In the Casco, don’t miss the small, entrancing Mola museum. Panama Viejo likewise is worth a visit — the ruins of the original Panama burned by Welsh pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. A beach day on Isla Taboga is great fun, the water wonderful, the beach a treat. For edible treats — fried yucca, empanadas, carne en palito, raspados, sancocho, ceviche, pivas, salaos, ginups.

I should add the American Trade Hotel is a locally owned boutique hotel with an authentic latin flavor, lovely lobby, larger than normal chic rooms (most with sitting balconies), small pool, an amazing library, excellent service, situated on one of the most charming plazas in the Casco. It is an exquisite antithesis to the large corporate hotel experience. It is a Panamanian experience.




mola museum

View from room balcony overlooking Plaza Herrera