As the bridge that brought Peruvian gold and silver to Europe in the 16th Century , Panama City was discovered by Spanish
conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila in 1519 and gets its name from the term , “ abundance of fish .” It was the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast and today , Panama offers travelers a vast landscape of natural wonders to explore — both on land and at sea . Additionally , the proximity to Mexico , South America and the Caribbean make Panama a prime destination in 2018 .
You can find nearly every type of cuisine in Panama . In addition to serving its own style of culinary delight , the country also has several restaurants from around the globe . Panama ’ s most famous dish is Sancocho de Patio ( Yard Stew ), made with chicken broth , yams , cilantro , vegetables , spices and a side of white rice . Panamanians swear by the healing powers of sancocho , which is said to cure even the worst of hangovers . Panamanian dishes that are bright and bold include an array of fresh ceviche , the famous Ropa Vieja y Arroz con Coco ( shredded beef and coconut rice ) and plantain dishes
like Caldo De Bolas De Verde ( green plantain dumpling soup with corn , yucca , and cabbage ). For a sweeter treat , try the
Platanos Maduros Bocas del Toro made with plantains
Credit : Simon Dannhauer cooked in a mixture of butter , vanilla , and cinnamon .
The unique spices , fruits and vegetables that make Panamanian dishes so special are often found deep within its magical rainforests . Next to the Amazon , Panama boasts the largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and it ’ s many exotic plants and animals make it a “ hub of biodiversity .” Panama ’ s prime geographical position divides the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea as well as serving as the prime corridor between North and Central America , giving visitors endless possibilities to explore the sea and land that surround it . Tours allow guests the opportunity to see three-toed sloths , green iguanas , and social capuchin monkeys . If the sea is calling , go snorkeling or scuba diving in the coral reef or kayak around the archipelago , taking in its many surrounding islands , mangrove forests , and heavenly white beaches .
If antiquity and architecture call , find traces of the 16th Century Spanish colonial presence in Panama
City around the UNESCO Heritage Site of Panama Viejo and the neighboring Casco Antiguo , Panama ’ s historic district . Visitors can spend afternoons admiring the area ’ s rich landmark colonial architecture including the Town Hall , the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama and the Museum of the Canal . Plaza de Francia , which was built in 1922 to honor the French pioneers of the Panama Canal , is now home to upscale art galleries and shops , but visitors can still see the original stonework and enjoy Teatro Anita Villalaz and the Instituto Nacional de Cultura .
For those desirous of a more metropolitan and familiar experience , the first W Hotel in Central America opens in Panama City in February 2018 . Their food truck-style restaurant on the 15th floor , La Cajita , offers healthy , fresh grab-and-go options during the day and transition to offer ceviche , snacks , rum , and bottled craft beers at night . The hotel is a perfect spot to stay for those visiting in January for the annual Panama Jazz Festival . Small venue performances give intimacy with the artists and guests can enjoy spectacular shows by students from the Panama City jazz school .
Panama City , Panama
Credit : rahan1991 via iStock
GETTING THERE
COPA AIRLINES offers two daily nonstop flights from DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ( IAD ) to TOCUMEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ( PTY ).
SPRING 2018 37 FLYWASHINGTON . COM