Panama City from Amador

Standing on Amador Causeway looking back at Panama City as night falls is an absolute must, to see and do. The view is breathtaking. This picture really does not do it justice. And this one in daylight with the flowers, Well you’ll just have to come and ee for yourself.

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Attractions You Must See

You can’t come to Panama and not go to the Canal. The display at Miraflores is amazing. Watching as two huge ships go through those locks at the a same time, is breathtaking. Awesome is the only word that comes to mind as you watch spell bound. And now the ships going through the locks are going to be even bigger? How is that possible? While you can click into the cameras at Miraflroes or Gatun or even Pedro Miguel the three sets of locks currently in use, there is nothing like standing on a deck of a building where you feel like you are only inches from the ships and watching as one of those giants comes into view.

Then of course a walk in a rain forest is a must, or go to Gamboa and take a ride on the monkey boat. The monkeys are not tame but they know that when they see that boat, bananas are a coming and they are ready.

Even the beautiful Melia Hotel set up near Gatun locks will give you opportunities to walk in the rain forest and experience it for yourself. Have you seen a Jesus Christ lizard? So called because they can get up on their hind feet and walk on water. I am not kidding and I am not making it up. Walking down to the canal at the Melia Hotel, I watched in disbelief as a bright green lizard, maybe 10 inches long, hard to tell there is so much tail, got spooked by my arrival and got up on his hind feet and ran about 50 -60 feet across the water. Allegedly that is a short run as these guys are so quick and light they can stay up on the water for a long time.

Visit Summit Zoo, check out Panama’s Harpy Eagle, the National Bird. This is one huge bird. They have one live eagle, the other one died recently, but they have lots and lots and lots of pictures in the display area. Take it in. There are also lots of monkeys, one howler monkey does not like it if you try to feed the other monkeys and Howlers come by their name honestly, you won’t believe the racket he can make. There are jaguars and other big cats, you may get to see the caiman, (small crocodile) and there are tapirs, big, big rodents and many other animals native to Panama. Take a picnic lunch and spend the day. Don’t be shocked at the entrance fee. I know I was… $1 an adult. Where can you have a days fun for a dollar?

Visit Amador Causeway. Turn right at The Country Inn and Suites, find parking and walk out to the causeway. Gaze back at the Bridge of the Americas, day or night, this is an awesome sight.
Look out to the water where the big freighters are readying for their h journey through the canal or leaving th canal to continue their journey in the Pacific. The biggest of these are called Panaamamax. It is ahrd to think there are going to be ships bigger than these plying these waters. You can walk down to the marina and enjoy something o to eat or drink while you enjoy the sites, or head for TGI Fridays at the Town and Country Inn. Enjoy the walkway down to Flamenco Island. Rent a bike or get out your roller blades run or walk, drive if you must but enjoy everything there is to see and do. This is definitely more about the journey than the destination

The Frank Geary designed Museum of Biodioversity is taking shape there are lots of neat little shops to explore and wonderful food to enjoy. There are numerous marinas and lots of ships to admire, some you won’t admire but there are lots to admire. Millions and millions and millions of dollar are afloat in the ocean here. This is a great place to spend a day.

Be sure to get out of the city to one of their wonderful beaches. Sand, sun warm water and lots of fun things to do, are characteristic of all Panama’s beaches. Walk, sun bathe, play frisbee or beach volleyball, build sand castles bur don’t forget the UV rays are extreme so cover up and stay out of the sun in the heart of the day

There are numerous other attractions in Panama to see and enjoy, but miss these, and you have not seen Panama.

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Passage through the Panama Canal

A trip through the Panama Canal in 2 minutes and 30 seconds!

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NBC’s Matt Lauer at the Panama Canal

Matt Lauer sails the Panama Canal

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The Pearl Islands, Isla Perlas

The Pearl Islands sit in the Bay of Panama on the Pacific side of Panama. However, when you get there you are going to think you are in the Caribbean. Turquoise blue water laps on beautiful white coral beaches. Contadora Island was once the chosen spot for the rich and famous to build weekend get aways. The Shaw of Iran went into exile here. There is a small airport and by air it is 30 minutes away from Panama City. By boat, maybe 2 hours, less if your boat is fast.

Deep sea fishing is very popular here near the Pearl Islands, and no one ever goes home empty-handed. You can catch tuna and sail fish grouper and snapper. Enjoy the sea even if you don’t fish and you will likely see dolphin and from July to October, you may be treated with the opportunity to see gray whales and their babies.

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The Old/New Washington Hotel

As part of its heyday, Colon had a grand hotel, the Washington Hotel. Like most of us, the Washington Hotel aged and age was not necessarily beautiful. So today it is being lovingly restored to its former glory. This is the front entrance where you can see the beautiful archways and some of the detailed work on the outside of this old beauty.

The Front desk is all new and the owners want people to realize this is The New Washington Hotel, but as all the locals will tell you, this is the Old Washington Hotel. In any event it is delightful.

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