A Walk through Panama City: Old & New
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Port
Colon, Panama
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Depart Colón aboard air-conditioned transportation and enjoy a scenic panoramic drive of approximately 90 minutes across the isthmus to the ruins of Old Panama City. You'll travel via the new highway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Old Panama City was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila and became one of the most important trade routes in the history of the American continent. In fact, much of the gold and silver that traveled the Spanish Main passed through old Panama City. Welsh privateer Sir Henry Morgan destroyed the city in 1671. The Panama City of today was relocated, rebuilt and formally established two years later on a peninsula located five miles from the original settlement. On a guided walking tour, you will explore the old location, now in ruins, which has become known as Panama Viejo, or Old Panama.
Next, head to Casco Antiguo — the Old Town core of the relocated Panama City of today. Casco Antiguo displays a mix of architectural styles, which in turn reflect the cultural diversity of the country. Caribbean, Republican, Art Deco, French and Colonial architecture blend beautifully in this historic area.
Most of Panama City's main monuments are located in the Casco Antiguo. On a walk through the city, you will see the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Theatre among other buildings.
Don't miss Las Bóvedas — the sea wall on Panama City's peninsula. This Spanish Fort area provides a fantastic view of the Panama City skyline across the bay. Stroll along the top of the wall, which takes its name from the dungeons below — now converted into an array of art galleries and restaurants.
Survey Panama City from your transportation as you return to the ship in Colón .