History Lover’s Panama: Panamá Viejo, Casco Antiguo and Portobelo
Before Panama was skyscrapers and surf towns, it was the crossroads of empires — and the ruins are still standing. If you have a day or two in the capital before your shuttle to the coast, this is the history circuit worth doing.
Panamá Viejo
The original Panama City, founded in 1519 and sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Today its stone tower and cathedral ruins — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — rise right beside the modern skyline. Go early for soft light and few crowds.
{img:panamaviejo}Casco Antiguo
The “new” old town rebuilt after Morgan’s raid: plazas, churches, rooftop cafes and the best-preserved colonial streets in the country. Perfect for an evening stroll and dinner.
Portobelo
{img:portobelo}On the Caribbean coast about 1.5 hours away, Portobelo’s stone fortresses once guarded the Spanish treasure fleets — cannons still point at the bay. It pairs beautifully with a beach stop on the same coast.
Then head for nature
Most travelers do history first, then nature: our shuttles connect Panama City with El Valle, Boquete and Santa Catalina — gateway to Coiba National Park snorkeling tours. One WhatsApp message plans the whole route.
Getting around Panama
We run shared and private shuttles linking Panama City, Santa Catalina, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, David and more — plus Coiba National Park day tours from Santa Catalina.