The Republic of Panama!

History

Panama is a small yet great country, rich in history. It was on the Isthmus of Panama where the first Spanish settlement on mainland America was established: Santa María la Antigua del Darién, in the year 1510. This location also became the first mainland Catholic Diocese in the Americas. From there, Vasco Núñez de Balboa set out on his expedition that led to the discovery of the Pacific Ocean in 1513.

In 1519, the city of Panama Viejo was founded, becoming the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific coast of the American continent. From the Isthmus of Panama, conquistadors such as Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro departed to conquer South America. Thanks to its central geographic location, the Spanish Crown established the Portobelo Customs in the Caribbean city of Portobelo, which operated as a storage and transit hub for goods, fruits, vegetables, and minerals (gold and silver) bound for Spain.

Places to visit/Portobelo>>

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THE CRUCES TRAIL, THE TRANS-ISTHMIAN RAILWAY, AND THE PANAMA CANAL

“Panama, Bridge of the World, Heart of the Universe.”

“Panama, Bridge of the World, Heart of the Universe” is a famous phrase alluding to the strategic geographic position of the Isthmus, which has served since ancient times to the present day as a bridge connecting North America with South America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, for the benefit of the world and international trade.

THE CRUCES TRAIL

The Cruces Trail
The Cruces Trail was one of the main routes during the colonial era connecting the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1530, it was the only overland route allowing passage from ocean to ocean, transporting passengers and goods from Panama City along the Chagres River to its mouth at Fort San Lorenzo, and from there by sea to Portobelo.
San Lorenzo Fort>>
Portobelo>>

The Trans-Isthmian Railway

The Panama Trans-Isthmian Railway is a transportation route that connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean across the Isthmus and plays a key role in Panama’s logistics sector. Inaugurated in 1855, it was the first transcontinental railway in the world. It was one of the most prosperous companies of its time and transformed Panama into an important transportation hub. Today, it remains operational, primarily transporting cargo containers between Caribbean and Pacific ports, while also offering passenger service between Panama City and Colón.
Panama Canal Railroad>>

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was considered at the time the Eighth Wonder of the World. An average of 36 ships transit the Canal daily, or approximately 13,140 vessels annually, representing 6% of global maritime trade.
The Panama Canal>>

Panama City

Panama boasts a cosmopolitan capital city, with numerous skyscrapers reflecting a level of architectural modernity rarely seen in other cities of Central America and the Caribbean.
(Panama City, Panama | Culture, Cuisine & Urban Adventure)
The city has a multicultural population and an exotic, diverse gastronomy that has made it one of the most important culinary hubs in Latin America. As a result, Panama City was designated by UNESCO in 2017 as a “Creative City of Gastronomy.”

Panama Culture and Cuisine>>
Tropical Culinary Getaway to Panama City>>

Safety

Historically, Panama has been one of the safest countries in Latin America. Nevertheless, as in any destination, visitors should always remain aware of the areas they plan to visit.

ECONOMIC AND MONETARY STABILITY

Over the past 35 years, Panama has become one of the most politically, economically, and socially stable countries in the region. Between 1990 and 2019, its economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.2%, supported by a strong middle class representing 60% of the population. Panama has no central bank, and the Constitution prohibits the existence of legal tender paper currency. Since 2015, Panama has held investment-grade status, making it one of the few countries in the region to do so.

Banking Center

Panama’s Banking Center, established in 1970, includes 64 banks from North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe and Asia.

Bank Information Report>>

THE PACIFIC RIVIERA

Along the Pacific coast are some of the most developed beach communities in the country, such as Coronado, Punta Barco, Vista Mar, and Buenaventura, among others.

Pacific Riviera>>

PLAYA VENAO

Playa Venao is a paradise of warm waters and remarkable waves, featuring one of the best sand breaks on the Pacific coast. It offers restaurants, boutique hotels, and is located near the town of Pedasí, reflecting the culture and folklore of the Azuero Peninsula. Despite its remote location, it has a strong expatriate community who have made Playa Venao their home. It is also one of the best destinations for sport fishing.;

Pedasí y Tonosí>>
Fishing in Pedasí & Tonosí>>
Playa Venao>>

THE PANAMANIAN CARIBBEAN

Although less developed than the Pacific coast, the Panamanian Caribbean boasts some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, including Playa Escondida and Bocas del Toro.

Playa Escondida Resort>>
Bocas del Toro>>

BOQUETE

Boquete is a town located in a beautiful valley, the former crater of a volcano, with a large river running through its center. It has a high population of expatriates from the United States, Canada, and Europe. It offers public services, restaurants, a golf course, artisan shops, and enjoys a year-round spring-like climate.

Among its attractions are rafting and kayaking, golf, coffee farms for tasting and sampling, birdwatching and quetzal observation, hiking in the mountains and on Volcán Barú, horseback riding, canopy tours along the treetops, and visits to Volcán Barú, from where both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea can be observed at the same time.

Boquete>>
Retirement in Boquete>>
Boquete Coffee Circuit>>