Panama is for families

Every child dreams about exploring jungles, admiring wild animals, and being an authentic adventurer. With EcoCircuitos Panama and our preferred partners, you can enjoy an exciting family vacation. We offer brand-new family experiences, developed through the eyes of our children. Our favorite adventure starts with a biking tour at the promenade of Panama City, after trying exotic ice-cream flavors in the colorful and Old Town. We will also visit the Caribbean side, where we will discover the Portobelo and San Lorenzo forts and will learn about the real Pirates of the Caribbean. Families turn into real explorers when spotting howler monkeys, unique birds as the Toucan, and crocodiles while learning about the ecosystems of the tropical rainforest on board of a jungle boat. Discover why Panama is the Isthmus that changed the world. Click here!

5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reveals Panama’s cultural and natural wonders

Did you know that Panama has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Well if you didn’t, check this out!

Three Natural Sites

Since 1981: Darien National Park

This incredible National Park in the Eastern part of Panama, on the borders of Colombia, is home to an extraordinarily rich flora and fauna. It has a variety of habitats from tropical forests, mangroves and swamps, wetlands and beaches. Two of Panama’s indigenous tribes the Wounaan and Embera have their home in this incredible park. It has 169 identified mammals, to name some of them: the near threatened jaguar, the endangered tapir, bush dog and the capybara. Darien National Park has a lot to offer if you are in love with nature and incredible biodiversity!

 

Since 1983: La Amistad National Park and Talamanca Range- La Amistad reserves

The Talamanca Mountains are enclosed by this breathtaking national park and reserves. It is considered to be the tallest and wildest mountain range in Central America. There are numerous ecosystems and landforms, such as rivers, valleys and lakes which were shaped by glaciers. Also in this national park you can find an incredible amount of different animals: 215 mammals including the Puma and Jaguar and abundant bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species. Don’t miss this incredible biodiversity and unique scenery!

Since 2005: Coiba National Park

This unique island  once was a penal colony and along with other 38 smaller islands and its surrounding marine area is the Coiba site National Park. Abundant marine life such as whales and tiger sharks has its home in the surrounding marine area. The variety of endemic flora and fauna on this wonderful island is due to years of separation from the Mainland. You really should discover the natural beauties of the island, but always in a sustainable way!

Two Cultural Sites

Since 1980: Portobelo-San Lorenzo Caribbean Fortifications

The forts of Portobelo and San Lorenzo, listed as endangered, were constructed by Spanish colonialists to protect the first town of Panama Ciy which had become a very significant trade center. The forts continuously suffered attacks by pirates. It really is an incredible site, as it provides very important information about the defense system which was used in the 17^th and the 18^th centuries!  Don’t miss the site for the real Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

Since 1997: Panamá Viejo Archaeological Site and Historic District of Panamá

The Panama Viejo Archaeological Site and Historic District of Panama dates back to the 16^th century, and is the oldest European settlement along the Pacific coast. In 1673 it has been burned to the ground, so it was located in Casco Viejo.

Significant information on various aspects of the social life, communication and the economy can be read through the ruins. Numerous Churches, medieval houses, the presidential palace and the Salón Bolivar are cultural landmarks in the historic district. Follow the the steps of the Spanish empire in Latin America in this beautiful site and book a historical tour with us.

Panama has so much to offer – besides of an incredible nature and biodiversity, our beautiful country has a very significant history. Our local guides will take you through an unforgettable cultural, historical and natural experience through our beautiful country! For tours or more information contact annie@ecocircuitos.com or visit our website http://www.ecocircuitos.com.

A day in San Lorenzo National Park, Panama

In this Tour with EcoCircuitos, you will come back in your early childhood of the pirate world. Put on your boots and your pirate hat for the adventure.
Located in a rocky headline, 25m above the sea level and overgrown, Fort San Lorenzo Casstle dominates the mouth of the Río Chagres. The natural beauty of the caribbean, the view over the river and the lush forest are outstanding. The Fort San Lorenzo evokes the struggles of the colonial era between the Spanish and European filibusters.
San Lorenzo is one of the oldest forts and the best preserved of America. The first foundations were built in the late of sixteenth century to protect the Spanish ships, leaving the river, against hackers lured by the riches to Portobelo.
This fort is full of History. First the fortifications were attacked and demolished at the beginning of the year 1671 by the captain Joseph Bradley on behalf of Henry Morgan. He stays few times there, before sake the Old Town of Panama.
The Forts have been reconstructed two times. In 1678, more height, the fort was destroyed again in 1742, this time by Admiral Vernon. Rebuilt in 1761, he played a strong role until independence in 1821 and serves as a prison for some years.
San Lorenzo is located in the Canal area, belong to North-Americans since 1999, before being transferred back to Panama authorities
In 1980, San Lorenzo was even registered with Portobelo Fort as a UNESCO site heritage. Forty cannon would has been found on the site.
Around the fort, in the rainforest, there are many ecosystem and nearly one third of all the forest fauna of Panama.

This is a complete adventure day where hiking, wildlife observation and amazing history can be experience in one day. Ohhh and part of the experience includes crossing by car the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal! don´t miss this in Panama.

By Lea Maillard.-
EcoCircuitos Intern

Find out more about possibilities to visit Fort San Lorenzo on our Homepage