Panama City Adventure: Exploring the Jungle, Casco Viejo, and City Views
A Jungle Trek in the Heart of Panama City
My Panama City adventure began with a unique experience: a jungle walk right in the middle of the city! Arriving around 10:00 a.m., I quickly realized the heat was intense, suggesting an earlier start would be ideal for future trekkers. Surprisingly, the trail required signing in, likely due to the sloths inhabiting the area. The prospect of encountering these creatures in their natural habitat, so close to the bustling city, added an element of excitement to the trek.
Within minutes, I spotted a sloth lazily lounging in a tree, a testament to the thriving wildlife within the city limits. The jungle trail also revealed a variety of other fascinating creatures, including a striking black vulture. The heat was a constant companion, but the promise of stunning views kept me motivated.
Reaching New Heights and City Vistas
The culmination of the jungle trail offered a panoramic view of Panama City's impressive skyline. Skyscrapers dominated the horizon, showcasing the city's modern development. From this vantage point, both the old city (Casco Viejo) and the iconic Panama Canal were visible, providing a sense of the city's historical and economic significance. The surprisingly low number of fellow hikers made the experience even more special.
The view of the Panama Canal was particularly captivating. Learning about the exorbitant fees to cross the canal – from $4,000 for a small sailboat to over a million dollars for large cruise ships – added a layer of intrigue to the waterway's importance.
Exploring Casco Viejo and the Coffee Culture
After the invigorating hike, I ventured into Casco Viejo, the historic district, with my companion Amelia. This area exudes a charming colonial Spanish ambiance and is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture. We opted for takeaway iced lattes from Unido, a popular local coffee chain often referred to as the "Starbucks of Panama." The coffee was excellent, a double shot that wasn't overly milky. While tempted by the premium Geisha coffee, its $12 price tag led us to choose a more budget-friendly option.
Coastal Views and the Mysterious Yellow Ball
A stroll along the seafront outside Casco Viejo revealed a beautiful stretch of white sand beach and further emphasized the impressive skyline. We then stumbled upon a large yellow ball in a park, which we later learned was a tethered hot air balloon. Continuing our exploration, we reached the Pacific Lookout, once again treated to stunning city views but surprised by the lack of crowds.
The high police presence in Casco Viejo was noticeable, though its purpose remained unclear. Feeling hungry, we sought out a ceviche market, recommended by our Airbnb host. This Peruvian dish, made with raw fish and lime, proved to be a delicious and affordable meal at just $3 per serving.
Our Airbnb Haven: La Manana
Our Airbnb, La Manana (The Apple), provided a comfortable and affordable base for our explorations. Located within a secure building with amenities like a coffee shop, it offered a convenient and safe environment. The apartment itself was well-equipped, including a large TV, AC, a kitchen, and a comfortable living space.
A Relaxed Evening and Reflections on Panama City
Despite the allure of rooftop bars, an unexpected rain shower led us to opt for a cozy evening in our Airbnb. Reflecting on our time in Panama City, we realized we hadn't yet visited the Panama Canal, a popular attraction offering an IMAX experience and a closer look at the canal's operations. While the $17 per person fee had deterred us, it remains a must-do for visitors.
