Panama is home to 10,000 different plants species, including more than 1,500 species of trees, 1,400 varieties of orchids and 678 types of fern. In 1534 he wanted a route to be devised that would ease the danger and length of the voyages of Spain’s ships traveling between Peru and Spain. Or that Finland has nearly 180,000 islands, more than any county on earth? Privacy Policy, 9 Amazing Facts About Greenland That’ll Make You Want to Visit. Darién National Park is a world heritage site in Panama. The facts presented in this post will give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive in Panama. ... 10 Additional Fun Facts About Sloths in Central America: Pooping is the most dangerous thing sloths can do. Have you got any facts about the country? So there you have it, those are all of my fun facts about Panama! It’s usually eaten with rice. Either Morgan and his army started a fire that burned the city or the Captain General Don Juan Pérez de Guzmán ordered the gunpowder magazines exploded. Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Avila, also known as Pedrarias Davila founded the city on August 15, 1519. The This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the Pit Stop of the 19th season of The Amazing Race. Panama Viejo also has a visitor center with one of the best handicraft markets in the city, a two story museum and a viewing tower in the Cathedral Tower of the old city (the most prominent building in the ruins site). Also, Panama City has been described at the ‘Miami of Central America‘ with skyscrapers dominating the skyline and a nightlife that’ll rival any in the world. Clearly, only a few of the more durable stone buildings are left and even these have been used as sources of ready cut stone. 3. Panama is one of the only countries in the world where it’s possible to swim in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in the same day. It’s thought this is one of the most dangerous border crossings anywhere in the world. I don’t know why but I’ve always been fascinated about facts – I think it’s such a good way of learning about a particular place, especially when you’re travelling there. The dry season runs from November to April, and the wet season runs from April to November. 2. Take this with a pinch of salt though – I’ve been in the wet season, and even though it will rain heavily, it will be over pretty quickly. It is located in the suburbs of the current capital. Basically, Panama isn’t what you’d expect at all. The Panama Canal was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. Interesting facts about Panama capital Facebook Twitter Subscribe When I was planning my visit to Panama country (after just visiting Bocas del Toro islands back in 2012 where I practiced yoga), I knew I wanted to spend more time in the capital but people kept telling me there was not so much to do. Panama is such an amazing place to visit. The Republic Interesting Facts Amazing Places The Good Place Fun Facts Natural Beauty To Go Street View World. On 28 January 1671, the Welsh privateer Henry Morgan attacked the city with 1,400 men, marching from the Caribbean coast across the jungle. According to a census around 1587, Panama City had 548 inhabitants (some of them descendants of the first Genoese settlers), of whom 53 were foreigners and of these 18 were Italians. If you come to Panama City and are interested in its history, you should visit Panama Viejo and its museum. www.thetravel.com Nothing makes me happier than capturing the world one destination at a time so make sure you follow me on my adventures! (2010) city, 430,299; (2010 est.) It is located in the suburbs of the modern city. I genuinely think they are up there with the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The Kuna people are the local indigenous people who live on the islands and offer homestays. The building was designed to tell the story of how the isthmus of Panama rose from the sea, uniting two continents, separating a vast ocean in two, and changing the planet’s biodiversity forever. The first phase of the Panama Canal Project cost the USA about $350 million and about 5,609 workers were reported killed by disease or accidents. Casco Antiguo remained the center of Panama's political life for more than 200 years. Multi-sport Events. In 1534, after no such passage across the isthmus had been found, Charles V, the Holy Roman emperor, ordered a survey to determine if one could be built, but the s… 32 Fun Facts About Panama 1. Morgan's attack caused the loss of thousands of lives and Panamá had to be rebuilt a few kilometres to the west on a new site (the current one). All rights reserved. Casco Viejo Casco Viejo . Central Hotel Panama – Casco Viejo is probably the best location to stay in Panama if you want to be in the heart of the action. On 2 May 1620, an earthquake damaged many buildings in the city. Casco Antiguo is the historical and cultural heart of the Panamanian capital. The peninsula of Casco Viejo is a busy colonial neighborhood with historical ruins and cobblestone streets. The city was relocated three years later, to a site about five miles to the southwest. They are mad for it here – in fact, watching live baseball is one of the top things to do in Panama. Colon Panama .. Panama is the only country in the world where you can watch the sun rise on the Pacific coast and then set on the Atlantic coast. Panama has more natural diversity than most countries on the planet. A settlement (originally known as Castilla del Oro) was found on August 15, 1519 by Pedro Arias Dávila and another 100 inhabitants. In 1539 and 1563, the city suffered a number of fires which destroyed parts of it but did not impede the city's development. Pop. Tolls are dependent not just on size of vessel but also the type of cargo it carries. Panama Viejo is all that remains from the old city of Panama, founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila. Take a look at my privacy policy for more information. At the time, it was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean, replacing the two cities of Santa María la Antigüa del Darién and Acla. Panama has the second largest duty-free zone in the world. It is located in the suburbs of the current capital. Did you know-For the first time since 1938, the Central American & Caribbean Games were held in Panama City in the early 1970s. The town was settled in 1673 and is characterized by beautiful old world Spanish architecture. This was paid by Richard Halliburton who crossed the Canal swimming in 1928. Then make sure you Pin it for the future! At this time, there were 8,000 people living in the city. Rivers flowing to the Pacific include the Chiriquí Viejo, Santa María, Chepo, Chucunaque, and Tuira. At the beginning of the 17th century, the city was attacked several times by pirates and indigenous people from Darién. Like this blog post? Like any destination, you will need to travel there to truly get an understanding for the place. It is still fully functional as it transports passengers between Panama City and Colon. Panama is located south of the hurricane alley, so it is rarely affected by tropical storms or hurricanes. I can’t tell you how much I sweated while I was there! Panama City Fast Facts Belize is the smallest with half a million people. The original city was destroyed by English pirates under the command of Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. It was founded in 1673 as the New City of Panama, after the previous one was destroyed during a pirate attack. To give you more of an insight, I wanted to give you some of my favourite fun facts about Panama. Morgan's force defeated the city's militia then proceeded to sack Panamá. To prevent it from being captured by enemies, the entire site was surrounded with a wall reinforced with powerful bulwarks. It is about 325 kilometers (200 miles) from Panama City, and is the most extensive of all national parks of Panama and is one of the most important world heritage sites in Central America. Bucket list = tick. The other countries in Central/South America that use US$ are Ecuador, El Salvador and Puerto Rico. That’s a huge amount of money! From places like the San Blas Islands to the Panama Canal, here are the best fun facts about Panama for you. It is located in the east-central part of the country near the Pacific Ocean terminus of the Panama Canal, on the Gulf of Panama. Together with the historical district of Panamá, it has been a World Heritage Site since 1997. The old city was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997. The narrowest part of Panama is only 30 miles (48 kilometres) wide, so it’s very easy travelling from one side to the other. Panama’s capital offers you the chance to discover the Casco Viejo. Learn about its history through your knowledgeable guide and soak up the atmosphere of this World Heritage Site. The treaty to construct the Panama Canal was signed on November 18, 1903, between Panama and the U.S. Geography. You can even do it multiple times a day if you want. Established in 1519 by the Spanish conquistadors, it was the Spanish Empire’s first outpost on the Pacific coast and in 1521, was elevated to … It is quite cool visiting both sides in a day though. Mirroring the USA, baseball is the most popular sport in the country. Two years later, in 1521, the settlement was promoted to the status of city by a royal decree and was given a coat of arms by Charles V of Spain, forming a new cabildo. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This is just one of the reasons why it’s such a fantastic place to visit! The Panama Canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama in a narrow land bridge between North and South America. While I was travelling around Panama I used to be told these facts all the time by the locals. Fiesta time! The town was used as a transit route for treasures from the Inca Empire shipping to the Old World of Europe. The narrowest part of Panama is only 30 miles (48 kilometres)... 3. It’s one of the reasons it’s such a humid city to visit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is such a great way of immersing yourself in the local community here. The Panama Railway was built by the United States across Panama in 1855. By 2021, the Panama Canal Authority is hoping the project will bring in US$2.1 billion per year in added revenue. On August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal was officially opened. [2], The reward feast from a reward challenge in the 7th season of the CBS show Survivor was held at this place.[3]. All tolls are based on the type of vessel, its size, and its cargo. Of Panama’s many short rivers, those that flow to the Caribbean include the Sixaola, Changuinola, Indio, Cricamola, La Miel, and Chagres. The treasures were off loaded there and then taken by … It takes about 8 hours to cross the Canal's 50 miles (77km). 180,000! -Archaelogical Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama-Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection. The late Senator John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, which, at the time, was a U.S. territory. Ahoy travellers! The area features a unique mix of architectural styles, each revealing a certain part of the country’s eventful history. You don't want to miss out on this piece of history! If so, I’d love to know about them in the comments below! Between 1904 and 1913, some 5,600 Panama Canal workers died, mainly due to disease as they had no immunity. This can be a surprisingly great cure for hangovers FYI. But there are many cities in the area that also deserve a visit due to the amazing things that they have to offer such as San Jose Costa Rica and Guatemala City . Together with the historical district of Panamá, it has been a World Heritage Site since 1997. In 1513, Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa became the first European to discover that the Isthmus of Panama was just a slim land bridge separating the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Casco Viejo was built on a small peninsula in 1673, a couple years after the original Panama City (Panama Viejo) was destroyed by pirates. The years between 1850 and 1900 were tumultuous for Panama: during this time there were 40 different administrations, 50 riots, five attempted secessions, and 13 interventions by the United States. Fun Facts About the Panama Canal Construction of the Panama Canal was originally conceived and begun by the French, who won the right in part due to their success building Egypt’s Suez Canal. Panama Viejo was the first European settlement founded in 1517 on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. The most famous of these are the San Blas Islands. Looking for a layover walking tour in Panama City? Between 1586 and 1587 already there were 11 Italians in Panama, for naturalization and the right to stay in Panama. Scuba divers have the opportunity of swimming practically under the Panama Canal at the Gatun Lake. Panama celebrates two independence days, the first from Spain in 1821 and the second from Colombia 82 years later in 1903. The earliest recorded mention of a canal through Panama was made by Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor. Panamá Viejo (English: "Old Panama"), also known as Panamá la Vieja, is the remaining part of the original Panama City, the former capital of the country. Admission Fee: Full Package (including museum and viewing tower) Today much of Panamá Viejo lies buried under a poor residential neighborhood, though the ruins are a must-see. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and discover colourful colonial manions, the Metropolitan Cathedral, beautiful churches, plazas and some of the most significant Spanish architectural landmarks of Panama. In 1670, the city counted 10,000 inhabitants. Panama City, the nation’s capital and largest city, is the only capital city in the world that has a rain forest within its city limits. The official language of Panama is Spanish, but English is widely spoken. This is the site of the original 1519 Panama City, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins, today a UNESCO heritage site, are the oldest monument you will find in Panama City. It is Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and bar and situated in the heart of Casco Viejo near Plaza Herrera and across from the iconic Rolo de Sedas mami murals. Then Christopher Columbus visited in 1502 and Balboa arrived to explore the area in 1513. An interesting fact is that this was the first European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. When it comes to the best place to see sloths in Panama or Costa Rica, Bocas del Toro, Panama and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica are among the best. Most nightlife has moved to this area and it is near plenty of shopping and culture. Hopefully this will give you more of an understanding and inspire you to visit Panama! Panamá Viejo (English: "Old Panama"), also known as Panamá la Vieja, is the remaining part of the original Panama City, the former capital of the country. 28 Historical and Fun Facts About Panama History of Panama. Panama City was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1519. I'm Macca & I run the multiple award-winning blog An Adventurous World. From 1520 some Genoese merchants ruled the commerce and the Port of Old Panama (Panamá Viejo) on the Pacific Ocean for a century, thanks to a concession given by the Spaniards, who had the Republic of Genoa as allies.[1]. Thomas Jefferson encouraged the Spanish to consider this idea in 1788.2. Panama was the first country outside the united states in which coca cola was sold. This area, as well as Casco Viejo is a UNESCO site. View from the Bell Tower to Costa del Este. 20 Fun Facts About Panama City, Panama 1. In 1610, the city reached a population of 5000, with 500 houses and convents, chapels, a hospital and the cathedral. However, the ceremonial event wasn’t as colorful as envisaged due to the outbreak of WWI. Panama has more than 976 bird species, which is more than the United States and Canada combined. Saved by David Rempel. That’s basically one island for every 31 people living there. © 2014-20 An Adventurous World. Making a layover in Panama City? The Colon Free Zone is second in size only to Hong Kong. urban agglomeration, 1,378,000. Balboa’s discovery sparked a search for a natural waterway linking the two oceans. Panama … Here you can even see the old submerged railroads used during the Canal’s construction. Coca Cola was first sold in Panama in 1906. Malaria was thought to be the biggest factor. Both Casco Viejo and Panama Viejo are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Panama isthmus was first explored by Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas in the year 1501. For example, did you know that Stonehenge in the UK is older than the Pyramids in Egypt? As a place for adventure and nature lovers way, the ceremonial event wasn ’ t tell how. Place to visit Panama Viejo are the best Fun Facts about Panama town settled... 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