The Pirate Conquest of Panama City

HIGHLIGHTS: CASCO ANTIGUO•PANAMÁ LA VIEJA

Trace the history of the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean. Step into the world of myths and legends and experience the origin of Panama City. We’ve crafted this adventure in authentic places and getting in-depth and fun way of learning from the local culture.

Experience Map

Experience Overview

1. Pick up from Panama City

AM pick up from hotel, time will be confirmed 24-hour prior departure. A transfer will be previously arranged to take you to the beginning of the adventure at Panama La Vieja.

2. Visit to Panamá La Vieja

Our host will lead you to trace the footsteps of Spanish Conquerors, legendary Pirates and local people and follow the encounter of two worlds to the place of the origin of the Pirates of the Caribbean stories began: Panamá La Vieja. Venture and discover firsthand their personal most valuable treasures as you explore the traces left by Henry Morgan in his quest for gold.

3. Lunch at Casco Antiguo

Enjoy a great view while you enjoy gastronomic local delicacies at a local restaurant at Casco Antiguo

4. Guided visit to Casco Antiguo

A Caribbean essence can be felt in every corner. Small cozy streets, vibrant colors everywhere, warm people, historic buildings, plazas, meaningful experiences, you will find intimate unique places from a traditional old fashioned ice cream shops to exquisite gastronomic experiences.

5. Ground transportation to hotel

The journey will end at Panama City with a ground transportation to your hotel.

Experience Brief Description

1. Pick up from Panama City

The experience begins with a guided pick up from your hotel in Panama City.

2. Visit Panamá La Vieja


Located in the middle of skyscrapers, Panamá La Vieja is a charming place that still conserves its mystical flavor. Built on an indigenous village it was the first city founded by Spain in the Pacific Coast back in 1500. As you walk surrounded by an exotic and magnificent greenery you will immerse yourself into history in every corner.

This picturesque UNESCO world heritage site will transport to the link between cultures –Spaniards, English, French, and of course Panamanians- the exchange of gastronomic flavors, attire, religion and their different way of living.  The Cathedral Tower, the King’s Bridge, the Convent, private homes and other important ruins still remain as a witness for the expansion project of the Spaniard monarchy to conquer these territories.

3. Stroll the streets of Casco Antiguo

Casco Antiguo is a colorful, charming historical centre thoughtfully settled on a reef to protect the city from pirate invasions.  Its location made impossible for ships to anchor or get close by.

Through history, the isthmus of Panama has become of great relevance for the commercial world trade and in the Casco Antiguo some important agreements took place, for instance the negotiation of the construction of the now famous Panama Canal was signed by Theodore Roosevelt at this historical centre; this document is one of the most important not only for the construction itself, buy of what politically implies for the commercial world. Our host will add some interesting details about the story of the treaty.

 
4. Lunch at Casco Antiguo

After this walk through history we will take you for an exquisite lunch and then back to your hotel.

5. Transfer back to hotel in Panama City

Bus will pick you up to return to your hotel in Panama City.

About Experience Highlights

Casco Antiguo

Founded in 1519, Panama City became the starting point of important expeditions, like the one, which led to the conquering of the Inca Empire in Peru. Located between the rainforests and the Pacific Ocean, Panama is a vibrant city, which combines the 17th largest sky scrapes line in the world with the colorful warm old colonial city.

Panamá La Vieja

The remaining part of the Old Panama City, a World Heritage Site since 1997. A settlement was founded on 1519 and it became the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. In 1521, the settlement was promoted to the status of city by Charles V of Spain and since then it became a starting point for various expeditions to Peru and an important base from which gold and silver were sent to Spain. In 1671, pirate Henry Morgan attacked the city in his greed for treasures and the city was destroyed.

What else is included in this experience?

Included:

•All ground transportation
•Guided, English or Spanish
•Visit to Panama La Vieja
•Lunch at a restaurant
•Guided discovery of Casco Antiguo

 Not Included:

•Not specified services
•Gratuities, laundry or valet services, gifts and additional items
•ITBMS taxes 7%
•Alcoholic beverages

Important Note:
Itinerary and activities are subject to change without previous notice.

What to bring

The Essentials:

•Passport
•Travel Insurance
•Health insurance information
•Credit/debit cards
•Cash (US Dollars)
•Personal medication

The Wearables:

•Sneakers or lightweight shoes, comfortable for walking short distances
•Short-sleeve and/or t-shirts
•Light raincoat
•Sunglasses (optional: neck strap)
•White-brimmed hat or cap

The Portables:

•Binoculars
•Sun block & lip balm (waterproof + SPF50 or higher)
•Insect repellent
•Small backpack/daypack (preferably waterproof)
•Camera/video camera
•Extra memory cards and batteries
•Appliance chargers & adaptors if necessary (plugs in Panama are US-style A&B, 2 flat pins, 110V)
•Journal