PANAMA

Panama Map - Places of Interest

Blessed with some of the most magnificent natural and man-made wonders on the planet, Panama is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in South America. Panama – the Indian word for abundance, is truly abundant in its wealth of natural beauty, culture, and commerce. The perfect blend of the country’s centuries-old civilization with the cosmopolitan, modern lifestyle of South America’s most influential financial district makes it a destination worth exploring. From a never-ending list of attractions, this page lists five of the most popular tourist spots on the Panama map that should be on the travel itinerary of every tourist.

Panama La Viejo

The most compelling display of Panama’s rich heritage and culture, Panama La Viejo, or “Old Panama,” is the former capital of the country. Located on the eastern fringes of the Panama map, these historical ruins still display the magnificence and splendor of what once was the most coveted of the Spanish colonies.   Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias Dávila under the decree of Charles V of Spain, the city soon gained prominence as the continent’s most active point of commerce. After surviving a spree of natural disasters and military conquests, the city eventually fell to the invasion of Henry Morgan – the region’s most famous pirate.

Casco Viejo

After the destruction of the first settlement, the capital of the country was shifted to El Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, a more favorable location on the Panama map. Casco Viejo houses some of the most visited Panama monuments and memorials, including the main cathedral, the national theatre, the Salon Bolivar, Les Bovedas Monument, Iglesia San Jose, and many more. In addition to hosting places of great historical and cultural significance, many of Panama’s finest restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are located in this locality. Casco Viejo and Panama La Vieja are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Panama.

Panama Canal

In addition to being one of the world’s busiest maritime conduits, connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal also serves as the most popular destination in Panama. The canal’s set of three locks, artificial reservoirs, and channels are a display of one of the best engineering marvels of the world.

Colón Free Trade Zone

Located on the Atlantic gateway of the Panama Canal, the Colon free trade zone is the world’s second largest free zone. Panama’s most active commercial center attracts more than 250,000 visitors in a year for the purposes of commerce and tourism. The area serves as the trade gateway for most countries in South America and is an important contributor to Panama’s economy and employment sector.

Bridge of the Americas

The Bridge of the Americas, locally known as the Puente de las Américas, is the first road bridge connecting North and South America. The bridge is considered to be an architectural breakthrough of the 20th Century and is renowned for its non-swinging design. Since the opening of the Centennial Bridge in 2004, the Bridge of the Americas has been an important part of the Pan-American Highway.