists in Santa Clara than at other nearby beaches.
