CENTRAL REGION

Panama City

Few places have the history, vibrancy and sophistication of Panama's capital city. The ruined remnants of Panama Viejo, ransacked by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan in 1761, were rebuilt as the fascinating and vibrant Casco Viejo shortly after. The land between has now become the modern city, known as the Manhattan of the Americas for its impressive skyscraper lined horizon. With many interesting buildings, museums, bars and restaurants, vast parks and the Pacific entrance to the canal, this city has much to offer.

The Canal Zone

Probably the greatest of all modern engineering achievements, this 80km waterway has an incredible history, only returning to Panamanian control, from the U.S at the end of 1999. A partial passage through the canal or even a visit to the vast locks, to see the huge ships pass through, is a memorable experience. Lake Gatún, once the largest artificial lake in the world also provides a rich haven for wildlife.

Within its borders there is also the Canopy Tower, a famous lodge for bird and wildlife enthusiasts, housed in an old US Army radar tower atop a hill and surrounded by rainforest. A new development at Gamboa has an aerial tram to rival Costa Rica that takes visitors through the canopy to an observation tower overlooking the canal and Lake Gatún. Nearby is Pipeline Road in the heart of the Soberania National Park where the Audubon Society counted over 500 species of bird in a single day.