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About Panama
The name, Panama, comes from an Indian word that means "abundance of fish, flowers, and butterflies". Bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the north, the Pacific
Ocean on the south, Columbia on the east and Costa Rica on the west, it is a connecting link between Central and South America and a true crossroads of the world.
HISTORY
Founded by Pedro Arias Dávila on august 15th 1519, the first city was invaded by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671 and then destroyed. You can see the ruins on what is
known today as "Panama vieja" (old Panama). Moved to the other end of the bay it became a walled city known today as "Casco viejo" (Old City shell) and grew to become what it is
today, The modern and friendly city where you will enjoy during your visit.
CANAL
Known as the eight wonder of the modern world, the Panama Canal was built between 1904 and 1914. This impressive engineering work provides an easy and less expensive
transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by a locks system that raises ships to Gatun lake and then lowers them to the other ocean about 50 miles away on the opposite side. On certain fixed
dates we can arrange full or partial transits departing from and returning to your Hotel.
TRADITIONS
Being the crossroads of the world, many cultures have passed through this land and have shared the best of their traditions. An example is "La Pollera" one of
the most beautiful typical dresses of the world which is a combination of Spanish, French, Afro-antillean and native Indian influences. It's incomparable beauty can be best appreciated during
"Carnival" (mardi-gras) at the beginning of Lent when the whole country stops for four days of party and fun.
PEOPLE
Different Indian cultures have been in Panama since long before Christopher Columbus arrived. You can see Kunas living today as they did then in the San Blas islands and
Chocoes in the Chagres River. The Spaniards came in the 16th century. Later the Africans enriched it`s heritage with their music and art. Chinese came to work in the construction of the railroad in
mid 19th century. By the end of that century the French and the Afro-antilleans came, and in the beginning of the 20th century the Americans to engineer and build the great canal.
BEACHES and ISLANDS
Everywhere you look there are beaches. Some of them within 10 minutes from your Hotel. Panama is proud to hold more than 40 sport-fishing world records for marlin and
sailfish. You can dive in islands located in two different oceans and in the Gatun Lake the same day. You can spear fish or just see spectacular coral or even a submerged city in the middle of what
was the largest manmade lake in the world until very recently.
RAIN FOREST
Panama contains one of the youngest american land masses to emerge from the oceans 3 million years ago. The significance of linking the landmasses of the two Americas in
biological terms explains it`s incredible bio-diversity and makes it ideal for ecotourism.. More than 10,000 varieties of plants and more than 1,000 species of birds explain why the Smithsonian
Institute's single permanent Tropical Research Center is located here and the richness of it`s ecotourism. The only Rainforest located in the middle of a major city in Latin America is within
minutes from your Hotel.
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