One of the most spectacular of the Isthmus of Panama is without doubt the Barro Colorado Island located in Gatun Lake within the famous Panama Canal. This island was created during the construction of the Panama Canal when the Chagres River was dammed and the water level rose. This increase in water levels led to a mountain being flooded, leaving only the peak visible, surrounded by water, thus creating the spectacular Barro Colorado island.

Barro Colorado Island

History of Barro Colorado

In 1923 a group of scientists asked for Barro Colorado Island to be taken into account for a Biological Reserve so that it would be protected. Thus a scientific research laboratory was created on the island and became the first Tropical Forest Biological Reserve in Panama. In 1946, the Smithsonian Institute was handed the responsibility to administer and manage this biologically rich area. In 1979, Barro Colorado was declared a National Monument because of its great importance.

How to get to the island of Barro Colorado

The only way to reach this incredible island is by boat from Gamboa. The island itself is located about 38 kilometers from Panama City and so getting there is relatively short and easy. However if you want to visit the island of Barro Colorado, you will have to do obtain prior authorization from the Smithsonian Institute, an organization that regulates all activities carried out on the island.  Once the permission has been granted, tourists will be charged a small amount which includes dinner at a restaurant in the visitor center. The visitor center also offers videos on various investigations that have been carried out in the area, as well as information on habitat, flora and fauna of Barro Colorado island.

Spider Monkey at Barro Colorado Island

What to Do on Barro Colorado Island

Barro Colorado Island is incredibly rich in biodiversity. The activities on offer for people visiting the island include hiking through virgin rainforest with expert guides.  The hiking trails on the island, which were built in 1986, ensure that the you enjoy the wide selection of flora and fauna while causing no damage and leaving as little impact as possible. There are 53 stations of interest on the island and the expert guides provides all the necessary information for tourists. The island also has a small shop where you can buy gifts.

Barro Colorado Island

The amazing and diverse ecosystem of Barro Colorado Island has been almost untouched by human presence, and that is why this place plays a very important role in Panama. Barro Colorado Island has been studied for over 80 years by a variety of biological disciplines, making it undoubtedly one of the finest natural laboratories in the world and tropical.

Undoubtedly one of the most famous hotels of the Isthmus of Panama, Intercontinental Miramar Hotel is also one of the most sought after by large numbers of tourists coming to Panama looking for luxury, comfort and the best views of the city. Located on Avenida Balboa with an excellent view of the Bay of Panama, the Miramar Intercontinental Hotel has all the features required to be considered one of the best hotels in Panama. This is a place where guests can spend the holiday of a lifetime.

Intercontinental Miramar Panama

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel has all the qualities of a city as cosmopolitan as it is completely Panama City, since its design is that of a giant tower that is visible from many parts of the capital. The hotel also offers all the services and amenities you would expect of a five star hotel has a choice location and a view just incredible.

Overlooking the Bay of Panama and the Pacific Ocean is just eight miles away, the Hotel Intercontinental Miramar is mostly a dream come true for all guests have the opportunity to enjoy such a facility in the heart of city. The Hotel is also very close to the best malls of the city’s famed Old Town and the Atlapa convention center where activities are always happening.

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel – Rooms

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel offers contained with everything a 5 star hotel should have. TV, DVD player, wireless internet, room service, fully equipped bathrooms, laundry service and incredible views of the Bay of Panama, the hotel is without doubt one of the country’s most desirable.

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel – Services and Amenities

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel is a hotel full with regards to the services provided to guests. Tourists can enjoy a complete health and fitness center, a glorious spa, a swimming pool very modern and attractive business centers and recreation areas.

Hotel Intercontinental Miramar – Food

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel has an excellent restaurant serving buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Delicacies and variety are undoubtedly the delight of all guests who have the opportunity to prepare dishes by top chefs.

Intercontinental Miramar Panama Pool

Miramar Intercontinental Hotel – Nearby Attractions

The great attraction of a hotel like the Intercontinental Miramar Hotel is undoubtedly the hotel itself and its magnificent location in Panama City. From this hotel, guests can enjoy visits to the Amador Causeway, Panama Canal, Casco Viejo as well as being close to all the Panama nightlife action.

Intercontinental Miramar Hotel Information

Phone: (507) 206-8888

Website http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/panama

After dark in Panama City, there is a wide variety of attractions to keep you entertained that includes casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, pubs, bars, movie theaters and gentleman’s clubs. The majority of these attractions are located close to the banking district, which is where you will also find most hotels. The neighborhoods we will mention here include Bella Vista, Marbella, San Francisco, El Cangrejo, Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica.

Panama City Casinos

Panama City Casinos

There are many casinos in Panama City, although only a handful of these are “Vegas-Style” casinos that offer both slot machines, table games and other sources of entertainment.

Veneto Casino at the Veneto Wyndham Grand Hotel

The Veneto Casino is the largest in Panama, covering 40,000 square feet of across 2 floors. This casino really has everything you could ever want from a casino, including live music, 15 poker tables, over 40 other table games, more than 600 slot machines and a private VIP Room for poker and baccarat. Games that can be enjoyed at the Veneto include Seven Card Stud Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Omaha Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat. Away from the tables enjoy roulette, craps and a vast selection of slots. Veneto Casino is open 24 hours a day.

Majestic Casino at the Radisson Decapolis Hotel

Located on Avenida Balboa, attached to the Radisson Decapolis Hotel, the Majestic Casino offers a wide variety of table games and slot machines, as well as live music and other entertainment.

Royal Casino at the Marriott Hotel

Located in the heart of Panama’s banking district, the Royal Casino is a large casino offering slot machines, table games and “Action Sportsbook”, a professional sports book.

Crown Casino at the Riande Continental and Granada Hotels

Crown Casino is present at several hotels throughout the country. In Panama City, you will find a Crown Casino at both the Continental Hotel on Via España and at the Granada Hotel in El Cangrejo. The Crown Casino at the Continental is the larger of the two casinos, but both offer slot machines and table games, including poker, blackjack, 21 and roulette.

Panama City Bars and Nightclubs

Café Uruguay

Café Uruguay is located on Calle Uruguay, on the corner with Calle 49. The place has an interesting combination of ambiences – inside is loud dance music with DJ and dance floor, while the outdoor terrace is usually listening to classic rock from the last few decades. Good service, friendly owners, good atmosphere.

Chocolate Electro-Lounge

Located on Calle 49, opposite La Posta Restaurant, Chocolate is a cool hangout, increasing in popularity that plays contemporary electronic music and house.

People Ultra Lounge

People Ultra Lounge is another very minimalistic place, attracting the younger Panama crowd. Good cocktails, good people watching and open late, People is located on Calle Uruguay, opposite The Londoner.

Platea

Platea, an intimate bar in the Casco Viejo became known primarily for live jazz. Some of Panama’s key jazz musicians have played here (it was previously known as Take Five) and so Platea holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Now, as well as jazz, Platea is a great place to hear salsa, piano and the occasional rock band. Generally speaking, Thursday is jazz night, Friday is salsa night and Saturday is Piano Bar. Platea is located opposite the old Union Club, in Casco Viejo. There is a great Spanish restaurant, S’Cena upstairs.

Pure

Pure is a high-end lounge on Calle 48, just off Calle Uruguay with a very minimalistic décor and open-air terrace. Expect to hear: Chill-out, Deep House, R&B and Hip Hop.

Sahara

Sahara is a relaxed bar on Calle 48, just off Calle Uruguay with a large terrace out front. Expect to hear: Classic Rock and 70s – 80s Pop.

S6IS Bar and Lounge

Located on Calle Uruguay, next to Pepperoncini Restaurant and above Privé, S6IS (pronounced seis) plays a variety of music and mainly attracts a younger audience (18 – 25). Expect to hear: All kinds of music; generally pop and dance music from recent years.

The Londoner

The Londoner is Panama’s only British Pub and owing to the absence of an Irish Pub, the Londoner fills that void also. Service is friendly and laid back and there are 2 pool tables and a dartboard. The walls are adorned with British memorabilia and there is a pretty good selection of imported drinks, including Guiness and Cider. Expect to hear: Classic Rock, 80s and 90s rock/pop.

Undoubtedly Panama’s top tourist attraction, a visit to Panama would not be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal. The best place to see the Panama Canal is from the Miraflores Visitor Center, located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Panama City. The Miraflores Visitor Center comprises several viewing platforms, a restaurant, museum, auditorium and gift shop. A constant commentary is given about boats transiting the Canal, including information like their origin, destination, the cargo on board, size and weight of the ship and the toll paid by the boat to transit the Panama Canal.

About the Panama Canal

Located in the narrowest part of the American continent and the lowest region of the Panamanian isthmus; the Panama Canal was built by the United States of America from 1904 to 1914 and is still one of the world’s most amazing feats of engineering. In fact, the Panama Canal is listed as one of the Wonders of the Modern World.

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal provides easy and reliable crossings between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for more than 750,000 vessels each year. Ships from all over the world are built to fit the exact specifications of the three sets of locks that are located along the amazing waterway. These ships are known as Panamax Ships.

The Panama Canal is 50 miles (80 km) long from and runs from northwest to southeast, with the Atlantic side entrance around 33 miles (54 km) north and 27 miles (43 km) west of the pacific mouth. The straight-line distance between those two point would only be 43 miles (69 km).

Panama Canal Route

A ship takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to pass through the Panama Canal and must be pass through the three sets of locks – Gatun Locks close to the Atlantic entrance , Pedro Miguel Locks and Miraflores Locks close to the Pacific entrance. Each lock chamber is 110 ft. (33.53 m.) wide and 1,000 ft. (304.8 m.) long. Most of the trip through the canal is done with nature’s help, as the ships are lifted up by water from sea level to the lake, from where they are lowered to sea level again.

Gatun Locks

Gatun Lake, through which ships travel for 23 miles is one of the largest manmade lakes in the world. It covers an area of more than 163 square miles (425 km²) and was formed by damming the Chagres River. When navigating the lake you can see scores of small islands, which are actually the tops of hills that were submerged by the damming.

A hydro-electric plant at the dam provides part of the energy needed by the Panama Canal. The operation of the locks consumes an incredible amount of fresh water. Each time a ship passes through the waterway, about 52 million gallons of water, mostly from Gatun Lake, must flow into the locks and out to sea. All of the Panama Canal locks use gravitational force to empty and fill the chambers.

Set of Locks on the Panama Canal

Expansion of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is currently undergoing a process of expansion to create a third set of locks. Nowadays, cargo ships are being constructed that are too large to fit through the Panama Canal. These are known as Post-Panamax Ships. The project was first presented by the then-Panamanian President Martín Torrijos on April 24, 2006 and Panamanian citizens approved it in a national referendum in October, 2006. The project will double the canal’s capacity.

The Panama Canal expansion project will create a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal by constructing a new set of locks. Details of the project include the following:

• Construction of two lock complexes—one on the Atlantic side and another on the Pacific side—each with three chambers, which include three water-saving basins
• Excavation of new access channels to the new locks and the widening of existing navigational channels
• Deepening of the navigation channels and the elevation of Gatun Lake’s maximum operating level.[1]

The Panama Canal expansion project started on September 3, 2007. The project promises to generate enough wealth to transform Panama into a First World country. The expansion of the Panama Canal is scheduled to be completed between 2014 and 2015.

Panama Canal Interesting Facts

Did You Know…

… The cargo ship Ancon was the first vessel to transit the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914?

… A boat traveling from New York to San Francisco saves 7,872 miles by using the Panama Canal instead of going around Cape Horn?

… The highest toll paid for a transit through the Panama Canal until 1995 paid by the Crown Princess on May 2, 1993; it was US$141,349.97?

… The lowest toll paid was US$ 0.36 and was paid by Richard Halliburton who crossed the Panama Canal swimming in 1928?

… The San Juan Prospector was the longest ship to transit the Panama Canal; it was 751 ft. (229 m.) in length with a 107 ft. (32.6 m.) beam?

… The Hydrofoil Pegasus of the United States Navy did the fastest transit of the Panama Canal by completing it in 2 hours and 41 minutes?

… Each door of the locks in the Panama Canal weighs 750 tons?

Thanks to its special location close to a primary tropical rainforest, from Panama City you can be enjoying a hike deep inside the forest just by driving about 15 minutes. This makes Panama City a great base for exploring the tropical biodiversity of Panama, while still being able to stay in a comfortable hotel in Panama City each night. There are many different trips from Panama City that will take you to the jungle, but Monkey Island is definitely one of the best day trips to enjoy from Panama City and it’s great for all the family! It gives tourists a real insight into the complexities of the tropical jungle, allows them to get up close to some incredible wildlife and enjoy a boat trip on the Lake Gatun, an instrumental part of the Panama Canal.

Iguanas are common on Monkey Island

Gamboa

Gamboa is a small town in Panama City located close to the Chagres River and Lake Gatun, both beautiful examples of nature that the country offers. One of the main attractions of Gamboa is the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, famous for being one of the most spectacular hotels in Panama. The resort is located within the Soberania National Park and is a unique place in Panama that combines a certain degree of luxury with a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, wildlife watching and kayaking among others. One of the most popular activities at Gamboa, is the trip to Monkey Island. It is good to know that you don’t actually have to be a guest at the Gamboa Resort to enjoy the trip to Monkey Island and it makes an excellent day trip from Panama City.

Monkey Island in Gamboa

Monkey Island is located in Lake Gatun. Monkey Island is home to four different monkey species: The Mantled Howler Monkey, White-Faced Capuchin Monkey, Geoffroy’s Tamarin Monkey and the nocturnal and thus less commonly spotted Lemurine Owl Monkey. As well as the monkeys, other wildlife that you are likely to see includes turtles, crocodiles, sloths, iguanas and a wide range of tropical birds. Usually the boat captain takes fruit on the boat for tourists to feed to the monkeys so they approach the ship and interact with the tourists; although you should be careful doing this as the monkeys can sometimes get a little aggressive. Be sure to follow the captain’s instructions at all times!

White Faced Capuchin Monkey at Monkey Island Panama

The Boat Tour to Monkey Island

The boat tour to Monkey Island can be done as a full-day tour with a tour company that includes the trip to Monkey Island plus a longer “cruise” around parts of Lake Gatun that includes lunch and allows you to bathe in natural swimming holes and do some bass-fishing and kayaking. You can book this through Monkey Island Panama and it costs $98 for adults or $65 for children. Kids under 6 go free.

Lake Gatun Panama

The Gamboa Resort offers a simple two-hour trip to Monkey Island for about $35 per person.

You can also do the tour to Monkey Island on a tight budget by simply going to the public dock at Gamboa (this is located about a quarter mile from the hotel going back across the bridge.) The local boatmen will be happy to take the boat out for a half-day for about $50, which will include a trip to Monkey Island, and perhaps some fishing. If you’re looking to fish, go early in the morning – the peacock bass are most likely to bite then and you can catch up to 200 in an hour!!!

Today Panama’s Casco Viejo is of the most interesting places in the country for tourists to visit. Located in the province of Panama, just a few minutes from downtown Panama City, the Old Town is a fusion of brushstrokes of French and Spanish architecture, reminding many visitors of the old colonial city of New Orleans. The French influences stem from when the French came to the Isthmus of Panama to attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881. Today, the French architecture blends with a distinctive Caribbean vibe and creates Casco Viejo – one of Panama’s most unique and special destinations.

Buildings in Cathedral Plaza Casco Viejo

The Casco Viejo Throughout History

After the first Panama City (now known as Panama Viejo) was pillaged and burnt by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan, Panama’s second capital city was constructed in 1673 in the area that is now known as the Casco Viejo. The unique geography of this place would make it easier to defend the city in the event of more attacks. Today, you can still see the defensive structures, vaults, guns and other elements that were put in place to protect the new city.

Architecture and Diversity in Casco Viejo

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Casco Viejo is an historical site that can not be compared with another in Panama. Neighboring buildings might have been constructed 300 years apart, creating a mish-mash of architectural styles. Beyond the difference in styles is the difference in the people: In Casco, you will find people from all backgrounds and walks of life, from Panamanian opera stars to young, budding surf stars and everything in between. The disparity among the people here is astounding, and while many people in this neighborhood are from unfortunate backgrounds, there is a unique sense of community and bonding. Casco Viejo is like a microcosm of the entire country – a true melting pot of different races and cultures.

View of Downtown Panama City from Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo as a Tourist Destination

Over the years, Casco Viejo has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination. The Old Town is home to some of the most interesting landmarks and monuments in the country, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Canal Museum, the San Jose Church (known affectionately as the Church with the Golden Altar), the National Theatre, Las Bovedas, or the vaults of Casco Viejo, La Plaza de Francia (the French Square) and El Arco Chato (the Flat Arch), among other fascinating places. While during the day, Casco is an outdoor museum housing many of the country’s secrets, by night Casco Viejo is a very important place for restaurants, bars and clubs. Here you will find some of the most varied and unique nightspots in the country.

Metropolitan Cathedral Casco Viejo

Living in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo has also developed a global reputation as an expat relocation spot. The proven investment opportunities in the old buildings have enticed people from all over the world to come, renovate architectural jewels and in many cases, start small businesses. At any given moment, a stroll through Casco Viejo will bring you into contact with peope from as far away as Italy, Germany and the UK, as well as many North American expats.

The Executive Hotel is beautifully located in the heart of Panama’s financial district, just a short walking distance from the best of Panama’s famous restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.   Whether you are traveling to Panama on business, as a tourist or you’ve relocated here and people are visiting, you can be sure that the Executive Hotel will help make your visit a pleasant one.

During its more than 30 years of operation, the Executive Hotel has developed a reputation for quality service, marked by friendliness and personal attention. Consistently enjoying the highest occupancy amongst hotels in Panama City, approximately 53% of the hotel’s guests are returning regulars, with another 42% from local referrals.

Executive Hotel Panama

Executive Hotel Facilities & Amenities

• Free highspeed internet in rooms and all public areas.
• In-room coffee service and bottled water
• Complimentary business center services (fax receipt, limited copies, highspeed internet and computer use).
• Complimentary concierge services (airline ticket confirmation, tour and in-country airline bookings, event & city information)
• High-speed ‘cable connection’ internet access enabled from your guestroom
• WiFi wireless connection from all hotel public areas
• Fitness Center
• Swimming Pool

Executive Hotel Dining

The Executive Hotel has a full-service restaurant serving a blend of American and Panamanian foods.  The hotel is well-known for its American-style breakfast, which is included with all room fees.  The restaurant is open 24 hours a day.

Nearby Attractions

• Panama Canal
• Casco Viejo
• Panama Viejo
• Panama City shopping
• Panama City nightlife

Hotel Information

Address: Ave. Aquilino de la Guardia & Calle 52, Panama City
Price Range:
Telephone: + (507) 265-8011
Website: www.executivehotel-panama.com

The Panamonte Inn & Spa celebrates 95 years this year with deluxe renovations and new amenities! Guests may now pamper themselves in one of the new, luxurious Garden Junior Suites, or the brand-new Garden Terrace rooms. The Panamonte is famous for its gracious hospitality, charm and exquisite cuisine. The Panamonte is the true definition of a country inn: a warm and friendly place for travelers seeking a pleasurable ambiance and personalized attention, a home away from home.

Panamonte Inn & Spa Room Types

Garden Honeymoon Suite:

The Honeymoon Suite is our best room and a favorite with newlyweds, romantic couples, and those seeking to splurge a little and pamper themselves. The Suite boasts a spacious bedroom with a King-size bed, 500-count linens, a light, airy ambiance that opens onto a large private patio surrounded by gardens, and an oversized bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and glass-walled shower. A private fireplace adds to the charm and romance of the setting.

Garden Junior Suites:

Three stylish suites tastefully decorated with locally produced teak furniture and an elegant decor reminiscent of the early Panama Canal days. These suites are our largest rooms, with oversized bedrooms, terraces situated high enough to view the lush mountainous surroundings, plush Queen-size beds with 500-count linens, and deluxe bathrooms with glass-walled showers.

Garden Terrace Rooms:

Our brand-new Garden Terrace rooms are set back in the gardens of the Panamonte, boasting beautiful mountain views and offering an escape from the fast-paced life. All Terrace rooms are the same size, but slightly smaller than our Garden Suites, yet all are tastefully furnished and exceptionally comfortable, with King-size beds and a small, private outdoor seating area.

El Fresal Apartment:

Our 3-bedroom apartment, located just across the street from the hotel, is perfect for families or a group of friends.  El Fresal sleeps a total of 6 guests, and features one master bedroom with a private bathroom, and two bedrooms with twin beds and a shared bathroom. The apartment has a living area, fireplace, and a small outdoor terrace.

Panamonte Inn & Spa Facilities & Amenitites

• Formal Dining Room
• Relaxed Fireside Lounge and Bar
• Spa
• Gardens
• 24-Hour Concierge with Tour Information

Panamonte Inn & Spa Dining

The Panamonte Inn & Spa is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and its cozy fireside lounge and bar. Condé Nast Traveller has named the Panamonte’s restaurant as one of the best in Central America, and the Washington D.C.-based publication Capital Chef has called the restaurant the best in Panama. People come from near and far to savor the flavorful creations of co-owner and award-winning chef Charlie Collins, who has fused his overseas culinary experience with his passion for Panamanian cuisine to produce a menu that is both international and indigenous.

Nearby Attractions

• Volcan Baru
• Coffee Tours
• ATV Tours
• Canopy Tour
• Boquete Village
• Boquete Annual Coffee and Flower Fair
• Volcan and Cerro Punta

Hotel Information

Number of Rooms: 25
Price Range: $200 – $400 per night
Telephone: + (507) 720 – 1324
Website: www.panamonte.com

InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa offers tropical resort seclusion just minutes from Panama City and the wonders of the Panama Canal, where the Miraflores Visitors Center is a must. The colonial and shopping districts, Amador Causeway, Punta Bruja Nature Reserve and the Gamboa Rainforest Resort aerial tram are all less than an hour away.

Panama Hotel Reviews Playa Bonita