Panama

Aug 4-6
UA1034 IAH-PTY, UA1033 PTY-IAH

Although we have visited a good portion of the world, Panama was our first trip to Central America.  It was possible to fly directly to Panama City from Houston, so it was a nice option for a weekend trip.  We had heard good things about Panama, and were very interested in viewing the Canal. Although it was a challenge to navigate, we enjoyed our visit. 

August 5

After arriving on a late flight the night before, we picked up a rental car on Saturday to get out to the canal and explore part of the jungle.  Unfortunately, we did not have a good GPS and Google maps wasn't great for navigating in Panama. We got lost a few times, but did make it to both ends of the canal, explored part of Panama City, and stayed out of the more dangerous parts of the country.  

Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal

We watched a few ships make it through the locks

Quick hike to a waterfall in Summit Municpal Park

Gatun Lake, from the new observation center on the Atlantic side, for the newly opened parallel canal

Gatun locks at the new expansion canal that opened in 2016

Gehry-designed Biomuseum on Amador Causeway, outside of Panama City

Aug 6

With a late afternoon flight, we had enough time to explore Panama City.  We started at the Panama Vejo Ruins Museum, and then went to Casco Viejo, the historic center of the city.  Thankfully, Panama City had Uber, making it pretty easy for us to get around quickly and easily, without facing the navigation challenges of driving ourselves.

Some of the many ruins in the Vejo Ruins Museum

More of the extensive ruins

Pacific at low tide with new highway bridge

Looking back at the modern skyline from the old town

San Francisco de Asis Church in the old town

Statue in Plaza Simon Bolivar

Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus ruins

Typical architecture of the historic neighbourhood

After a nice morning in Panama City, we headed to the airport and on to Houston together.  Tom stayed overnight in Houston, and made his way to Toronto the next day.