Day 1 – Casco Viejo Historic District
Following an overnight non-stop flight from San Francisco to Panama City on COPA Airlines (the Panamanian airline, which is 49 percent owned by United Airlines), we were taken directly to the Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo | Hotel in Panama City located on the Plaza Independencia in the historic center of Casco Viejo.
The five-star hotel has been an iconic resting place for discerning travelers since 1874. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautifully restored property is only steps away from the Presidential Palace, National Theater, Panama Canal Museum, and countless architectural landmarks.
Following an orientation session, we had a walking tour of the Casco Viejo historic center, named a UNESCO heritage site in 1997. The Old Quarter was founded after the original nearby Panama City was destroyed by Welsh pirate Henry Morgan.
Casco Viejo is lined with beautiful colonial architecture, plazas, churches, restaurants, and shops. With its history going back to 1673, it was no surprise the old quarter held many sights and foot traffic as we and others toured the area.
The Old Quarter
Panama City’s Old Quarter, or Casco Viejo is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas.
Catedral Metropolitana
One of the largest cathedrals in Central America, the magnificent Catedral de Panamá was completed in 1796 and practically abandoned until a major renovation in 2003.
Iglesia Santo Domingo & The Flat Arch (Arco Chato)
Originally constructed in the 17th century, the church and convent of Santo Domingo were never rebuilt after a fire that destroyed them in 1756.
Following our tour, we had a dinner at Aya la Vida – Cocina Panameña, specializing in local cuisine and dances.
Day 2 – Parliament and the Panama Canal >>
Blog By
(Mrs.) Susanne Stirling
Vice President, International Affairs
susanne.stirling@calchamber.com