TCC Territory #15. May 17-26, 2026.
Part One. May 17-24
Panama City is a vibrant, multi-cultural, safe, and modern metropolis, and I enjoyed my time there immensely. One can do day trips to beautiful island beaches, nearby jungles, a local “monkey island,’ a sloth sanctuary, and, of course, one can ride through the famous Panama Canal. My focus was on the canal and parts of the city itself.
My first lodging was a beautiful penthouse apartment right on the Amador Causeway. Large ships sailed right by my windows on their way into the canal. I had two levels of outdoor balconies and views in all directions. And, of course, there was air conditioning, which was needed because the RealFeel all week was in the lower 100s.
The Amador Causeway is a 3.7-mile roadway that connects the mainland to four small islands. The causeway was once home to a US military base and the only non-USA branch of the Smithsonian, the Tropical Research Institute (STRI). At one end of the causeway stands the magnificent BioMuseo, a colorful and artistic representation of Panama’s history and biodiversity housed in a Frank Gehry design. On the other end are a myriad of restaurants and various ferries which will take you to nearby islands or through the canal.
I had a wonderful time on the Causeway and only went to the mainland once that week to take closer photos of the interesting F&F Tower (“The Screw”). I even got somewhat used to walking a couple miles a day in 100+ degree heat. It was nice to wear a clingier and more stylish dress instead of my less shapely anti-theft outfit that contains a myriad of hidden pockets. I spent each morning exploring and each afternoon in my air conditioned apartment watching ships go by and reading Michael Crichton’s Pirate Latitudes.
The highlight of the week was Panama Marine Adventure’s tour of the Panama Canal. I felt like a little kid the entire time. The tour guide was excellent, the served meals delicious, and the boat comfy with plenty of room outside on the decks and inside in the a/c.
Europeans sought a water passage through Panama as early as 1513. The French attempted to create one in the late 1800s but failed due to an inferior design (no locks) and the unforgiving jungle environment containing disease-laden mosquitoes. The USA successfully created the canal during 1904-1914 thanks to John Stevens’ engineering (which included locks) and William Crawford Gorges’ anti-mosquito efforts. The canal currently handles 5% of the world’s ocean cargo.
Panama City, Part Two. May 24-26.
I spent my last couple of days at the Sofitel Legend in Casco Viejo, the oldest part of the city. The Sofitel Legend is housed in the old historic Club Unión. Built in 1917, the club was the social spot for Panama’s early aristocracy and hosted famous foreigners such as Helen Keller and Queen Elizabeth. My room came with a balcony overlooking the water and Panama City’s newer skyline. The food at this hotel is sublime. They even have sancocho, Panama’s version of chicken soup for upset stomachs. It cleared up the low-key GI issues I’d had for several days.
Casco Viejo is filled with narrow streets and colorful shops. It also has the Santo Domingo Church ruins, which played a crucial role in the USA’s decision to undertake building the canal. Built in 1678, the construction included a flat and unsupported 49-foot stone arch which remains to this day. The arch’s fortitude convinced USA Congress members that Panama (and the potential canal) was relatively safe from earthquakes.
While walking around, I stumbled upon La Calle de Los Sombreros, a colorful sight.
I could have easily spent another week or two in Panama City doing day trips and wandering about. Alas, it was time to move on.
This wraps up the Central America division of Travelers Century Club territories. It’s one of the smallest divisions, but I still feel happy about completing it. Fellow list-hikers and box-checkers can probably relate.
Next stop: San Andrés Island (Colombia)
