Panama City’s Casco Antiguo (old historic quarter) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an intriguing maritime history. Wander through leafy cobblestone streets, taking in beautifully crumbling facades and colonial architecture or indulge in fresh ceviche from one of the fantastic local restaurants in the heart of town, or overlooking the bustling fish market, Mercado de Mariscos.
Panama’s new town couldn’t be more different to the old quarter; a mini-Miami with an ever-growing mass of sky-scrapers lining its shores. A visit to the world-famous Panama Canal is a must. Causing international division, political unrest, exploitation of local workers and resulting in hundreds of deaths, it’s construction wildly changed the course of Panama’s economy. It has to be seen to be believed as the seamlessly huge cruise ships pass through the canal as vast quantities of water are manipulated through intricate lock systems.
As Panama is so small, you can see almost the whole country on the ride in just a short flight. We can arrange private helicopter rides setting off from Panama Vieja to see the ancient town from above and soaring along the beautiful coast. This is also a great way to travel out to the San Blas islands for a magical day trip – you’ll feel your toes in the sand in no time.