Panama City

Panama City is the capital of the country (Panama) and is perched on the Pacific coast, right in the narrowest piece of land of the Americas and at the entrance of the Panama Canal. The capital of Panama is the country’s major trade, industrial and cultural center. This is also a city stricken in time that boasts three burgs: Old Panama, the Historic Core and the Modern Town. The first of them –built by Spaniards on the Pacific coast- was founded by Pedro Arias Davila on February 15, 1519. Across the board, the city is a huge metropolis marked by a strong influence of the U.S. lifestyle, let alone being considered a major international financial center. Panama City is now a modern burg that hosts the national government and its 35 permanent diplomatic missions. Its economy is mostly based on oils, plastics, clothing, leathery, canned foodstuffs, beverages and tourist, one of its premiere income sources. The country’s history is closely linked to one of man’s greatest engineering and architectural deeds of the entire 20th century: the Panama Canal, opened in 1914 and penciled in as the eighth wonder of the world. Its unbeatable location coupled with a top-notch tourist infrastructure, a restless nightlife and quality services make Panama one of the most coveted Central American destinations. On the other hand, the city has been nicknamed the incentive and congress capital of the Americas. It’s also a unique place for shopping bingers, travel buffs and for countless airlines and maritime lines from all over the world. The city has turned out to be a great tourist center and a memorable spot full of contrasts, history and modernism. Visitors can see here a mosaic of French, Italian and Spanish architectural trends splashed all over its streets, museums, old-timed public buildings, the Municipal Palace, the National Theater, the Palace of State, the Palace of Justice, the San Francisco Monastery, the Metropolitan Cathedral, plus numerous houses, parks, churches and monuments. Panama City is also a great choice for those who want to enjoy ecological tourism. From this paradise, you can do tours to indigenous communities that have settled down along the riverbanks of the Chagres and Gamboa. The area is shrouded by a heavy humid tropical jungle and lakes surrounding the canal with excellent conditions for anglers and enthusiasts of nautical activities and water sports.