SENDERO PANAMA - Day Tours - Modern and Ancient Panama

This day begins at the Miraflores Visitors Center to see ships transiting the locks and learn how and why the canal was built and is maintained today. Then we are off to Panama Viejo, the site of the original city of Panama sacked by Henry Morgan in 1671 followed by lunch at a Panama City restaurant. The afternoon will be spent visiting the Mercado del Marisco, exploring the quaint streets of old Panama, Casco Antiguo, and time permitting, some shopping at the Artisans Market .

Miraflores Visitors Center

The Miraflores Visitor Center (MVC) is an expression of the permanent commitment of the Panama Canal Authority to strengthen the public’s knowledge of the Canal. Located on the east side of the Miraflores Locks, the MVC allows the visitor to observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn firsthand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed. From the observation platform, you’ll watch in awe as ocean-going ships are tendered through huge locks with only inches to spare.

Panama Viejo

Founded in 1519 by the conquistador Pedrarías Dávila, Panamá Viejo is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was laid out on a rectilinear grid and marks the transference from Europe of the idea of a planned town. In 1671 the city was sacked and burned by the Welsh privateer, Henry Morgan. Today, the remaining ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mercado del Marisco

The waters off the coast of Panama on the Pacific side are rich in marine life. The fishermen come in daily and sell their catches to wholesaler buyers who then resell the fish to retailers. The stands in the seafood market are retailers who sell to the general public.

Casco Antiguo

The historic center of Panama City is a quiet, charming district of narrow streets overlooked by the flower bedecked balconies of two and three-story houses. At its tip lies French Park, a monument to the French builders who began the Panama Canal, and the lovely French Embassy. As we meander through the area we will see the remaining ruins of the convents and seminaries, the famous Flat Arch, and the beautiful Cathedral with its mother of pearl covered spires.

Artisans Market

The Artisan Market in Panama City is a warren of wonderful little stalls and stores where it is possible to find, under one roof, all of the local arts and crafts. The mola, made by the Kuna Indians, is an intricately stitched and overlaid piece of fabric that can be used for many purposes. The tagua nut is a collectible item that is delicately carved and painted to resemble many of the local wildlife of Panama. Beadwork and Embera baskets abound.