Panama Canal Voyage: Panama City
In this final post of a multi-part series, Bethany explores Panama City, Panama on her Panama Canal Voyage on Azamara.
Welcome to the final stop of my amazing Panama Canal Voyage on Azamara! I spent two days in Panama City, Panama to end this wonderful journey. Follow along as I explore this vibrant city and dig into the culture and history of its indigenous tribes.
Panama Canal Voyage Full Itinerary
Below is the full itinerary for the trip. This post includes details about Panama City. Looking for info on other stops? Check out the ‘Links’ section at the end of this post!
- December 3: Miami, Florida
- December 4-5: At Sea
- December 6: Oranjestad, Aruba
- December 7: Kralendijk, Bonaire
- December 8: Willemstad, Curaçao
- December 9: At Sea
- December 10: Cartagena, Colombia
- December 11: At Sea
- December 12: Cruising the Panama Canal
- December 13-15: Panama City, Panama
Buenos Dias from Panama City, Panama
On my last morning on the Azamara Journey, I snapped one last glorious sunrise shot from my veranda before heading out to the patio to enjoy one last breakfast (with a great view of the city skyline!). After breakfast, I bid the ship and her fabulous crew a warm farewell and set out for my adventures in the city.
Exploring Panama City
I got picked up by my driver at the port and he dropped me off at my hotel. It was too early to check in, so I left my bags and headed out to explore the gorgeous area called Casco Antiguo (“Old Quarter”). I wandered aimlessly and soaked in the beautiful sights on this quiet morning.
It was very hot and humid again today, so I ducked into a cool (literally and figuratively!) museum…the Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama (the “Panama Canal Museum”)! It was interesting to learn about the history of the marvelous canal I sailed through yesterday.
The Panama Canal Museum had a lot of great exhibits telling the story of the construction of the canal. There were many different artifacts on display, from both the construction period as well as what life was like on/near the canal after it was built.
After thoroughly exploring the Panama Canal Museum, I headed back out to continue my self-guided walking tour of Casco Antiguo. This historic part of the city is close to the modern downtown city center, but it feels like an entirely different country!
Casco Antiguo is full of colorful architecture and beautiful green spaces. This charming area was a wonderful place to just wander around in and enjoy the gorgeous sights.
I wandered through Casco Antiguo for the better part of the day, stopping for a light lunch along the way.
La Concordia Panama
After thoroughly enjoying my time exploring Casco Antiguo, I walked back to my hotel to check in and relax. I stayed at the beautiful La Concordia Panama, a family-owned boutique hotel. The historic building is gorgeous, and my room was warm and welcoming.
I got checked into my hotel just in time, because the afternoon rains came shortly after! I took the opportunity to relax in my room while the storm passed. The sun returned in time for a glorious sunset view from the rooftop bar at my hotel. I sipped on a festive cocktail called an 888 (Hendrick’s Flora Adora, lemon citrus, cardamom reduction and forest fruits, raspberry emulsion, and parsley). Cheers!
Day Trip to the Emberas
On my next day in Panama City, I had an amazing guided tour to visit one of Panama’s seven native indigenous groups, the Emberas. My guide picked me up at my hotel and we drove about 45 minutes to the rain forest and the Chagres River. Here, we boarded a dug-out canoe and toured the river.
During the tour of the river, we stopped at a secluded waterfall. I had the chance to get out and enjoy the cool, clear water for a bit before we continue along our journey.
The canoe ride was wonderful! I got to see all of the lush greenery and gorgeous sights up close and personal as we glided along the river.
We then stopped at the Parara Puru Village. I was welcomed warmly with a lively song. Then, we headed into one of the large huts where I was given some information about their history, culture, handicrafts, and food.
I was also treated to some wonderful musical performances. I even had the opportunity to join in the fun and took a few spins around the dance floor!
After the fun performances, I then enjoyed a fantastic lunch. I had a feast of fresh-caught fried tilapia, plantains, and fruit.
Following lunch, I got a tour of the village. I got to see the many homes that are here and to get a better understanding of the culture and day-to-day life here.
There is a small school here as well, nestled in amongst the huts used for cooking and recreational activities.
Once my fascinating and fun tour of the Parara Puru Village was complete, my guide and I headed back to the canoe to return to shore. It was an awesome day!
Winding Down in Panama City
After my amazing adventure with the Emberas, my guide dropped me back off at my hotel. I took another walk through Casco Viejo to get a cool treat. I enjoyed some mango and passion fruit ice cream, which hit the spot on yet another hot day. Along the way, I also spotted a rather regal looking cat in a window!
Heading Home
The next morning, I got an early start. After one last selfie from the veranda of my hotel room, I caught a taxi to the airport for my flight back to Miami.
Once back in Miami after a smooth and on-time flight, I got another taxi back to the hotel to pick up my car for my four-hour drive home to Tampa. I happened to spot a pretty rainbow at a rest area along Alligator Alley on my way home…seems like a fitting end to a fantastic trip!
Conclusion
Panama City, Panama is full of amazing things to see and do. I chose to spend my time in the Casco Viejo area, where my hotel was, and I had plenty of things to keep me busy there. I also thoroughly enjoyed my day trip to experience some of the culture and history of the indigenous people in this area. Whether you come for the hustle and bustle of the modern city, the quiet charm of the Old Quarter, or the fascinating culture of the people, you will not be disappointed in Panama City, Panama.
Links
Check the main page for this cruise to read more about my adventures:
Click the button below for more information about Azamara:
