There are about 1.2 million people in Panama City. The city is constantly evolving into a safer, cleaner, cosmopolitan town. Tourist attractions have increased and there are plenty of high-end hotels. During the first part of our stay here, we had seen some of the business district and modern parts of the city. We decided it was time to take a taxi to explore the old part of Panama City.
The old town is a small neighborhood near the ocean. Like many 'old-towns' in cities that are hundreds of years old, It's filled with many 'squares', restaurants, churches and shops. Parts of it reminded me of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico with the colorful houses with small balconies. Some buildings were being restored. Others were just left in partial ruins, respected buildings honoring the city's past.
One square with some municipal buildings surrounding it
Similar to Puerto Rico and other multi-century old cities, old town is surrounded by a wall.
Liam and the rest of the family walking through one section of the old town
Family favorite: ice cream break
Some trees growing out of the top of this church
It looks as if this road ends in the water
The other cool thing about Panama City is that it is the only city with a protected rain forest within its city limits. We spent another day hiking the trails here. There were some lovely lookouts that graced us with fabulous views of the city and the locks. This was the third country where we were hiking in rain forests, Fortunately, the idea was not received with complaints from the kids. I certainly don't want them to ever take rain forests (or churches, old towns, or any excursion for that matter) for granted.
Panama City through the rain forest
Amazing how this tree adapts to protect itself with these little spikes all over the bark
Large tree that went down in the middle of the trail. Fortunately not while we were there.
The other unique feature to this rainforest was the pond filled with turtles. The kids definitely enjoyed this little surprise at the end of the trail.
Maeve's new friend
For more creative rainforest pictures, please check out Maeve's photo gallery under 'Panama'. I'm categorizing her shots by country, so will add shots as we travel.