Casco Viejo, Panama City

A brief History

NOTE: Must Click play below for video clip - 79 seconds

John`s Recollections
Here is the most visited area in Panama, however it takes time getting up the nerve to visit. It took my wife several times before she stepped out of the taxi into what most would say is unchartered waters. Once there however and slowly making our way down to the point (picture below) it became our most enjoyable trip while there. Museums, restored buildings, the presidential grounds etc. show a real commitment for improvement.
There is some similarity to Old New Orleans but with more history. Be sure to click on the underlined comments for clips of individual areas.

Casco Viejo, Panama - Our Trip Comments

First impressions are not the best, but after really visiting the area one becomes more aware of the history, the actual reconstuction efforts of many of the old structures, the number of museums & government buildings. It actually becomes quite exciting to walk around even when there is so much of a third world environment.

Some of our casco viejo highlights were ( with video clip & comments )

(1) Spending time Shopping on Central Avenue where there is a multitude of products and many goods could be purchased for under a dollar


(2) Visiting the churches & Government Buildings and even seeing a Golden altar that was so impressive


(3) Walking the narrow streets where homes and small business shops are mainly third world in appearance


(4) Seeing the reconstructive efforts of many of the buildings where even recognizable business entities (International Living) are now becoming a part of.


(5) Standing at the tip of the Peninsula where one can shop for native crafts and view the ships in Panama Bay that await transit thru the Panama Canal.

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