The Arqueological Compound of Panama La Vieja

Approximately two miles from the Panama City center are found the archeological compound of the first city of Panama known as “Panama La Vieja” or Old Panama, founded in 1519 by Pedrarias Davila.  Fragments of walls and arches stand in an open park, recalling the splendor of the Spaniard’s first settlement on the Pacific Ocean.  From here, expeditions were mounted to conquer the Inca Empire of South America.  All of the wealth from Peru and Chile flowed to Spain through Old Panama.  Not surprisingly, the enormous quantities of gold attracted pirates like sharks to Panama’s water.  When Henry Morgan looted the city in 1671, Panama’s governor ordered the powder magazine burned, and the whole city went up in flames.  the capital was moved two miles to the west, and present-day Panama city was founded in 1673.  The most impressive structures remaining are the cathedral, that you can climb and have an amazing view of the City and market.   This is one of the spots not to missed if you visit our City.

 

El Otro Lado: a Portobello spot

By Raffaele Capomolla

Recently the EcoCircuitos Team visited the historically very important town of Portobelo, which was discovered by Christofer Columbus in 1502, and founded by the Spanish explorer Francisco Verlarde in 1597. Portobelo was a very important silver-exporting port, which also explains why the Spanish built those defensive fortifications which still are very well preserved. In 1688 Portobelo was captured by Sir Henry Morgan, who had a fleet of 9 ships and 460 buccaneers. Once you stand in front of those impressive cannons of the 16^th century you start to imagine how the Spanish fought against the pirates who were trying to steal their treasures.

Portobelo has a great potential to become a touristic attraction due to its History and the well-preserved ruins and forts which were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama. There is certainly still a great deal of work to be done, but the Fundation ‘Bahìa de Portobelo’ is working hard in implementing their strategy of sustainable, cultural, social and economic development.

The EcoCircuitos Team also had the chance to visit the beautiful luxury accommodation  ‘El otro lado’, which is located in an exceptional enclave of the Portobelo bay. Couples, Families but also solo travelers looking for a high class retreat in a tropical rainforest can find there a natural sense of tranquility, combined with authenticity, luxury and comfort.

For more information visit http://www.ecocircuitos.com and contact us at info@ecocircuitos.com