Vip Panama » Nightlife

Madame Blanche Rock Lounge

Mike — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:15:00 +0000

After some time without a new place to go, rock music lovers in Panama can come to the new Madame Blanche Rock Lounge.

This new haven for rockers is located in the popular bar and discotheque district of Panama City, Calle Uruguay. You will find it easily, because it’s located right above the Sahara bar and restaurant.

The interior of Madame Blanche Rock Lounge

Owners of Madame Blanche are determined to capture old as well as young clientele by providing service from early in the afternoon (5:00 p.m.) and gigs that start at the reasonable hour of 10:00 p.m. for the first set and midnight for the second set. No more falling asleep over drinks while you wait for some good music!

Tuesdays are destined for Blues gigs, and Wednesdays for Jazz. Classic Rock, Pop, Indie, Alternative, New Wave and others can be heard on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Owners of Madame Blanche Rock Lounge are radio personality Manuel “Funket” De Leon and artist Alfredo Bocanegra. They rely on experienced bar tender and manager Benny Cedeño to tend to their customers.

The best local musicians play at Madame Blanche.

Panama citizens may recognize the name of this bar, because there’s an award winning magazine with the same name. Also, Funket and Alfredo have expanded this franchise to the radio, by hosting a homonym show on KYS Radio Station (104.3FM).

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Panama in 12 Hours – From Lunch to Dinner

Mike — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 02:54:28 +0000

This writer’s half day in Panama’s old city provided a life time of memories.

Casco Viejo is located at the mouth of the Panama Canal and it is the oldest city on the Pacific Coast of the America: it was there long before the Canal was built. In fairness to history, the original Panama City (now known as Old Panama or Panama La Vieja) was founded in 1519, about two miles from the center of Panama City as we know it today. From here, expeditions were mounted to conquer the Inca Empire of South America and all of the wealth pillaged from Peru, Chile and California flowed to Spain through Old Panama. It is no surprise that this booty attracted pirates like Henry Morgan, who looted the city in 1671.

During Morgan’s attack, this original Panama City was burned to the ground. Two years later, in 1673, the capital was moved two miles to the west and present-day Panama City was founded. This is the area now known as Casco Viejo. As the city was being rebuilt by the Spanish settlers, they decided to build a massive surrounding wall and a stronger fortress for its protection and to ensure that the enormous wealth in gold and silver that passed through it would never again be susceptible to the likes of Henry Morgan.

The new city boasted a cross-sectioned design of 38 blocks, with three main streets running from east to west and seven streets running from north to south. Unfortunately, this urban development was interrupted by various fires that devastated its streets. In 1737, the “big fire” destroyed two thirds of the city and the “small fire” of 1756 destroyed more than 90 houses. These and other catastrophic fires help explain why so few true examples of Spanish colonial architecture exist today.

The fortress still survives, though and today houses several important, cultural and historic buildings and monuments. But it is the architecture of Casco Viejo that makes it so special. The old Spanish colonial style is overlaid with French balconies and architecture, remnants of the French inhabitants who made the initial attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881. Over the years, a Caribbean influence also took hold and, today, Casco Viejo is a melting pot of architectural inspiration and style, with some buildings dating as far back as 300 years.

Up until the early parts of this century, Casco Viejo remained a thriving cultural center. But as Panama City modernized and as the automotive age made transportation easier, it spread outward, leaving Casco Viejo behind. The old city’s narrow labyrinth streets were difficult for cars to maneuver and its buildings were obsolete in comparison to modern skyscrapers being built. By the mid 1900s, Casco Viejo had gone the way of most city centers of that century. No longer the center of Panama City, it was too oppressed for the upper class and quickly became a poor area of tenement-style housing.

In 1997, UNESCO declared Casco Viejo a Patrimony of Humanity, a World Heritage site. Today, it is revered as the historic center of Panama City. Two- and three-story houses with flower-adorned balconies overlook narrow streets. At its tip is French Park, where you will find the French Embassy and a monument to the hardy French builders who began the Panama Canal. On one side is an historical Spanish building called Las Bovedas, now housing an art gallery and French restaurant.

Close by is the Museum of National History and across the way is the National Cathedral. Nearby is a small museum dedicated to religious art, found in the old Santo Domingo monastery. This is where you will find the famous Flat Arch, which reportedly helped convince engineers that Panama was earthquake-proof and a geologically stable area for building the Canal. A few blocks away is the old San Jose Cathedral, with gleaming spires inlaid with mother-of-pearl and its beautiful gold altar, intricately carved of wood and gilded with gold. This is a must-see when you visit Casco Viejo.

To finish off your day in Panama in style, make your way to The Bristol Hotel, just a short taxi journey from Casco Viejo. Dining at the Barandas Restaurant at The Bristol Hotel is an event to savor. The Panamanian-inspired gourmet cuisine, restful ambiance, stunning presentation, elegant settings and attentive service combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Make sure to finish off the day with a drink in the elegant dark wood bar.Michael RussellYour Independent guide to TravelArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russel

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Panama locks may bring luck to New Orleans

Mike — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 03:14:59 +0000

Canal Expansion (Source) By Jaquetta White: The Port of New Orleans could be a leading beneficiary of the recently approved plan to expand the Panama Canal, the agency’s chief executive said. “Anything that happens that allows bigger, better and faster ships to come through the canal works for us,” said Gary LaGrange, the port’s president and chief executive. Panamanian voters on Sunday approved a referendum to modernize the 92-year-old canal. The project will double the canal’s capacity and allow more vessels, including super-sized container ships, to pass through. The Port of New Orleans has long been in support of the plan because it will open the door for more trade opportunities with Asia. Asian cargo generally is not shipped directly to the Port of New Orleans or other Gulf ports because today’s trans-Pacific cargo ships are too big to fit through the Panama Canal. Asian cargo is commonly shipped to the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which combine to create the busiest container port in the country and third-largest in the world. But as trade with Asia has increased, those ports have become congested, leading shippers to search for new routes. Expanding the Panama Canal could provide an alternative entry into the United States, industry experts say. (more)

One place the cargo could go is the Gulf Coast, said Jim Kruse, director of the Center for Ports & Waterways in the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University.

“It would certainly help Houston and New Orleans,” Kruse said. “The canal is running pretty much at capacity. It should increase trade just because it will increase the number of vessels that can come through.”

Under the plan, a set of new locks will be built along the canal to add a new lane of traffic. The canal will also be dredged to accommodate ships with a 50-foot draft. The canal is now dredged only to 39½ feet. The changes will oblige not only large container ships, but tankers and break-bulk vessels, said Alberto Alemàn Zubieta, who heads the Panama Canal Authority.

“We will take away the restrictions that are posed on the maritime industry today by allowing bigger and deeper vessels to go through the waterway,” Alemn said.

The project is expected to cost $5.2 billion and take eight years to complete. Construction will begin in 2008.

The expansion in Panama places new emphasis on the port’s need to expand its Napoleon Avenue container terminal, LaGrange said. The port has proposed building a terminal on a 60-acre tract adjacent to the Napoleon terminal.

“I think there’s going to be some significant decisions made the next three or four months,” LaGrange said. “It has always been a general discussion before, now we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty.”

If you are interested in doing business in Panama or doing business with Panama you will want to make the right contacts, hire a competent, English speaking lawyer, and have someone on your side who knows local customs and politics. VIP Panama takes pride in connecting its clients to the right luxury living accommodations, the right business arrangements, and the most discrete entertainment when required.

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

A Guide on Bars in Panama and Bar Districts

Mike — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:16:47 +0000

Be prepared for a shocker when you get to Panama, especially if you are coming from one of the Central American neighbours. Bars in Panama are much more cosmopolitan than the bars in, say Guatemala or Nicaragua. You will find a tremendous variety in the types of music, drink prices, and crowds.

If you are just looking to unwind, grab a beer, and call it a night around 10 then Panama may not be the place for you. There aren’t a ton of sidewalk cafés that feature outdoor or patio dining, but a handful exist in places like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo. Even the Bella Vista and Calle Uruguay area has a handful of spots. Habibis is an obvious choice for outdoor lounging, and Sahara is another good place to go for a cool drink outside. In Casco Viejo, one can find a number of places like Brazios. La Terraza was a popular gringo hangout, but with the exit of ¨dirty Mike¨, the Panama bar’s fabled owner, the place has lost its distinctive feel. You can still get a cold beer at this famous gringo watering hole, located on Via Venetto.

Bars in Panama usually get cranking around 10 or 11pm, and one of the best bars to begin the night is the new Londoner Bar located on Calle Uruguay. They have happy hour, billiards, and a good looking and distinctively British menu. British memorabilia line the bar, British and Scottish ales are available, and football is almost always on the tele. Another good bar in Panama is Crème. An upscale lounge type bar that features some great mixed drinks and the most comfortable couches in the country, Crème is a must visit for the business traveler and the backpacker alike. Located next to Farmacia Arrocha, this bar turns into a very hip club after 11pm. The appetizers are top notch, and the drinks wont cost you an arm and a leg.

For a complete list of bars in Panama, I usually go to buscapanama.net. I think this site is maintained by an American living down there, and it seems like they do a pretty good job of keeping up with the trends. The site differentiates between bars and clubs, which is important because the two tend to attract different crowds. Another good thing about buscapanama is that they feature pictures of people at the bar. Another good panama bar website is dealante.com, but that one is in all Spanish. It’s a great place to see all of the good looking crowds.

The thing about Panama bars is that one week they’ll be all the rage and the next week they’ll be dead. People in Panama love their bars, and following the trends can be a full time job. Bars in Panama run a ton of specials, and from the looks of it the busca panama site has a list of specials as well. Most bars here don’t close until late, so there is always an opportunity to grab a drink well into the wee hours.

The variety of bars in Panama is tremendous, and they are concentrated in a number of different areas. The primary bar hopping areas are Calle Uruguay, Area Bancaria, and Amador Causeway. The financial district, or area bancaria, is quickly becoming one of the hottest places for bars in panama. Bars like El Pavo Real, Koppas, Crème, Lighthouse, and Voila are all located in this new trendy area. It is the closest area to walk to if travellers are staying in the El Cangrejo or Bella Vista areas, and it is very safe at all hours of the night. The causeway is a bit far away, and bars are spread out. Calle Uruguay has the highest concentration of bars, and they run the gambit from dive bar to swanky club.

Either way, there is definitely something for everyone!

Kent Preiss-Davis has been dreaming about Panama since he was a boy, and finally made it out to the beautiful country which he now calls home. He has taken on the arduous task of reviewing every bar, club, and brothel in Panama City, Panama. A weekend wasted is never a wasted weekend.

Panama Bars

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Isthmus flows with culture, history and gaming

Mike — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:31:41 +0000

PANAMA CITY, Panama — Known for its famed waterway, Panama’s capital boasts more than just a spot to watch the ships cross through the engineering marvel.

Visitors can chose between a swim in the Pacific or the Caribbean, hear tales of pirates looting the city’s original site, find bargain shopping, sample tropical fruits and try their luck at the horse races in Panama City.

OUTDOORS

Head to the Amador Causeway and snap photos of Panama’s downtown or the Bridge of the Americas, where traffic crosses over while ships cruise through the canal. Once part of the off-limits Canal Zone guarded by the U.S. military, the causeway has become a favorite of locals and tourists. The thin strip surrounded by the ocean houses duty-free shops, restaurants, hotels and dance clubs. Construction signs and sites make it evident that there’s more on the way. Kiosks sell hammocks, guayaberas, hats and molas, brightly colored fabrics with elaborate, hand-sewn designs of the Kuna Indian tribe.

By day, twentysomethings and families catch the cool of the ocean breeze while biking, in-line skating, or jogging along the causeway. It’s a strenuous and humid walk, so renting multiseat bikes at the stretch’s entrance works best.

For a day of diving, snorkeling and other water sports, head for Taboga Island, on the Pacific coast. Ferries bound for Isla Taboga leave from a Balboa pier and the causeway each morning and return in the late afternoon.

MUSEUMS

Check out any of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s stations. Visit one of the island sites, such as the Barro Colorado Field Research Station, for a boat ride across the canal’s Gatun Lake and a chance to see a half-dozen native monkey species in their natural setting.

At the Marine Exhibition Center in Punta Culebra, view sloths, pelicans and other tropical forest-dwellers along with an unfettered view of the ships crossing and the rhythmic pounding of waves crashing on jagged rocks. Both kids and adults will be mesmerized watching the crab-eating shark and hearing the boas slithering in the dry forest walk within the park.

CUISINE

For breakfast, sip a frothy cafe con leche, made with locally grown coffee beans, or cinnamon tea. Beer connoisseurs should look for local brews Soberana, Balboa and Atlas, which have a light taste that’s thirst-quenching in the sticky climate.

Pencas offers a view of the ocean and authentic Panamanian cuisine, which is inexpensive even at many upscale eateries. On the restaurant’s menu are minitamales wrapped in plantain leaves, pesada de nance (a cereal-textured fruit dessert with bits of white cheese), dorado en salsa de coco (fish in coconut sauce) and ojaldas (a fried bread). On Wednesday nights, Pencas features a troupe of foot-shuffling folk dancers and a live band complete with accordion. As the show wraps up, dancers and some of the servers extend their hands for a dance with audience members. When I told our waiter that I didn’t know the steps, he turned to my mom and asked “Does the lady dance?”

HISTORY

History buffs should explore the remnants of Panama’s colonial past to learn about its history in the quest for riches in the Americas. Just a cab away from most points in the capital city is Panama la Vieja. In 1671, Panama la Vieja was sacked by pirates, led by Sir Henry Morgan. Red-brick streets, a cathedral spire and crumbling walls, arches and buildings of the Spanish settlement era remain.

Guided tours telling of the colony’s former grandeur and demise are available.

Some miles away is the Casco Viejo, an old colonial neighborhood with narrow streets and pastel-colored buildings in the midst of renovation. Its architecture resembles New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Just like locals have for centuries, watch the sunset from the Paseo de las Bovedas, a sea walk along an old Spanish military fort that served as a prison. Other sites include the Catedral Metropolitana, El Teatro Nacional and the unguarded Church of the Golden Altar. Several restaurants and cafes also dot the neighborhood.

GAMBLING

Place a bet on the horse races at the Hipodromo Presidente Jose A. Remon on a Thursday afternoon and mingle with locals and visitors. The horseracing park also is open weekends and holidays.

More than a half-dozen other casinos also offer all night games of chance in Panama. Among the favorite spots is the casino at the Hotel Panama.

NIGHT LIFE

Hit the causeway or the city’s financial district for some dancing, dining and drinking.

ELSEWHERE

Panama City also connects travelers by plane, bus or boat to other provinces. You can spot large green plantain leaves and dozens of noni plants heading out of the capital city. If you roll down the car windows while driving through heavily forested areas, you might hear the monkeys shrieking.

- The province of Colon is where gold and silver from the Americas passed before being transported to Europe. Explore the cannons and the lush green Spanish fortress in Portobelo.

Bocas del Toro offers scuba diving and national parks for trekking.

- Baru volcano is Panama’s highest point at 11,408 feet. Close by is the alpine town of Boquete, in the province of Chiriqui.

IF YOU GO:

Panama

PANAMA TOURISM

INSTITUTE: www.visitpanama.com or (011) (507) 226-7000.

SMITHSONIAN

TROPICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE MARINE

EXHIBITION CENTER: www.stri.org. Adults, $2; retirees, $1; children, 50 cents.

PENCAS RESTAURANT: Amador Causeway, (011) (507) 211-3671.

HIPODROMO

PRESIDENTE JOSE A. REMON RACING PARK: www.hipodromo.com/general (in Spanish) or (011) (507) 217-6060.

SAFETY: Panama is relatively safe, but be aware and don’t venture into some neighborhoods at night. The country has a special police force to help tourists.

DRIVING: Driving within the city can be erratic and some areas have few traffic signs or lights.

TAXIS: Taxis looking for a fare usually honk. Wave to flag them down and settle on price before taking trips.

http://www.suntimes.com

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Panama Casinos

Mike — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:36:06 +0000

Panama, a country in Central America, is divided into 11 cities in which there are numerous casinos. The only types of gambling that are legal in Panama are horse racing, pari-mutuel betting, and casinos. The majority of the Panama casinos and gambling facilities are located downtown in Panama City, with 22 of the total 36 in the country.

The largest casino in Panama City is the Casino Majestic, with over 53,000 square feet of gambling space. The Majestic, open 24 hours seven days a week, features 39 table games and 978 gaming machines, video poker and slots. Among the other popular casinos located in Panama City are in the Hotel Caesar Park, the Miramar Intercontinental, and the Hotel El Panama. The Crown Casino in the Caesar Park Hotel is in a prime location, central to the business district and the historic attractions of old Panama. The Crown Casino features table games of baccarat, blackjack, Caribbean Stud poker, Draw Poker, roulette, and craps, but no gaming machines. The Fiesta Casino in the El Panama has a great atmosphere, with 320 gaming machines and 16 table games of blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. There are several other smaller casinos in Panama City, with gaming machines and a few table games, such as the Casino International, the Fiesta in the Gran Hotel Soloy, and the casino in the Riande Granada Hotel.

A fairly recent addition to the lineup of Panama casinos is the Veneto Hotel and Casino, a Vegas-style gambling facility, also in Panama City. The Veneto is perhaps the largest Panama casino with 40,000 square feet that includes 511 slots and 42 table games such as blackjack, Texas Hold’em and other poker, roulette, mini-baccarat, and craps.

Other Panama casinos can be found in cities such as Chiriqui, with two casinos; the larger of the two is the Casino Dorado with 318 slots and video poker machines and no table games. Other Panama casinos include the Casino Chitre in the Hotel Barcelo Guayacanes in the city of Herrera and the Gran David in Chorrera. The Hotel Washington Fiesta Casino in Colon has nine table games and 93 slots. In addition, the Hotel Royal Decameron Costa Blanca in Farallon has a casino with 50 slots and seven table games.

International investors continue to recognize the potential of further Panama casino development, especially with the proposed widening of the Panama Canal.

This article is the property of Panama Casinos

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Panama so much more than canal zone

Mike — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:32:11 +0000

PANAMA CITY, Panama — Known for its famed waterway, Panama’s capital boasts more than just a spot to watch the ships cross through the engineering marvel.

OUTDOORS: Head to the Amador Causeway and snap photos of Panama’s downtown or the Bridge of the Americas, where traffic crosses over while ships cruise through the canal. Once part of the off-limits Canal Zone guarded by the U.S. military, the Causeway has become a favorite of locals and tourists. The thin strip surrounded by the ocean houses duty free shops, restaurants, hotels and dance clubs. Construction signs and sites make it evident that there’s more on the way. Kiosks sell hammocks, guayaberas, hats and molas, brightly- colored fabrics with elaborate, hand-sewn designs of the Kuna Indian tribe.

By day, 20-somethings and families catch the cool of the ocean breeze while biking, in-line skating, or jogging along the Causeway. It’s a strenuous and humid walk, so renting multi-seat bikes at the stretch’s entrance works best.

For a day of diving, snorkeling and other water sports, head for Taboga Island, on the Pacific coast. Ferries bound for Isla Taboga leave from a Balboa pier and the Causeway each morning and return in the late afternoon.

MUSEUMS: Check out any of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s stations. Visit one of the island sites, such as the Barro Colorado Field Research Station, for a boat ride across the canal’s Gatun Lake and a chance to see a half-dozen native monkey species in their natural setting.

CUISINE: For breakfast, sip a frothy cafe con leche, made with locally-grown coffee beans, or cinnamon tea. Beer connoisseurs should look for local brews Soberana, Balboa and Atlas, which have a light taste that’s thirst-quenching in the sticky climate.

Pencas offers a view of the ocean and authentic Panamanian cuisine, which is inexpensive even at many upscale eateries. On the restaurant’s menu are mini-tamales wrapped in plantain leaves, pesada de nance (a cereal-textured fruit dessert with bits of white cheese), dorado en salsa de coco (fish in coconut sauce) and ojaldas (a fried bread).

On Wednesday nights, Pencas features a troupe of foot-shuffling folk dancers and a live band complete with accordion. As the show wraps up, dancers and some of the servers extend their hands for a dance with audience members. When I told our waiter that I didn’t know the steps, he turned to my mom and asked “Does the lady dance?”

HISTORY: History buffs should explore the remnants of Panama’s colonial past to learn about its history in the quest for riches in the Americas. Just a taxicab away from most points in the capital city is Panama la Vieja. In 1671, Panama la Vieja was sacked by pirates, led by Sir Henry Morgan. Red-brick streets, a cathedral spire and crumbling walls, arches and buildings of the Spanish settlement era remain.

Guided tours telling of the colony’s former grandeur and demise are available.

Some miles away is the Casco Viejo, an old colonial neighborhood with narrow streets and pastel-colored buildings in the midst of renovation. Its architecture resembles New Orleans’ French Quarter.

GAMBLING: Place a bet on the horse races at the Hipodromo Presidente Jose A. Remon on a Thursday afternoon and mingle with locals and visitors. The horseracing park also opens weekends and holidays.

NIGHTLIFE: Hit the Causeway or the city’s financial district for some dancing, dining and drinking.

ELSEWHERE: Panama City also connects travelers by plane, bus or boat to other provinces. You can spot large green plantain leaves and dozens of noni plants heading out of the capital city.

– The province of Colon is where gold and silver from the Americas passed before being transported to Europe. Explore the cannons and the lush green Spanish fortress in Portobelo.

– Bocas del Toro offers scuba diving and national parks for trekking.

– Baru volcano is Panama’s highest point at 11,408 feet. Close by is the alpine town of Boquete, in the province of Chiriqui.

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)

Panama City – Best of Latin America: Latin Trade readers’ choice

Mike — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:16:31 +0000

BEST HOTEL

Caesar Park. Decorative details, historic ambience and comfort make this hotel a favorite among LATIN TRADE readers. The location is perfect–in front of the Atlapa Convention Center, close to the airport and near large financial institutions. Housed in a colonial-style building, Caesar Park has tour restaurants, a lobby bar, 353 rooms and eight luxury suites. All guest rooms look out over the bay or the Pacific Ocean. Guests can use the Caesar Xpress Service Center 24 hours a day to do anything from make a plane reservation to drop off dry cleaning. The Executive Club rooms, set up with workspaces and Internet and computer connections, offer business travelers extra privacy and amenities. There’s also a business center with a wide range of services. Rates run from US$105 for a regular room to $165 for an executive room. Via Israel at Calle 77, San Francisco de la Caleta. Phone: [507] 270-0477. www.caesarpark.com

BEST HISTORICAL RUINS OUTSIDE PANAMA CITY

Portobelo. This 400-year-old former fortress guarded one of the most important ports of the Spanish empire, used to load gold and silver from South America onto galleons for shipment back to Europe. The fortress came under repealed attacks from legendary pirates Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, prompting the Spanish government to seek safer sea routes in the late 17th century. The mine great fortress-port, declared a national historical monument in 1976, is now a sleepy fishing rover with several excellent seafood restaurants. Portobelo is in the Caribbean province of Colon, two hours east of Panama City by car.

BEST TOUR

Bocas del Toro. Most of these enchanting Caribbean islands, which offer diving, swimming and hiking, are part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park During nesting season, you’ll see turtles along the beaches. The main town, Bocas del Tom, on the southeastern part of Colon Island, has hotels and entertainment spots. The archipelago is accessible by plane from Panama City or from the towns of David and Changuinola, or by boat from Almirante and Chiriqui Grande.

BEST RESTAURANT

Las Bovedas. This chic restaurant and weekend jazz bar is tucked into an old dungeon under the defensive sea wall of the Casco Viejo, the center of Panamanian architectural history. La Bovedas offers a unique dinning experience inside the century-old, domed-ceiling stone dungeon. If you gel, claustrophobic, you can eat on the outdoor plaza. French fare and seafood. Plaza de Francia in Casco Viejo. Phone: [507] 228-8058.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Fidanque Panama. The efficiency and quality service of this local agency has made it the exclusive representative in Panama for Avis car rental, American Express and Crystal Cruises. Calle 50 at 59, Urbanization Obarrio. Phone: [507] 264-2444. www.fidanquetravel.com

BEST TOURIST SITE

Miraflores locks. The longest and tallest of three sets of locks on the Panama Canal, the gates at Miraflores on the Caribbean side of the canal has a two-story observation tower to take photos of ships passing through the canal and wave to boat passengers. English- and Spanish-language tourism information is available about the history and construction of the canal. A bilingual guide offers information on the boats and ships passing through. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes for boats to enter and leave the gravity-powered locks. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Public bathrooms and a gift shop. The best way to get there is by taxi, $8 one way.

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

To book hotel reservations or a tour, to find out about investment, real estate, or offshore banking opportunities in Panama, or to find out where to go and what to do in Panama contact us.

Email us at The Panama Club

+507-836-6542 / 43 (Panama) | 1-(305)-503-9957 (USA)