Panama City surprises visitors with its modern
skyline, sophisticated dining and undiscovered
beauty. Described as a cross between Rio de
Janiero and Miami, Panama's capital and largest
city has a languid, tropical feel - streets
are lined with palm trees and, from most buildings
in the international banking center, executives
can gaze out windows to the Bay of Panama
and nearby islands. Don't let the tropical
breezes slow you down, however, there is much
to see in the region's most overlooked city.Panama is a country about to be discovered. Witness several new hotel and resort projects completed or currently under construction, including Gamboa Tropical Resort and the Hotel Melia Panama Canal - two properties with spectacular locations on the banks of the Panama Canal. Several new top-class hotels have opened recently in Panama City such as the Miramar Inter-Continental, The Bristol, Marriott, and Radisson. There's no shortage of accommodations here at just about any price.
About one million people live in or near Panama City, more than a third of the country's total population of 2.8 million. During the last four years, the Government of Panama has undertaken several privatizations and instigated policies promoting economic growth and stability. The results have not been missed by foreign investors, who are undertaking new projects in telecommunications, construction, tourism and industry.
But while many people are still talking about the potential of Panama's attractions, others are enjoying them. From Bocas del Toro in the north to the San Blas islands in the south, Panama is full of surprises and undiscovered treasures. Few countries in the world can boast of having thousands of miles of coastline on two oceans. In fact, one dive shop offers a trip that includes Atlantic and Pacific Ocean dives, on the same day. If you like sun and sand, Panama will not disappoint. Not far from Panama City are three delightful island getaways: Taboga, just a ferry ride away; Contadora in the Perlas Islands, 15 minutes by air from the city; and Isla Grande in the Caribbean.
In Panama City itself, one of the region's few original walled cities, Casco Viejo, is gradually being renovated as investors discover the old town's appeal. A densely-populated community, Casco Viejo is perhaps the best place to get a feel for Panama's history and striking ethnic diversity. Take a historic walking tour starting with the Panama Canal Museum, housed in the original building used by the French Canal Company during their attempt to build a canal joining the oceans. This area has a fascinating mix of French, Spanish and U.S. colonial architectural styles. Don't miss the French Plaza and the views of Panama City from the old city wall above the plaza.
On the other side of town lie the ruins of Panama Viejo, the site of the original city sacked by English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The most impressive building still standing is the main tower of the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, built between 1619 and 1626. The ruins of two important Spanish forts can also be visited at Portobelo and San Lorenzo, both about two hours from the city by car.
Of course, the most famous attraction in Panama
City is the Panama Canal. Built by the U.S. Government between 1904
and 1914, the Canal is considered the most
significant engineering feat of the 20th Century.
Watching the smooth transit of boats through
the Miraflores Locks, just outside Panama
City, it's hard to believe so much sweat and
blood went into this project. There are several
good viewing areas of the Canal in and around
the city, and land and boat tours on the Canal
itself can be arranged by most local travel
agencies starting at $20.00 and going up to
$135.00 for a full transit.
If you're looking to enjoy Panama's exuberant tropical environment, there are several attractions in and around the city not to be missed. Panama is the only city in the world with a protected tropical forest within city limits, the Metropolitano National Park. The park has easily accessible trails and even a Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute crane that hoists scientists up into the forest canopy where they can study ecosystems 100 feet up.
Also near Panama City is the Canopy Tower Hotel in Soberania National Park. This small hotel is built inside a former U.S. military radio tower and each room and the viewing platform above offers exceptional views of the canal watershed. Owner Raul Arias is an expert bird watcher and hosts scientists and birders from all over the world at his hotel. Rare and beautiful bird species are often seen from Arias' tower, as well as the Titi monkey and other animals. The Audubon Society world record of bird species spotted in a single day -- more than 350 -- was made near this area.
Close to the Canopy Tower is the open-air Summit Gardens, where one of the world's largest and most impressive birds - the Harpy Eagle - is on display. Not far from these attractions lies Gamboa, on Gatun Lake. From here, visitors can take a boat ride up the Chagres River to an indian village or walk or bicycle along Pipeline Road through the tropical forest.
After so much outdoor activity you'll be ready to try one of Panama's many excellent restaurants. The only problem will be choosing which one. Here are a few you don't want to miss: Chalet Suiso, for steak or fondue (voted best restaurant in Panama City by readers of the local English-language paper); La Cocotte, for delicious French cuisine prepared by French chef Fabien Migny; Las Bovedas for the jazz music and excellent French dishes; Cafe Pomodoro for hearty pasta dinners and a charming outdoor setting; Madam Chang for its inventive chinese dishes and sleek ambiance; and Tinajas for its Panamanian food and rousing show of traditional dances.
Less costly options include: Jimmy's for it's grilled octupus and meats; Mi Pueblito for its delightful setting in a recreated, traditional Panamanian village; and Italianni's for huge portions served Italian-family style in a friendly setting. Craving a burger? The best are found at TGI Friday's or Mango's, both in the "Zona Rosa."
Overlooked for too long, Panama awaits visitors with a sense of adventure and willingness to be surprised by the diversity of attractions and people found here. Whether you want to sail, bicycle through a rainforest or enjoy local seafood in an elegant setting, let Panama surprise you.
Written by Michele Douglas-Eleta of the Council
for Insvestment & Development